DC inspiration: Oak Hill Cemetery

If you've been reading my blog for a while you might already know that I have a bit of an obsession with old cemeteries and the design of gravestones (absolutely everything is designed, people!). So whenever I am out traveling I frequently take a wandering detour through a cemetery. Even my children have gotten dragged along. My husband, well, he's used to it by now.

Some of my favorites are angels. I keep imagining the photographs of them printed as big canvases, perhaps in simple black and white, hanging… where? That's the part I haven't figured out yet. Meanwhile, I am happy to aim my camera at them wherever I come across them!

pretty patterns present themselves

Porch stairs, viewed from behind. I like seeing the pattern repeat smaller below.

Part of the gift of being an artist is that you notice things that others do not. This can make every day life a visual delight if you allow yourself the pleasure of noticing.

Porch again. I appreciate the simplicity of the single teardrop shape rotated.

I am almost embarrassed to admit it but when I was touring around Georgetown the first day of my trip to Washington, D.C. I was hesitant to take out my camera for fear of looking like a tourist or just looking strange (I imagine them asking Why is that woman taking photos of door knockers?). Then I remembered what they thought actually did not matter. Instead, what did matter was enjoying my vacation to the fullest. And for me, that means noticing things and taking photographs of them. Once I gave myself permission to do exactly what would give me the most joy I felt a little giddy. Thank heavens for my patient husband who was always willing to stop and wait for me to create a photo I was pleased with.

So I present to you a collection of lovely patterns and architectural details that gave me delight. There are more (of course) but I think this blog post is long enough for the moment.

A very unique gravestone design; detail view on the right. Love the repeated curves.

I see a hint of the four-petaled flower shape within the more geometric square.

Details like this really add a human touch to what otherwise might be cold architecture.

the art of the gravestone

The weeping willow is a symbol of mourning

 So today, dear readers, I am going to reveal something to you that might strike you as odd. Maybe even creepy. Or morbid.

I love cemeteries!

I especially love the older stones (here in the Midwest, that's the 1800s) and their designs. In fact, I even did an extensive report on gravestone design and symbolism back in high school. My husband I took a trip to Boston several years ago where the stones are from the 1600s and 1700s and those have even more history to them.

The broken-stemmed flower symbolizes a life ended too short.
The hand is pointing heavenward.

So when we vacationed in Pentwater and I realized how old the town was thanks to numerous historical plaques adorning the homes I made a point of finding the cemetery. My poor children were not nearly as entertained by this as I was but they survived. Here are a few of my favorites.

The anchor can symbolize Christianity but it is also found on gravestones of sailors or of people who drowned. This might be especially relevant considering Pentwater is a lakeside town.

And my very favorite of the day!