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Artists must look beneath the surface and show that there is more to this world than what meets the eye.


The notion of visiting a train yard and riding the rails as a holiday treat might seem odd to those readers blessed with active passenger railways. Alas, here in Tasmania, we've not had any passenger rail lines active since the early 1960s! Thus, Henry and Ezra felt blessed to experinece the brief ride on the Don River Railway just outside of Devonport last week. Indeed, Henry paid a visit to the driver mid ride, and got to experience driving the thing first hand. As a bonus, we all survived!

I will admit that I am a fan of rail. Travelling the tracks, the clickety clack, whistles and all that jazz fires me up. Anyone who has ever had the privilege of making love on the night sleeper from Venice to Vienna will know what I'm talking about here.

However, we are here to talk Theme Thursday, and the theme is most definitely not “how to prevent severe leg cramping on the overnight sleeper from Venice to Vienna”. No, the theme is SURFACE.

Which brings me to today’s photograph. Taken at the above-mentioned Don River Railway, it’s another in my series of innovative family portraits. Inside the carriage you can see Jennifer and Ezra seated upright like a pair of Venetian ladies in waiting, outside – in the reflection on the SURFACE of the glass – you will find Henry and I, milling about like a pair of street ruffians.

Of course, that is only the SURFACE impression. We are all aware of how often that turns out to be somewhat less than true...

Comments

Carola said…
What a photo! Hey Kris, are you going to be an artist?
Kat Mortensen said…
I have NOT had that priviledge, but I can dream! Glad you had a good time.
Brian Miller said…
what a cool shot! sounds like a great time!
Skip Simpson said…
I'm a big train buff also. There's something very majestic about those old steam engines, especially the 4-8-8-4's. Happy TT!
Dreamhaven said…
A most excellent photo and post. Happy TT
My best vacation ever was the trip from Chicago, Il. to Grand Junction, Co. on Amtrak. Someday I hope to do it again.
The Clever Pup said…
I haven't had the pleasure either although there was a noisy Tasmanian bloke in the next compartment.

Toronto has a Don River too. Who is this fellow named Don?
Wings1295 said…
I freakin' love that pic!
Stephanie said…
I love the photo! So many layers.
JeffScape said…
Was that done all in-camera?
Kris McCracken said…
Carola, I like to think of myself already as an artist, but then again, most people are in some way or another.
Kris McCracken said…
Poetikat, the Venice to Vienna is a good one. I found the Paris-Lyon-Turin-Rome hike a real slog though...
Kris McCracken said…
Brian, it was an enjoyable jaunt, once Ez settled down!
Kris McCracken said…
Skip, I am a steam man myself too.
Tom said…
ooh, nice pic. Lot's of little details, and of course your lovely family. I've not been on rails since perhaps the amusement park train ride. Weeeeeeeeeee. So you're a member of the foot high club? Do tell...
Kris McCracken said…
Dreamhaven, I was pleasantly surprised with how well the photo turned out.
Kris McCracken said…
Misfit, sounds like a trip and a half!
Kris McCracken said…
The Clever Pup, I've always assumed it was named after the Russian Don.

Sorry about the noise. Passionate love in a cramped sleeper when you're 6'4" can be hard on the legs.
Kris McCracken said…
Stephanie, it is not all about the SURFACE, this one.
Kris McCracken said…
Jeff, I tweaked the contrast just a little to bring up the foreground, but it is nothing I wouldn't have done in the darkroom (if I had access).
Kris McCracken said…
Tom, it seemed to me if you are fortunate enough to snare a private sleeper car with a beautiful young lady on the way to Vienna, you'd be letting yourself down to not take advantage of that situation.

Don't worry though readers, I ended up marrying her!
Betsy Brock said…
I love it when you show pics of your adorable family. And it sounds like a great little trip! :)
Roy said…
Great shot, Kris! That's a really creative take on the theme; good work.
Kris McCracken said…
Betsy, one has to get creative to get us all in one shot.

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