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I have always thought that this massive, intricate sculpture by Albert Paley does not get the attention and accolades that it deserves. One reason that this may be so is that it is made from weathering or COR-TEN steel on which the outer layer rusts to form a protective coating on the steel. This means that there is not much contrast to a structure which is made from it. And, consequently, I believe some of the intricate designs of these amazing sculptural animals, made all the more amazing by their grouping together in such a large piece, are lost on people who are either driving or walking by and are not willing to spend some time with it.

And, so, I was especially excited when I drove by yesterday in the midst of a heavy snowfall to see how the wet snow was sticking to parts of the statue, thus creating contrast and highlighting the intricacies of the animal designs. In some of the early pictures, unfortunately there is a fair bit of blowing snow which sometimes gets in the way, but the later shots are from after a late night sledding session on Art Hill (woo hoo!) when the snow had stopped and all was still. You can see from picture number 3 below, which includes an SUV, just how big this piece is. If you have not seen it in person, I hope that you may come to St. Lou and see it yourself some time. It will be worth it, not to mention visiting our world class zoo!

Thursday, January 19, 2012 by Neil E. Das

Anticipating the Snow – Midnight and Dawn – Cityscape – St. Louis

These shots are taken from my south-facing third floor room, which during the day is flooded with lovely light. I set up the camera on a step-ladder and wanted to record the scene before and after a snowfall. Alas, there was not much snow to be shot. Nonetheless, I do like the panorama these windows afford, no matter the weather. On larger versions of these shots you can see the wavy distortion created from the old glass of this old abode (you can see a little even in these shots if you look at the roof of the house on the right), this house that is named….drum roll please…… das Haus or Rosenheim. You still have time to vote, though I have narrowed the field to two! Rationale for each name here.