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Phil Douglis | all galleries >> Galleries >> Gallery Fifty Nine: Using dramatic light at the fringes of the day > Meditation, Mount Shasta, California, 2008
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13-SEP-2008

Meditation, Mount Shasta, California, 2008

Some say that the Mount Shasta volcano in Northern California is inhabited by the Native American spirit chief Skell, who descended from heaven to the mountain’s 14,000 foot summit. A group of Native Americans from the McCloud River area practice rituals on the mountain, as do other religious groups and cults. I made this image of a man meditating on the slope of Shasta at 7:30 pm on an autumn evening. The evening light bathes the scene in a soft gold color, coloring both the man who sits in silence, and the misty ridges that flow away from the mountain towards the gathering dusk.

Leica V-Lux 1
1/500s f/8.0 at 33.2mm iso100 full exif

other sizes: small medium large original auto
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Phil Douglis04-Oct-2008 18:58
Thanks, Jenene, for seeing the metaphorical elevation of man and mankind itself within this image. That is probably why he chose this time and place to meditate, and that is why I made this image in this manner.
JSWaters04-Oct-2008 06:05
The man/earth connection here is so undeniable - he sees his future in the graduating climb of the silhouetted mountain.
Jenene
Phil Douglis03-Oct-2008 05:41
Thanks for seeing the relationship of form and content here, Celia -- I have tried to make an image as quiet and clean and simple as the meditation which is the subject of the photograph. The small trees play a large role as symbols of growth, as you note. And the stacked layers of sky, mountain and haze can certainly symbolize the eternal mysteries of life, so much a part of this idea.
Cecilia Lim02-Oct-2008 21:57
You use space and symbolism to great effect here Phil. The dominance of the vast sky and hazy layers in the background seem to represent the mysteries of life and the endless search for answers and fulfillment that we all seek. The young trees which are symbols of growth and hope, echo the man in meditation and by associating them in the same layer, the saplings powerfully suggest the man's aspirations for spiritual growth. A wonderful image Phil with minimalist composition for maximum meaning!
Phil Douglis27-Sep-2008 18:29
I knew you would this to be a very spiritual image, Alina. Shasta is a hauntingly beautiful mountain. It is also quite mystical, and as such, it draws those seeking a place for meditation and prayer. We did not see the mountain with its cap of snow, or with the famed lenticular clouds that cluster around its summit at certain times of year, but what we did see here was still quite powerful.
Phil Douglis27-Sep-2008 18:25
Thanks, Rosemary, for seeing the triangular structure here. Even the body of the man and the shape of the tree are triangular in shape.
Alina27-Sep-2008 13:03
Beautifully composed shot. The man surrounded by beautiful nature is sitting in front of bright haven. Perfect place and time to talk to our God. For me this shot is masterpiece Phil.
sunlightpix26-Sep-2008 21:15
Wow, there's a powerful triangle in this image!
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