Cemetery Art 9/27/2012

The Art of the Cemetery

By John Thomas Grant

As the title would suggest, art ‘can’ rear itself in the strangest of places. A cemetery perhaps? I, for one, am proof positive of what to many would be considered a statement bordering on heresy. The act of creating art in that “icky, creepy,” place of our darkest imagination will invariably be questioned by most. All I have to say about that is, “Grow up people!”

The art of the cemetery can be as beautiful as any sunset, a child’s smile or any capture from the rim of the mighty Grand Canyon. All you have to do is ‘see’ beyond. According to Henry David Thoreau “It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see.” Right on, Henry.

Now, there are a couple of different forms that comprise cemetery art. There’s the art of the artisan or craftsperson. Generally functional or strictly decorative, the artisan may not consider his or her work as art, but through years of passion & experience, the work can only be considered as such. As it was just a ‘job’ to most, many of the names have faded with time.

But should you ever have the opportunity of visiting Hope Cemetery in Barre, Vermont, the works of modern day masters will confer upon you memories not soon forgotten. I’m sure that many of you have heard of this place. If you’ll permit me the following quote from Vermonter.com, “Located on a small hillside in Barre, VT, the "Granite Capital of the World", the Hope Cemetery stands as a magnificent tribute to the stone cutters and artisans peacefully interred amongst their very own creations. Entering the front gate, you will pass by two granite sentries, forever watchful over their abode. From the moment you arrive you’ll notice this is no typical resting place for loved ones gone by. It is truly a gallery of splendid artwork in the most unusual of settings.” You will marvel.

(image by J. Dennis Robinson)

Of course, then there are the more familiar pieces (sculptures) based, in part, and in spirit, on the works of the early European Masters that I have discussed in an earlier blog. The following 4 photos were shot by yours truly and are typical of this grouping:

(Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, New York)

(Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge, Massachusetts)

(Calvary Cemetery, Gloucester, Massachusetts)

(Woodlawn Cemetery, Bronx, New York)

(Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, New York)

The replication of detail can truly be both sublime & extraordinary. I sometimes wonder if they knew just how inspiring their work was at the time; and will continue to be. You can view this type of art just about in any fair sized cemetery. If acid rain hasn’t eaten away at it, you’re in for a treat.

The other art, to which I wish to speak of, is that art of a very personal nature.  You know, the thought provoking stuff to whither I subscribe to in my work. That combination of lighting, texture, framing, general composition, other environmental conditions, and, of course, luck. It’s that intimate portrait of life in death, or simply death. It can all be beautiful. Whatever your choice of approach, there are a few simple rules that you must learn, and apply, to each.

First and foremost, practice ‘patience’.  Yes, what’s the rush? Art takes time. You must have the right lighting and textures, even the right season. Think about it first, feel it. You can take some test shots, but don’t settle. Come back another time, if need be. You’re not just a photographer, you’re also an astronomer, meteorologist, horticulturalist, etc., etc., etc…

Look deeply into what is inscribed on the stones, and all surrounding stones. Look at the placement of each. Should you have a husband stone leaning toward a wife stone, you might have the making of fine piece of work. Remember who your audience is. Remember to give them something to interpret, with the ability to apply to their own lives. Draw out that human interaction. Feel your own life, and the experience of life.

Finally, looking at the big picture is a good thing. I, too, have a few wide-angle ‘pretty’ pictures, but seek out the detail in each composition you choose. What is it that is causing you to lift that heavy camera and shoot that picture? Sometimes it’s not so obvious. Sometimes it’s quite subconscious. I call those shots, “Michelangelo’s Marble.” You just chip away at it until it’s the masterpiece you desire.

Enjoy your creative time in the field. Nothing good ever comes without a little effort, and love.

Patience

The interpretive message

Eyes wide open now. You may blow by without even noticing.

Become proficient with your equipment. There was a two lane highway behind this burying ground. Oh, and a railing and wooden bench on the grounds.

Environment – a thick New England fog sets this comp apart from others.

Patience – check back all year

Think outside the box

That human aspect. Eternal love and need.

Michelangelo’s Marble

The above photos by author unless otherwise noted.

John Thomas Grant’s first book - “Final Thoughts: Eternal Beauty in Stone” - featuring his cemetery photography, is now available online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and in bookstores.

Publisher – Schiffer Publishing.

John’s work can be viewed at www.johnthomasgrant.com. John is partner with Victorian historical reenactor/lecturer, Lisa Griffiths – The Victoriana Lady Lisa - at The Passion Projects, LLC. His email address is – jtgrant19@gmail.com.