CROWN OF THORNS

First let me say thank you for the complimentary nature of your comments. I'm terribly humbled (really) by some of what you say. Your eloquence and ability to express yourself explains a lot as to why I seek photographs to express myself. And, of course, you are quite right that I am not always and never will be objective. The only truly objective person is a dead one. Clearly I have done images that mocked religion more than this one. I will say that I often appear to be using Christians as my target, but that is merely because they are mostly what is in my sights. My disdain for religion does apply to most organized religions, as it does to many socio-political systems. I like to think I'm simply making note of human behavior in all of its (whacky to me) manifestations. I know you pick that up in my images.

I did not feel that I had the intent to mock Christianity in this image at the time it was taken. I admit that I think these displays are laughable and often cause me to reflect on my philosophy of religion, but this and all of those were taken with a sort of dispassionate observational attitude. Sort of like a representation of the town I live in. If I had wanted to ridicule, there are many things I might have done to make it more in that vein. But this Christmas Eve night I was exhausted and needed some fresh air before retiring. It was foggy, cold and late. There were absolutely no people around, and it was very striking to be out wandering through this environment. My honest intention was simply to try and convey this strange world I was inhabiting at that moment. I think really the folder has to be looked at as one image.

But, of course, some of the commentary by myself and others did create a different sort of impression, elevating this image to a more controversial and separate issue. That was not my intention, but I certainly will accept much of the blame.

The upside of all this is a great opportunity to exchange ideas and spur thoughts. That can't be all bad.

Happy New Year to you, David.

Did you know there is a "most discussed photos" category on PN? I clicked it and guess which photo is in the top ten?