Inukshuk
These structures of stone are found along highways in northern Ontario. I pass them frequently on my trips to visit family who live up north and they’re always rather interesting to see the places where people have climbed to build them.
“The Inukshuk (pronounced IN-OOK-SHOOK) meaning “in the image of man”, are magnificent lifelike figures of stone which were erected by the Inuit people and are unique to the Canadian Arctic. Standing along Canada’s most northern shores, they endure as eternal symbols of leadership, encouraging the importance of friendship and reminding us of our dependence upon one another.
Erected to make the way easier and safer for those who follow, an Inukshuk represents safety and nourishment, trust and reassurance. The Inukshuk guided people across the frozen tundra and gave them hope in barren places to handle hardships they encountered. These primitive, stone images showed the way ahead… pointing you in the direction you wanted to go. Had they been able to speak, I am certain they would have said… “Here is the road. It is safe. You can meet the demands that this path holds. You can reach your goals and attain your vision of where you want to be.”
Inukshuk belongs to the following groups:
Canada and IPA -International Photographers AllianceAvailable for sale as Cards, Matted Prints, Laminated Prints, Mounted Prints, Canvas Prints and Framed Prints
evex8x8, 5 months ago
Fascinating! Great picture.
jacqi, 5 months ago
Excellent shot and such an interesting story.
GlennRoger, 5 months ago
Brilliant detail.
Anne Smyth, 5 months ago
absolutely beautiful – clarity, texture, light -
eyestrange, 5 months ago
the colours in the stone are wonderfully caught and the image is very provocative – I LOVE it
Jan Piller, 5 months ago
Whoa! great pic Holly – hahaha did crawl up the side of a cliff on the side of #69?? Or the 400 hahahaha – crazy lady!! But it was worth it – this is great! Wonderful sky!
Holly Cawfield in reply to Jan Piller’s comment, 5 months ago
LoL Jan! You know what Hwy 69 is like!!! No matter where you stop there are huge transport truck speeding down the highway. I’ve been trying to get one of these Inukshuks for three years…either they’ve been knocked over or they’re surrounded by too much stuff…or the traffic has made it waaaay too dangerous. Glad you like it and thanks!
Holly Cawfield in reply to eyestrange’s comment, 5 months ago
Thanks Pat! It’s become Adora’s favourite photograph…she asks to see it whenever she’s here. LoL At two years old she has instructed her parents about what it’s called and what it means… in garbled English!
Carolyn Staut, 5 months ago
What a divine image. And the history behind it is grand as well. I can see why the little one would be so mystified and interested….as I feel the same way. The image is wonderfully contrasted with the sky and beautifully done.
Plukie, 5 months ago
You’ve done it again!! That fantastic lighting that you seem to have a knack of getting. It really brings the photo to life and makes me feel that I’m there!!! What a wonderful story to the rock formations as well. Thanks Holly.
gresl, 5 months ago
Great picture, having been born and raised in the Canadian Arctic, I have seen quite a few of these, thanks for sharing.
Nikki Trexel, 5 months ago
oh yeah…i remember seeing those figures in every gift shop and gas station in canada. i didn’t buy one because i didn’t want to feel like a tourist (the camera around my neck probably didn’t give anything away either) but i always thought they were really neat. this shot, though, is really wonderful. you have a great sky and spectacular detail in those rocks. wonderful!!
Michael Jordan, 5 months ago
Great image and good information to go with it!!
Andy Harris, 5 months ago
great tones and super colour/textures! Great work!
Jon C, 5 months ago
just 2 words from me….
A WINNER!!
Holly Cawfield in reply to Jon C’s comment, 5 months ago
Good grief. What a delightful response. I was going to bin this photo.
Thanks Jon!!
bertspix, 5 months ago
nonono don’t ‘bin’ this photo. It’s not a binner, it’s a winner…Bert
Stuart Chapman, 5 months ago
Great detail in the rocks and what an interesting structure. This is offset well against that dramatic cloded sky which only enhances the colours and textures of the rocks.
Kate Adams, 11 days ago
Excellent capture, interesting post edit..once again our lighting is fabulous:)