Dark Ambiance
November 23rd, 2008 by John Wolfe
I have a love affair with dark, Gothic, atmospheric locations. This is the main reason I design my yard haunt in such a way that it appears to be far removed from a friendly, cozy neighborhood. As I say in my Halloween Roots page: “Halloween is about suspending our current concepts of reality.” Images like this one, featuring the Kirkstall, Abbey in Leeds, England, are so full of Halloween ambiance, despite the fact there’s not a tombstone or jack-o-lantern to be found.
For my money, Halloween is more about a feeling than it is stereotypical items and props. Because of that, it’s quite easy for me to find the spooky spirit in these types of photographs. Speaking of the image – the photographer did an amazing job!
“Dark Ambiance” will be a recurring post as I continue to search the net for atmospheric images. If you know of some great photos/artwork or would like to see some of your own featured, please contact me.
The image source for Kirkstall Abbey can be found at Flickr.com. It has been included in this post through the creative commons licensing agreement.
Posts Related to Dark Ambiance
November 24th, 2008 at 1:45 am
Yes, Halloween has a certain spirit about it when it comes around. Maybe it’s a combination of the weather changing and the leaves changing as well as the excitement from the holiday. Just the same, I know what you mean.
November 24th, 2008 at 9:58 am
This picture is striking! Not to mention it looks wonderful set against SOS backdrop. I’m curious, the art work in your house hanging on the walls (if you have any that is) is it also a collection of gothic art? I could easily see something like this painting/art work blown up to a good size, perfectly framed in a hauntingly dark color and to hang alone on a blank white wall. Given your taste for art on WOTS, I would imagine your “Halloween” art taste being simular but darker of course. I love this shot though, fantastic!
November 25th, 2008 at 12:33 am
Atrueoriginall,
Thanks for stopping by. Maybe it’s just me, but there is an actual buzz or hum in the air during the month of October. I don’t literally hear it, but I can feel the feeling, emotionally speaking. I’m on this high like no other, while working hard and preparing for the big night.
The old saying, when it comes to real estate is location, location, location. When it comes to Halloween it’s atmosphere, atmosphere, atmosphere. October naturally provides such a great backdrop, but pictures like the one in this post, serve to enhance October’s own natural abilities.
I just realized, I wax far too poetic when it comes to fall and Halloween! It’s in my blood though.
I also want to thank you for all the great Season of Shadows links you provide at Paranormal Casebook and Alien Casebook. You rock!
Goldie,
I have some artwork hanging here and there. It’s all primarily 19th century impressionist posters and prints…. another area of interest of mine.
But, you bring up a great point – thanks to your comment, I may have to start featuring some dark scene scapes on my walls.
Glad you like this image. I’m contacting another amazing artist and am looking to feature her work after receiving permission.