"The Descending Claw of Progress"

To the viewers: The title of this piece appeals to my opinion of progress. The reference to a "Claw" simply means a firm, inescapable grip. I believe we as a culture are in its grip, so much that we have allowed it to erase parts of our world. Not just the natural world, but also the simplicities of our world. It seems todays grandest and most complicated problems can quite possibly be attributed to progress. I harken to a day when the biggest problems we faced were simple; we could deal with them head on because they didn't involve the rest of humanity. Todays bigger problems seem beyond our control because they affect all of humanity. The fact that we as mankind insist on exercising our control over everything, including the earth and possibly the universe, could spell out our own peril. Progress has slowly permeated the far reaches of the earth, more and more peoples and countries are stepping into the progressive world. What once were bicycle dominated streets in China and India are now occupied by idling cars, unable to move because of the jam of uncontrolled progress. The need for more energy to feed the hunger of progress is tantamount to our biggest, most complicated problem. This may sound so pessimistic. I am mostly an optimistic individual. I am not optimistic about progress in this context, more so about human faith and resolve. Progress can manifest itself in so many other ways, not just in worldly possessions and comforts.

Thanks for your comments!!

While I do for the most part agree with your statement, I think one need not necessarily agree to enjoy and appreciate this image. It's beautifully executed. The touch of pink in the clouds and the misty moon are fine additions to the "claw." Good work.

Mark... I really like this one. The wisp of pink just really sets the atmosphere and the strong element of the claw is so well composed. As for your statement, I understand and empathize, but once started there is no turning back with "progress"; I would rather we learn to channel our advances rather than follow the path of least resistance. Take care... Mike

 

Thanks David and Mike for the comments. The editorial flowed from the title, mainly because the first thing that came to mind was a "Claw". Being that this is a pump jack arm, progress was going to take a hit. My reference to progress is perjorative perhaps, but it is in the context. Progress is by and large a good thing, I like what it is doing for me. I especially enjoy how it has advanced photography. Progress is also a ravenous creature, it could use some taming.