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Cold Spirit
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Cold Spirit

by Jim Sabiston

Gallery: Man & NaturePosted August 16, 201178 views5 comments
I found this moldering deer skull nailed onto a utility shed near the house we rented in the Adirondacks last week. I studied it for a few days before finally taking this shot. Not sure exactly what hit me about it, but the title gives a strong idea of how it makes me feel.

Thoughts?

Comments

5 comments
Comment posted by Phillip Noll on August 16, 2011 at 11:31 PM
Overall I like the image and the concept. I would like to see a bit more detail in the wood planks behind the skull and just a bit more room at the top of the highest antler. I like the high contrast and bold statement. Considering your title, have you thought about a cyanotype?
Registered on November 17, 2003, 207 Posts, 1083 Comments
Comment posted by Charlie Baugh on August 17, 2011 at 10:40 AM
I like this. Alot because it is old and makes me wonder which of natures creatures knawed at those antlers, Probably a mouse. I've always had an interest in skulls of animals and have 7 or 8 different one about my den. A bit more detail to that old, rough sawn, wood would indeed be nice.
Registered on April 18, 2011, 329 Posts, 1985 Comments
Comment posted by Charlie Baugh on August 17, 2011 at 10:42 AM
Another thing I wanted ask about this, is that a nail driven through the center of the skull?
Registered on April 18, 2011, 329 Posts, 1985 Comments
Comment posted by Jim Sabiston on August 17, 2011 at 8:49 PM
The wood of the shed is colored mat black (weathered or stained), so it is hard to pull the detail out. I little selective dodging might do the trick, tho. I've got one exposure that has more open space around the skull, but I wanted the closeup detail for this one.

Charlie, yes, that is a nail right thru the forehead. Oddly enough, it was that detail that made this a 'must have' shot for me.
Registered on April 7, 2007, 134 Posts, 443 Comments
Comment posted by Eva McDermott on August 20, 2011 at 7:02 PM
Spooky, ghostly in a way Jim. I like the high contrast Almost looks like the deer skull is crying to me. A sad scene but very engaging.
Registered on January 4, 2009, 1015 Posts, 13229 Comments