Soundtrack by Daniel Durrett: soundcloud.com/danieldurrett/spirit

Because this mighty tree gave me the inspiration! =)

"In Greek mythology, the spruce is devoted to Artemis, goddess of the Moon and of the wild, protective life of the women which it assists deliveries: the spruce is the tree of birth. This tradition is taken back by the Christians: the spruce is linked to the birth of Jesus, which is celebrated on December 24th, date of solstice and revival of the sun. It is in Alsace where appears the "Christmas tree", which was often a spruce branch." -European Trees

"Spruce trees are mythologically important plants among Southwestern tribes, where they are symbols of the sky and directional guardians of the north. According to Hopi myth, the spruce tree was once a medicine man, Salavi, who transformed himself into a tree. For this reason, spruce trees are considered particularly sacred to the Hopis, who use spruce boughs to adorn kachina dancers." -Native Languages of the Americas

In Finnish mythology, the spruce tree provides protection for the dwelling. A spruce tree is still often guarding the old farm houses. And there is a saying that advices one to listen the spirit of this spruce tree, for advices and wisdom. But spruce branches symbolise also death. I guess it is because spruce branches is cut to commemorate the death ones.

This picture I took as inspired by The Sunday Challenge: 'Monochrome Triptych'. I first was felt very inspired indeed. Then during my Saturday morning promenade, I almost gave up because of lack of inspiration! On one part I do not like to shoot in monochrome, because I personally feel it limits my creativity, and because I love colours! But then my feet took me to local cemetery, and I saw this mighty spruce... And it convinced me it would look great also in monochrome. So, I tried to do my best to salute the tree.

For the triptych format I chose what is considered as "original portable triptych". The side panels are exactly half of the wide of the middle:

"A triptych (/ˈtrɪptɪk/ TRIP-tik; from the Greek adjective τρίπτυχον "triptukhon" ("three-fold"), from tri, i.e., "three" and ptysso, i.e., "to fold" or ptyx, i.e., "fold") is a work of art (usually a panel painting) that is divided into three sections, or three carved panels that are hinged together and can be folded shut or displayed open." -Wikipedia

I chose this as reference to "a popular standard format for altar paintings from the Middle Ages onwards". I'm personally sort of pagan or agnostic, but I do find nature and wildlife as a source of inspiration and place where to put my mind into rest. This could very well be my very personal altar image in a place where I could meditate. Except, it would then be a colour image! ;-)

Notice also intentional use of basic photography aspect ratios: 3:4s on sides, and 6:4 (3:2) in the middle. And for the monochrome colour I chose sepia because it just worked best, I think...