A Fiery Steed Ascends into the Heavens

Pat Considine - Galloping Across the Sky

Hamlet: Do you see yonder cloud that’s almost in shape of a camel?
Polonius: By th’ Mass, and ’tis like a camel, indeed.
Hamlet: Methinks it is like a weasel.
Polonius: It is backed like a weasel.
Hamlet: Or like a whale.
Polonius: Very like a whale

Hamlet shows his “madness” to the clueless Polonius using this age old kids game of reading cloud formations. Puffy white clouds continuously changing shape in the wind are the usual setting but Pat has upped the ante with this capture of a menacing August sky. This image of a  fiery mane and the sinewy body of a powerful steed climbing into the heavens is at the root of Greek mythology. Pat was actually framing and shooting the dramatic sky and didn’t realize until he processed the image that he had captured such a definable portrait, with even the hint of an ancient petroglyph. One of those pleasant surprises caused by being in the right place and pressing the shutter button at the magic moment.  An excellent example of creative photography.

This photograph is just one of several by ACC members now on display at the Ashe Arts Council, “The Skies Have It”.  The exhibit runs through Friday, February 3.  Stop by to check it out.