The world breaks everyone, and afterward, some are strong at the broken places.–Ernest Hemingway
After a search through my photo archives, I found a shot of this sculptural work from the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. This sculpture shows how we can be broken–both emotionally and physically. Emotional wounding is a kind of death, in which our feelings are frozen. It turns us to stone–much like this sculpture. Physical brokenness is far more obvious, but carries with it a hidden emotional scars. In both cases, time may heal our wounds, but we also need to “apply” a healthy dose of introspection. Then, we may realize that our “broken” state allowed us to not only heal, but grow stronger and more resilient. It’s a tough, but necessary lesson if we’re to learn what it means to be truly human.
Sculpture of a Broken Man. Museum of Fine Arts Boston. Shot with a Canon 40D.
Fortunately, this has been my experience. Almost two years ago, I was diagnosed with a serious illness that required surgery and radiation. This image reminds me of the wonderful resiliency of the body and spirit. We are amazing human creatures, filled with grace, wisdom, and power far beyond our limited understanding.
For my photo geek friends, here’s a technical note: This shot was taken with my Canon 40D. In post processing, I added more texture with the craquelure filter in Photoshop.
Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!
Categories: Photography
I almost looks like a painting, nice effect.
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Hi Jean. Thanks for your thoughts! It seemed like a good filter choice, since you can control the depth of the cracks. I’ll stop by your site next!–Patti
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You won’t find any photos up to that standard, Patti. I use my smart phone, 😦 but I love browsing through photography blogs. The content often tells a story without words.
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I am sure you’re being modest, Jean! 🙂
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Thank you for the inspiring post for this week’s broken theme, Patti.I like the PS process you’ve done. I haven’t tried the PS yet.
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Hi Amy. You’re very welcome! It just seemed to be a good way to handle this topic. PS is very powerful, but it’s not intuitive, unfortunately. There’s a learning curve. But there are some great instructional videos on the web. Let me know if you “dive” into it!–Patti
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“Emotional wounding is a kind of death, in which our feelings are frozen.” How true this is.
Serious illness throws us so far from the selves that we know. To find our way back is, as you say, a journey in resilience. I’m glad that you are well on your way to healing.
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Thank you so much, BB! I am so grateful for my return to good health! Hoping that you are well, too.–Patti
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powerfully perfect!!
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Thanks, Cybele!! It seemed to fit the theme!–Patti
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PS so glad you have healed! Your book is fantastic- not quite done yet, but loving the characters and the whole atmosphere of it!!
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Thanks so much, Cybele! I am thrilled that you like the book and feel the atmosphere of the small Italian village. On a recent trip to Italy we went to my grandfather’s village and it was very much like Montebello. So, I’m glad it rings true for you too.
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🙂
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Love the processing of the photo, Patti. I read in a previous comment that you can control the depth of the “cracks” — very cool.
This sculpture reminds me a bit of the casts from the Mt. Vesuvius eruption in Pompeii.
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Hi Jackie. Yes, that’s true–about the casts from Pompeii. That’s exactly what it looked like! It was even in a glass case just like the ones in Italy. Thanks for the insight!–Patti
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