Snelling at Midnight
In the middle of the day, streets like Snelling are constantly flowing. Cars pass in a constant stream, passing back and forth to create a wall barring the other side. For the most part, this is the only interaction we experience, waiting for the traffic at some point or another. Having earned an overwhelming majority, this the interaction that’s been engrained in my memory banks, the image I visualize when I think of Snelling Ave.
Yet this is only half of Snelling’s life. The other half is spent alone, shrowded and invisible. This side is concealed not because it chooses against being seen, but rather because no one chooses to see it. Of course, it is this very lack of human presence that makes Snelling at night so extraordinary. With such a norm characterized by daylight and chaos, the peace and darkness is incredible to be part of.
At it’s state passing in front of the State Fair, Snelling Ave. is almost incomparable to the humble entry shown here. The intersection with West 7th marks the beginning of a street that continually grows as it travels away from it’s point of birth.
This Rembrandt-like image allows the viewer an interesting take on such a hidden view. Depth is purely warpable in this image, allowing you to see the background in many different lenses. For instance, I am reminded of a French town illuminated by lights outside their doors, with a main chateau in the center.
This stop-sign marks the first transformation undergone. As immediately as the sign catches our eye, the street opens wide and adds new presence to it’s formation.
For those who don’t recognize this house, the location here is at the intersection between Montreal and Snelling, with the famous Highland High School viewable in the background. The steps in particular stand out to me as interesting. Like a vampire wrapping their cloak over their face, this enclosure seems to be hiding itself from the outside environment.
As presented in this frame, the lone store stands in front of an empty sidewalk. The many interesting baubles and attractions beg passersby to stop and take a quick look, while the continuum of the sidewalk draws our eyes away into the darkness.
For most highland residents, the barely-visible water tower provides a landmark to judge location. Before going on this walk, I never knew that the Highland Park Tower harbored such a light. I further realized my ignorance about the area as I came upon this building, one that I’d never even noticed before. What a shame that it never caught my eye, I really like it’s mysterious lair-like qualities.
Aspects of line are particularly powerful in this image, drawing the eye towards the center and into the brilliant light. The addition of the crosswalk was to provide a beginning for the landscape, giving the viewer a starting point to their journey. Upon first glance, it is impossible to tell that this is in any way the same street shown in the very first image.
