I love to explore the contrast of light, color, and texture.  Add to those an air of reverence and the element of timing and something magical may happen.

I find something magical in this portrayal of a mother tenderly watching over her son’s shoulder.  To my mind, this image is symbolic of a mother’s careful care in rearing her child.  She gives him agency to lead, yet is always near to offer support and counsel.

The pair, mother and son, cast against the backdrop of the beautiful Salt Lake City LDS temple adds another layer of symbolic significance for LDS parents.  It suggests firm, guiding values — truths to anchor a yearning vessel in troubled times.

The capping of snow upon these bronze figures suggests these values remain firm, without regard to the current frame of environment that may encase them.

That is my interpretation of this image.  After I had packed my equipment and was leaving the Main Street Plaza at Temple Square, I came upon this scene.  I paused, with the above thoughts teasing my creative nature.  I turned to my wife, she nodded approval.  I unpacked my gear and made this one final image on that cold, cold night.  Turned out to be my favorite.

The statue of the mother and son was crafted by Dennis Smith, who is most widely known for his sculpture of children.  Dennis attended the Royal Academy of Art in Copenhagen, and has his work on permanent display throughout the U.S., Europe and Asia.

See more of Dennis’ work at: www.smithsculpture.com/

For those who may enjoy my above rendition of this touching scene, I’ve added it to my offering of fine art Wall Decor.  You can find it, and others in my Temple Square series, located at the below link:

Wall Decor Image: Mother, Son, and Temple

This image is available in sizes ranging from an ultra-affordable 4×6 up to a magnificent 16×24 (inches).  I have a 10×15 print of this image hanging in my home.

Thanks for dropping by.  Please reach out to me in the comments section, if you are so inclined.

Cheers,
-Mike.

Each year the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints transforms Temple Square in Salt Lake City in to a beautifully ornate display of lights and seasonal decoration.  I first photographed Temple Square, decked in its festive lighting, some years back – while a student of photography in High School.  Though several years have passed (some would argue, many!), I still enjoy making these images.

With the passing of time, my ability with a camera has improved, as has my ability to tell a visual story. I enjoy demonstrating a sense of dimension with light.  Also, I enjoy building drama within the interplay of light and shadow.  Shooting Temple Square at night, during the Christmas season, provides ample opportunity to do both.

If you like this image and would like to hang it in your home, please visit my wall décor section.  This image is available in sizes ranging from 4×6 up to a very large 16×24 (inches).  I invite you to view it by clicking on the Wall Décor link from the main menu, or by clicking the below link:

Wall Decor Image: Temple, Snow, and Holiday Lights

If you enjoy this type of imagery, take a look at the other prints I offer as Wall Décor.  And, as always, your comments are welcome.

Enjoy!
-Mike.