This stretch is little looked at, little noticed. Why would we? Its just a rock cut in the escarpment to make way for an urban side road. A place to spend no time. This a place to pass thru perhaps in a hurry commuting to and from work or at a slower pace walking, running or biking with a purpose like training or exercise. It is not a place for idling or flaneuring (that mid-19th century pass time in Paris – a leisurely way of experiencing the city vibe). 

Going for a walk or more accurately slow wander around the neighbourhood, I try to have a mind in neutral, justing looking, often at nothing in particular. There is always something that piques interest or curiosity causing me to stop, step closer. iPhone always handy, I capture a trophy – some impression which is a blend of perception and imagination. I have lots of these useless flotsam that may become something later. 

The graphic qualities of this rock face were arresting, this could be a cliff face in someplace wild and magnificent rather than a mundane stretch on a busy urban road. But on learning more, it does have magnificent credentials. This sedimentary limestone/sandstone was formed in the early Paleozoic era over 450 million years ago! We take so much for granted. You can’t help but feel small in this context – the whole of human existence would be less than the lifetime of a gnat in comparison.

Watercolour, 11×14 on 140 lb cold press, mounted on gallery cradled board – $180

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You might also like to pair this with Returning To The Soil, Going Home – $325