Patterns in Ordovician Sandstone

[Tom Robbins]

We humans seem to be hardwired to find patterns where none actually exist. Elvis is seen in an oatmeal cookie, Churchill's profile in a cloud, elves can be found in the branches of trees at dusk...

The exposed St. Peter sandstone in the Illinois River valley canyons is constantly eroding and changing under the onslaught of the elements. It crumbles, spalls, fractures in boulders, or weathers away one grain of sand at a time. The rock becomes stained by mineral and organic pigments as it is exposed and weathers. It becomes a canvas of the elements, and most of the resulting "artwork" is abstract.

However, sometimes it resembles something else. Or maybe not.

Beetle brow gnome?

Photographed last Valentines Day, coincidence?

Venus, or way too much time spent alone in the woods on a spring day?

Thanks for looking, and for any comments or suggestions,

Tom

 

[Asher Kelman]

Tom,

Thanks for sharing the pictures but even more so for providing your own thoughts! That gives perspective of why images are posted. Wish everyone would do that!

Will return!

Asher

 

[Charlotte Thompson]

Tom

Pareidolia (pronounced /pærɪˈdoʊliə/) is a psychological phenomenon involving a vague and random stimulus (often an image or sound) being perceived as significant. Common examples include seeing images of animals or faces in clouds, the man in the moon, and hearing hidden messages on records played in reverse.

I really like these shots and so many ways to see each!

Charlotte-

 

[Tom Robbins]

Charlotte,

Thank you for your kind comments. Pareidolia, eh? Who'd a thunk it? There must be a name for everything. Alas, except for your comments and Asher's, the subject appears to be not a particularly interesting one here.

Tom