Carl R. Battreall

Exploration - Photography - Conservation

Impermanence has been the underlining theme of my work since my early twenties. The Buddhist belief states that in order to find peace in this life one must accept that nothing is permanent. Our material things, our relationships, even our emotions can change or disappear at any moment and for happiness to prevail, we must whole heartedly accept this concept.

 

Mysterious and unpredictable, glaciers have been a muse of mine since my first close up experience with one, fifteen years ago, on the flanks of northern California’s Mount Shasta. During that experience I had the realization that glaciers are the ultimate visual example of the concept of impermanence. Always in a constant state of change, growing and shrinking, crumbling and cracking, they are perfect in their inconsistency.

 

For this project I have gone beyond the normal realm of “glacier photography” and have taken my camera into the depths of the glaciers, revealing a beauty that is rarely seen. To most observers, glaciers appear indestructible and though the glacier may inspire a sense of awe and respect, rarely do glacier observers appreciate them as a creation of natural beauty.

 

I hope this project will enlighten the world to the undeniable beauty and fragileness of glacier ice. Because, even though change is a fundamental and unescapable part of our existence, the speed on which Alaska’s glaciers are changing goes beyond what is a natural state of impermanence.

 

Fine Art

Blue

© 2007 Carl R. Battreall • All rights reserved • Prints and stock available