Broken bottles…dead horse bones…rusted metal…this isn’t your typical beach. In fact, walking the beach at Dead Horse Bay brings the saying “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure” to a whole new level…but oh the beauty…if you’re willing to be open to the discovery…
Dead Horse Bay is located at the far southeast corner of Brooklyn which for me meant a long subway ride…then a bus…then a short walk to the bay that is named for…yes, horse glue factories that were plentiful back in the day. If you look closely in the first image you’ll see a bone that washed up from when the factories would dump the leftover horse bones in the bay back in the mid 1800’s.
In the early 1920’s the city would use this area as a landfill filled with sand, coal and garbage. You have to remember that back then garbage was mostly metal and glass. Today the landfill is slowly eroding…and every tide releases a bit more trash from the landfill…mostly glass jars, bottles, metal parts…a haven for mixed media artists and of course some of us photographers who love and finds beauty in this kind of stuff!
I must say the area has a magical, yet eerie feel…so quiet…just the clinking of glass bottles from the waves of the tide…
This was my second visit within a week…and I’m thinking more visits will be in my future…working on a black and white series as well…washed up…perhaps an addition to my portfolio or even an art project soon?
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I so want to thank all of you who left a comment or sent me a private message regarding my previous post. Thank you so very much. It’s through sharing and hearing from others that really helps…as we all work through life’s challenges…
Well, this sure sounds like an interesting place, so many in your city! I love the textures, especially in the first image, trying to figure out details in the second with the blue-ish squares and just totally in love with them all!
I also love your determination to get to these off beat locations and that you always share so much ~
It’s non stop in this city and even more fun to find the “not so well known” locations! Thank you my sweet! So appreciated!
Robin, What a treasure trove! Your idea of a personal photo project with images from this location is fabulous! I love this side of your photography – the abstracts, textures, and the mystery of it all. After following your work for awhile now, I am beginning to recognize your voice, your way of expression – and I love the way you appreciate color and geometry. I’m learning from you!
A treasure trove it is and what I love most is that every visit will bring something new! I ADORE abstract photography and perhaps my love is starting to show a little? 🙂 THANK YOU so much Donna!
Wow. Just wow.
Wow! Thanks Julia!!!
Dear Robin,
Each photograph is a work of art. What a strangely poignant but fascinating place it must be to visit and lose yourself in. Look forward to more!
I read your Storm post and felt deeply moved but unable to contribute a comment. I would, however, like you to know how much I am feeling for you.
Jane
Thank you so much Jane for your visit and very kind comments! It’s always a nice surprise to have newcomers leave their thoughts. So appreciated!
One of the many, many reasons I love you not just of your heart but that you have the ability to see and find the beauty in everything. Your artistic talents to showcase it and share it is just so wonderful. What a great addituon to your project these trips and captures will make.
I’m sure it was so eerie. When we are on a beach, it’s usually the beauty of the ebb and flow of the water, the calmness, the sky, birds, etc. that we drink in. What a different experience this was. So different than a museum or historical landmark or antique shop. History, the eerie past in an unexpected venue. Haunting.
I love the amber glass on the rusted metal, the bubbles, the textures, colors, beauty of it all. Not sure if those are green barnacles in the one photo. Love them all and that you’re always thinking of projects.
Glad to see this new post, glad to see you had the chance to share. I waited….
Thank you.
Love you.
XOXO
So true Lisa…not what we think at all when walking the beach. Thank you ALWAYS so much for your continued support…my biggest cheerleader. xoxo!!
This is so YOU, Robin…the kind of place where you really do find treasure, just because you expect to see it! Who would have guessed it could be so full of…A R T.
So true Ginnie! I love abstract photography more and more every day… Thank you!
I just love the new look of your blog and theses photos are beautiful! You have such creative views.
Thank you so much!! I’m loving my new space too! Thanks for your visit!
Great photos. I love all the different colors and textures. Keeping you always in my thoughts and prayers. XoXo
Thank you my dear…know you always have me in your thoughts…so appreciate YOU! xoxoxo More!
I love the idea of a series called “Washed Up.” So much you can do with that. I love the way you use your photography to see things differently. I see as a healing practice. You’ve made me take a different look at what is going on in my own life — feeling very “washed up” myself. Maybe I can find some beauty in that, in moving out of the way of the young and bright to pursue a quieter, less flashy, less need to be seen way of being. Maybe invisibility has it’s benefits? Maybe the waves of life will loosen something up and draw it to the surface. Maybe…
Thanks Maery! I often think the title of a photo or a series is just as important and this one was a no-brainer, yet so perfect. I know we all feel a little “washed up” at times…and especially these last couple of weeks here on the farm… You nailed it…that is exactly what photographing does for me…allows me to get lost in my passion and you’re so right…it is a healing practice. And yes…maybe.
There is nothing I can add! Marvelous pictures and the idea of doing a black and white series? Splendid !
Thank you!!!
Wonderful photos, and what an interesting place! My mum and I will have to visit this the next time we’re in NYC!
I hope you’re well- have a lovely weekend!
Nice to hear from you Celia! I hope your summer is going well! Yes, Dead Horse Bay is an interesting place for sure and you’ll need to plan for this little trip! Thank you for visiting!
Love the photos! They are so creative, artistic and beautiful.
Thank you!
Fascinating…..would love to know the story about the dead horses.
What an eerie finding ground. Happy hunting with your camera
and your storytelling heart:) Love, love, love.
-Jennifer
There’s so much to the dead horse story! A google will tell you plenty! Thanks always for your visits!
FANTASTIC life collages, Robin!
I love this, definitely my kind of image, the muted colours, tones and framing perfect
These “beautiful” images took my breath away. Interesting how we can find the beauty, yet the big picture of this trash-filled bay is not beautiful at all.
Triste mais finalement sublimé par ton matériel photo et ton imagination! 😉