Beginnings and Endings is a minimal set of images taken from the seashore at sunrise and sunset. The long exposures show the changing light as day moves to night and back again representing the sublime concept of impermanence. The images were taken around Christmas time, a time when we naturally look backwards and remember those we have lost as well as looking forwards to a new year.
The blue tones create a sense of melancholia but also that of sea and sky, water and air, elements of life. Rather than the Burkean concept of the sublime, where man conquers nature, Beginnings and Endings represents a gentler more feminine and spiritual sublime as we humans see ourselves within the great flowing continuum of time. The Buddhist concept of impermanence teaches us that nothing lasts. Acceptance of this can bring us peace and recognise the interconnectedness of all things.
The images make reference to Hiroshi Sugimotos seascapes but also the work of expressionist painter Mark Rothko who used colour to evoke emotion. Whilst the colour blue can represent melancholia and grief, it is also used to evoke calm.
Landscape, Place and Environment 