Broken Dream

A most wonderful image! Thank you for sharing your talent - as both photographer and writer! I would love to see you combine these talents some day and publish a book. Very well done! :)

thank you for sharing. Great image, great tribute to people and to your youth. Most of us have amazing pages of life, but not everybody is able to write them, and even more - to illustrate. You have it all. I think, you should go for it and write. Sorry to say, but suddenly it becomes too late... It happened to my farther-in-law, a great man with unbelievably interesting life and great writing abilities. But he never had time to write his own story. We regret it so much now, when he is gone. Sorry for saying it, but it is life. Please, if you feel you have to write it, write it. I am sure a good book will be always the best gift we can share.

I read all the comments. Thank you for stirring it in us. Warm reagards, Tamara

After reading your description, I love and respect your work.  Excellent.  Best regards,

NEIL

Many Thanks for your interest and positive feedback, much appreciated. I wasn't quite sure about the B & W but then I never am. It seems to have worked ok this time though.

Cheers Neil

Alf

LARRY

Make sure you read the second part properly as I'll be asking questions about it later : - )

I do intend to write a book at some stage, a few years from now I'm guessing, when I have the time to apply my uninterrupted concentration. It will be a combination of images and accompanying stories, from a variety of locations around the UK. It's all taking shape in my mind, but thats where it will remain, for now at least.

Its very gratifying to read that the "ethereal" effect I was aiming for has communicated itself so well.  It wasn't something I intended to print, but you've made me pause and think about that now.

My current career is in Crane Hire Management, but there isn't much room for artistic expression in that area of my life : - )

Sincere Thanks for your invaluable feedack and encouragement Larry, it really is appreciated.

Best Regards

Alf

MARJOLEIN

Thank You, I guess we all have a story or two to tell, and I didn't attach any partiucular relevance or importance to my experiences at the time, it's only now, that I think people could be interested in these early memories of a working day.

You are so right, two years of workng underground has provided me with more than enough material to write about. The first day account was a mere "walk in the park" compared to some of the more horrific encounters I experienced later. There were however some moments that were hilariously funny too, it wasn't all bad.

As you might have seen on the "Dream" web site, the statue is firmly anchored to earth on a large concrete plinth, but I didn't like that view of it I wanted it to appear more as a "vision" more in the way I interpret the original concept to appear. I don't usally go out of my way to change the appearance of whats in front of me, but I did on this occcasion, and as your comments indicate it seems to have worked. The B & W was a lucky break, I'm never very confident about my attemps, but again this time it seems to have worked.

Nice idea getting in touch with the "Dream" web site, I did read a bit about the sculpture origins from that very source. They might be interested in my image, who knows : - )

Sincere Thanks for taking the time to read the narrative, and for your well considered feedback.

Best Wishes to you and yours for 2012

Alf

WOLFGANG

Sincere Thanks for your interest and invaluable feedback, much appreciated.

I cheated a bit here, thats to say I made alterations to the photo that I normally wouldn't in order to get that high key effect.

I think the vision of the young lady and light refers directly to that contrast you mention regarding working in a dark dust filled environment. It is this very thought, that seemed to inspire the ex-miners of St Helens to come up with a vision of light and hope, rather than a dark sinister monument so typical of other mining communities.

I'm really pleased you enjoyed reading the narrative, I couldn't have hoped for a better response.  You will know all too well, how whole communities rely on a mine to sustain a living, it's a shame that succesive UK politicians didn't share the rating of importance.

Experiencing life down a coal mine isn't something I'd recommend, not even for a day, not even for a minute. Of course people are curious, and want to see these things for themselves, but wild horses wouldn't drag me back there.............unless of course there was photographic opportunities : - )

Cheers Wolfgang

Alf

GAIL

Many thanks for your interest and well considered feedback, very much appreciated!

It's really gratifying to read that people like yourself are interested in my ramblings, and that there would appear  to be a thirst to read more.

I'm sure there will be others that read about the experiences that will be noddng furiously in agreement, with the experiences of the "mice" and the "conveyor belt" in particular.  The mice in the mine were always fascinating to me. There was a whole "mouse" community down every mine I worked at, they were the only sign of life underground other than the ancient fossils in the coal that I discovered now and again, and the human element of course.

I didn't attach any importance to the job, and in fact I didn't really attach and real sense of danger to it either. Don't get me wrong, I knew it was "dangerous" but, not to me, I was 16 years old and like most kids of that age I was totally indestructable and invincible : - )

Well as it turns out, not quite, part of the mine ceiling did collapse my head, but thats another story : - )

Its interesting to hear your thoughts relating to your husbands occupation, and your worry and concern as to his safe return each day. It must have been nerve racking at times. But I have to say that there never appeared to be any such sense of  concern from my parent, the main concern was always paying the rent and feeding the family. But I'll just try and placate myself slightly with the thought that maybe she hid her feelings of concern for my safety and well being adequately  : - )

Personally I think it's probably a better scenario to face the dangers yourself, where there is an element of control, rather than be forced to face the tumultuous worry of knowing a loved one is in peril. You must have been at your wits end with worry on some occasions!

Mining Commuities are amazing, or at least the ones I encountered where. Like all groups of people that are faced with intense hardship, they seem to emerge with the best qualities.

These qualities didn't just show when disaster loomed close, or occurred, these people lived every day by an unwritten code of ethics that I come to admire and respect.  I know the people I worked with were unlike any I have known before or since.

Thanks again Gail and Warm Regards

Alf

EL

Many thanks for your interest and feedback.

Its good to see you back, hope to see new postings soon :- )

Best Regards

Alf

TRISHA

Thank you so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts and observations, much appreciated. The book is planned, but not for a few years yet. Time is my biggest enemy. I'm really glad you enjoyed reading and viewing Trisha.

Best Regards

Alf

 

 

 

Sincere thanks for your interest and poignant comments. Very well said!

You are absolutely right! I stiill tend to think of myself as being "indestructable" but there is great wisdom in your words, the old saying "theres no time like the present" is resounding in my mind as I read your comments, and forces me to face the reality of my own mortality. Well I'm guessing theres going to be little in the way of time to do it, but it looks like I've made a start already. So thank you Tamara for that wake up call!, I shall continue with the writing in the spare moments I get.

Warm Regards

Alf

 WANGHAN

Many Thanks for taking the time to read and view the above, it realy is very much appreciated and I'm pleased you enoyed it.

Best Regards

Alf

Most impressive narrative of your experience as a miner worker at such early age. Touching reading indeed.

My only personal experience inside a mine was in the infamous Silver mines of Potosí-Bolivia.
I started my visit going to a market place where I bought some coca leaves, hand rolled cigarets, dynamite and potable alcohol. It's tradition to bring the miners gifts because you are entering their working area and miners need those gifts due to their low wages. Inside, the miners work together in many small mining cooperative in terrible conditions mining by hand and pushing huge trolleys.
The miners themselves can work entire days underground without food by chewing coca leaves which suppresses hunger and energizes them, they also intoxicate themselves on 96% proof alcohol.
You must be strong to work in these poorly ventilated, death trap mine tunnels that are at an approximate elevation of 4,300 meters. Miners attribute their strength to the coca leaf - they will not work without it. They spend approximately 15% of their income on the purchase of coca leaves. When mining is not going well, they may only earn enough money to pay for their coca leaves.

The miners worship the devil, called Teo in Quechua. This makes sense given the mines close resemblance to hell. I came across two large devil statues in the mine, where sacrifices were strewn around. The miners believe that Teo helps them find good mining areas. When they dig further and discover a new region of minerals, they pay tribute to Teo with alcohol, and coca leaves.

In the silver mines of Potosí, miners must accept their fate to die young (the average miner only lives to be 36) The chances of death are high when working for periods of up to and over 10 years. Inhaling noxious gases and dust, having a rock fall on you or being blown up (intentionally or not) by rival mining groups searching for the best silver veins are the main causes of death.

I have to say, that I have learnt a lot from this experience, especially how it all looked very dangerous and unhealthy, difficult and hard to believe that people actually work in these conditions today. If I ever start to feel sorry for myself, all I need to do is picture the miners of Potosi, Bolivia.

All that said, your image/narrative can be seen as a tribute to all miners across the whole world. Outstanding presentation, Alf! I admire you!

Alf,

Thanks to modern technology I can view and respond to his image. It is a windy and rainy day in Tel Aviv. We are on the beach watching the waves splash. I decided to see what is my buddy Alf is up to and was not disappointed.

Really a moving text and image. A work of art does not have to be beautiful. It is enough that it moves you and changes you in some way. You accomplished both here. Both beauty and message.

If I may suggest some, is that I would have darkened the edges considerably.

And I cannot pass up the opportunity to ask you: "how about this supper Gooner called Thierry?"....The Boss is back!

Take care,

Dror

great picture.  i spent a little time paving roads in Oklahoma, where the problem was the opposite.  Hot and dry and unremittingly bright.  I still remember it all, particularly the smells.  best, jamie

A very pleasing interpretation of what the title of this image represents.

Great creation, Alf

Lester

Sincere Thanks for your interest and feedback and also for your most eloquent and enlightening recollections.

The silver mines you describe sound almost barbaric in the way they operate. I can empathise with the low wages, but the H & S legislation sounds like it didn't exist.  Of course I only mined coal, the precious ore of silver would put another layer of complexity on the human issue of greed and manipuation, as well as hostile competition. It is also interesting to note the religious beliefs and customs that spring from hardship and adversity and not forgetting superstition too. The miners I worked with chewed tobacco, took snuff, and drank cold tea. But that sounds almost healthy in comparison to cocoa leafs and alcohol.  In all, the conditions you describe sound horrific, and my experience however bad I thought it was, sounds like a day on the beach by comparison.

The ventilation you mentioned was another interesting point: the mines I worked in were ventilated by means of air intake and out take system, there were air doos to control the ventilation and movement of the air. This had a the effect of either being extremely warm on the out take side where the men would work practically naked in order to avoid dehydration and overheating, or very cold on the intake side where coats and gloves were the normal attire. There never seemed to be a happy medium no matter what area of the mine I worked in. But at least it had a ventilation system of sorts, unlike the poor guys you described.

You have my utmost respect and admiration for visiting such a place, and my sincere thanks for recalling and sharing your experience here.  

And yes this little tribute is indeed salutation to all miners of every creed and nationality!

Kind Regards

Alf

DROR

Well all that modern technology and it still can't control the climate : -)

It was a windy and rainy day in the UK too, I was watching raindrops roll down my office wndow, but thoughts of the weekend offering colder but clearer conditions have cheered me up! I might finally get out to take some photo's at last!

 I'm really pleased you liked the image and all it conveyed, and I think that darkening the edges is a great idea, I think it would give it a kind of cameo effect that would add to the impression of ethereal beauty. I'll give it a try.

Thierry is back yes, albeit sadly for just a short time, but while he is there, it's just a question off "watch this space" ..........the spurs game should be good!

Cheers my Friend

Alf

JAMIE

Many thanks for taking the time to read it jamie and I'm pleased you enjoyed it.  Its strange that in the most hostile working environments, we almost seem to absorb the atmosphere,conditions and surroundings into our very souls. As your description indicates, the smells, the light, and the heat, it's like it's been etched in a corner of ones mind that is protected from erasure or blurring, as it can be referred to at will and every aspect of the memories remain sharp and clear.

Cheers Jamie

Alf

LESTER

Sincere Thanks for your interest and positive feedback, very much appreciated!

Kind Regards

Alf

When i clicked on "Alf Bailey" I sure was not expecting this image and a very good one indeed!

Before reading the story, I thought it is a kind of Buddha dreaming indeed. The story was indeed what broke the dream. An accomplished shot. Knowing your photographs, one understands that no matter how deem you went, your dreams were with you!

Regards, Tibi

I wouldn't want people to think I was too predictable : - )

Sincere Thanks for your continued interest and kind words.

Best Regards

Alf

TIBI

I've always loved the countryside, being born in a City I didn't get a glimpse of it until I was about 12 years old. But I think working  down a coal miine would make anyone appreciate wide open spaces. You analogy is a good one and very accurate too!

Many Thanks and Kind Regards

Alf

Effective artwork and impressive story! I impressed, really impressed by your story. The shot itself has dreamy taste and surrealistic feel with apt high key monoconversion. The glow around the head is really effective to impart the sense of a dream. Bravo for this piece of art, and also for the amazing story.

 

Hamid.

Thank you so much!

I'm really pleased you enjoyed reading the story and viewing the image, This is an unusual diversion away from my normal landscape images, and it's very gratifying to find that people like yourself are interested,

Best Regards

Alf

I have been away from Photo.net for a while and your name came up first in my favorite people list leading me to this posting. After reading your story and the critiques all I can say is - thank you for being you. Your talent as a photographer and writer keep us wanting more, so please keep it coming. Take care, Deanna

Good to hear from you I hope you are keeping well.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read the narrative and to share your thoughts, very much appreciated. I will at some point start writing again, hopefully sooner rather than later, but it's going to take a couple of years at least to complete a book.

Best Regards

Alf

Hello Alf.

Finally I have my broadband connection. It has been a long wait! Hope you had a great xmas and new year! This is something different for you and it certainly has a dreamy and ephereal quality. Love the concept, very well done in the light B/W colours.

With best wishes. Sarah.

Great to hear from you! I hope you enjoyed the festivities too! I'll bet you were having withdrawal symptoms with no internet connection! : - )

This is something very different for me, that was inspired by the history surrounding it, and my own personal history. I don't think it would be a habitual type of photography for me, but it was an interesting diversion.

Many thanks for your interest and posiitve feedback Sarah. I Hope to see you posting some of your delightful images soon.

Best Regards

Alf

Very ethereal and dreamlike, in fact all the words produced above. A great treatment to what is a really difficult subject i.e. a shot  of a fixed object. My mate from St. Helens has been telling me to get over and have a look, so hopefully your shot will give me the spur.

Regards....John

I fear your story of mines and miners has trumped even this fine image.  Our friend, Google, nicely helps us fill in some of the blanks on the history of this impressive sculpture.   Many (most) of my images are trumped by the stories behind them. (and some of the stories aren't that interesting to begin with)  :-)  Canadian singer, Rita Mac Neil, from one of Canada's coal mining regions, Cape Breton, at times, does a few numbers with a choir of real coal miners known as 'The Men of the Deep'.  Quite a dazzling and emotional experience as all the singing miners file on to the darkened stage in their work clothes & miners hard hats, with initially the only illumination coming from their helmet lights.  Getting back to your photo, I saw another crop option I'd like to offer up for your consideration.  I thought this singular subject presented well centered in a square crop too.  One of those times I feel a centered subject works well.  Not sure of your artistic intentions but I find both versions to have merit.  Always interesting to view your latest.  Best, LM.

Many Thanks for your interest and positive feedback. It was a difficult subject, but mostly because of the way I wanted to portray it.  I wanted that ethereal quality that you describe and which I'm very pleased come across the way I intended, but I was constantly hampered by it's connection to earth through background trees people etc. Thats when i decided to get close up and use a wide angle lens in upward direction. It's definately worth a visit John, theres been some vandalism unfortunately, but i think the local council aregoing to rectify that problem.

Best Regards

Alf

LEN

Well, I could always tell a fine tale : - ) But then it'd always easier when you've lived it.

I beg to differ Len, your images are enthralling, no not dynamic or spectacular in a loud attention grabbing sense (as I'm sure thats never your intention) , but quietly they draw you in and make you think. "Thought provoking" is how I would summarise them, that is, if I could summarise such diversity.

But back to this one. I have no idea what I was doing when composing this shot, other than a vague kind of notion that it should be off set to some degree. Well after viewing your alternative I think I was wrong, not only does the square format look better (something I don't usually contemplate) but also the proportional occupied space looks better too. If I was going to print this, I woud definately re-work the RAW file to represent the same format that you have kindly presented here, and process the image to jpeg accordingly.

I like that reference to the "Men of the Deep" what a brilliant name for the choir.

Sincere Thanks for your interest and observations Len, and of course your much improved version of the image.

Best Regards

Alf

Your story is so compelling and the image perfectly fits with your words, description and moods of your experiences in the mines. Thanks for your email directing me to this image.

 

-Lynne

Many thanks for taking the time to have a look at this one, my first and only attempt at some digital manipulation. I think I could get hooked on the creative side of photography..........if I had time : - )

Best Regards

Alf

Correction:  The miner's choir group is properly named "Men of the Deeps" not 'Men of the Deep' as I incorrectly stated.  The small typo may mean more to you miners than to we who mostly stay on the surface.  Might explain why I made the error.  Best, LM.