Desert Echos

As it began, so it will end. Meanwhile, souls from across the ages have lived, died, explored, loved, and ranted against the deserts of the world. But between their rants, orgasmic cries, and raw survival, the magic discovered has been recorded for the following generations. Petroglyphs, pictographs, skeletons of great cities, broken pottery, well-used tools, and hidden caches of corn and beans have been left for those of us who have followed and care to go discover the magic on our own.

Artists have attempted to capture the magic, but we know that magic is an elusive power that seeks not the attention of man. So, invariably, the artist will turn to the land that holds and hides this magic. Sandscapes, arches, hoodoos, rock formations of all colors and shapes, all captured and contained, ready to be enjoyed by those who haven't, can't, or won't make the pilgrimage.

"The magic of the desert is hard to define. Why does the sight of a landscape of empty sand, rocks, slab, and rubble stir the spirits more than a view of lush green fields and woods? Why does the lifeless play of light, colour and distance have such an invigorating, fascinating and elating effect? Perhaps because no limitations are imposed by other forms of life; perhaps because the mind of the beholder is presented with a fata morgana of unlimited freedom. And on such far horizons the outline of a mountain draws the eye like an island in the endless ocean."∼Henno Martin, The Sheltering Desert

Regardless of medium or style, artists can exert tremendous influence on how our world's unique places should be tended over. History is lost when no one cares, and the task of reclaiming that history is tremendous. Our art, our depiction of history and our ancestors, our visual storytelling will make people care and ultimately influence how it is protected. Do not hesitate because you haven't felt the magic; it will find you.