Ok... I just realized that seven + years ago this was my first pick in the "Pick your fav image from the person above you" side challenge. This week I had the realization that "picking a favorite" should include a comment about why. So I'm back over the last 1600+ posts to make amends for my omission. Here's my belated comment:
I enjoy this kind of photo for several reasons, including the well-crafted literary reference and the abstract nature of light and texture that nonetheless creates a pleasing composition. More than that, it's simply striking, stopping me in my tracks and making me linger to appreciate and enjoy.
Finally, it holds up well to time. This exercise of mine (returning to view an image after several years) confirms my appreciation of your photo.
Awwww, I didn't look at the Free Study till now, so I missed out on getting full surprise value for this gorgeous 3-dimensional-2-dimensional paradox. What a beautiful thing it is, and how perfect for the irreconcilable madness implied by the title. But at least now I can make my first approach to Anne Sexton full of an eager hunger. Thank you.
Edit to add: In a recent forum thread posthumous reflected on the fact that, inter alia, the interaction between title and image was often an opportunity for experiencing a heightened appreciation. This picture and title is a signal example of that. There are many folks who insist that every photograph must be able to stand without its title, presumably taking the view that a 'proper' photograph needs no words to achieve its potential. This picture exposes that view for the dismal bloody defeatism that it is. Without the titular nudge, it's an interesting and lovely thing. With it, the veil is lifted and the viewer is irresistibly invited inside.
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