Heroes Not Zombies

When I saw this fountain inside a stone arch in the Place Colbert in Rochefort I liked it immediately.

I’m often drawn towards something, feeling almost compelled to photograph it. If I pass up on such a feeling I instantly regret it. Sometimes I have to stop, go back, and just take the photograph because it’s bothering me that I didn’t. I had that experience here. First time I saw it I paused, gazed for a few moments, then moved on. But I stopped, turned around and went back, taking my time to get exactly the shot I wanted to get. I knew I wanted to capture the fountain but I didn’t want the fountain without the stone arch which surrounded it. I was also very conscious of what I could see “through” the frame of the arch. The Mairie at the back is an impressive building. In fact, even in the smallest towns in France, the Mairie is often the most impressive building. I’ve never seen one that looks neglected. The French flags flying help you to know what country you are in, and the blue sky is what I’ve become used to living here. I like the reflection of the building in the pond of water on the far side of the fountain, and the pigeon sitting waiting to take a drink. I like the tree in the right hand corner of the square and how someone has parked their car right underneath it. That’s so common here. I’ve learned that one already. When parking your car, try to find the space under one of the trees. It’ll stop the sun turning your car into an oven! I love the shape and sparkle of the fountain itself, and the choppy surface of the foreground water contrasting with the still, reflective surface behind. I like the colour of the stone, the worn edges and weathered surface.

I can only describe these things now as I look at the photograph. At the time, the scene just “caught my eye” and I framed the image and captured it without being aware of any analytical thought.

When I look at it again now, it seems to me that this work of art, this fountain inside an arch, is symbolic of the two most fundamental forces in the universe – structure and flow.

What forms would exist without the integrated play of these two forces? The structuring force which builds through repetitions, creating crystals, stones and bones. And the flowing force which surges through all that is, constantly changing, never still, producing life itself.

These two forces lie in the heart of all the diversity, the uniqueness and the beauty of all that exists.

That delights me.