Chasing Light in Winter

In the UK, December marks the turn of the season. The winter days are short, and this year they have been exceptionally grey, wet and mild. More evidence, as if we need it, of the climate crisis that continues to build.

So I have been looking out for splashes of light, to brighten me up. Here, I caught the early morning light on the water as I took the train to London, lifting the grey to silver:

And played with abstract lines of light in the Design Museum:

I woke the next morning to a flaming sunrise across the rooftops of London:

A visit to the theatre on a rainy night, spirits lifted by the colour and the energy of the show:

The warmth and sparkle of a decorated Christmas tree:

An inspirational exhibition at the Dulwich Picture Gallery bu the Danish artist Anna Ancher, called 'Chasing Light'! Here are some snippets of her work. Go if you can!

Views from the train racing through London, the low, bright sunshine catching the buildings:

And from the Tate Modern on a very grey and rainy day:

But staying close to home can also be a good source for chasing light. A river walk in the rain:

A midday walk in the winter sun by the sea: looks like summer one way:

and winter the other:

A thoughtful meander through the cemetery at the top of the hill in the late afternoon, with the long shadows and shafts of sun:

Or waiting at the hairdressers and noticing the candles:

And resting in the joy of a gentle sunrises and sunsets from the windows of home:

This time of year reminds me of the poem, Winter -Time, by Robert Louis Stevenson

Late lies the wintry sun a-bed,

A frosty, fiery sleepy-head;

Blinks but an hour or two; and then,

A blood-red orange, sets again.

Capturing these quiet snatches of light and colour have punctuated the greys of December, reminding me that witnessing and connecting with light always lifts my spirits and that spring is not too far away.

All these photos were taken with my phone, in an instinctive response to what I was experiencing. Apart from some cropping, I have not edited them so as to keep the instant impressions (apologies for any crooked horizons!). A change for me, one that I hope to continue in the new year ahead.

Many thanks to Kim Grant and her Winter Wellness Club for inspiring me and keeping me warm through the dark days. I will keep on chasing the light!

#winterlight; #sunrisetosunset; #londonlights; #winterwellness