about.
I'm a novice photographer, inspired by endless greens of nature as well as urban decay. I seek the excitement that comes from the moment where you come across an untouched artifact that has been swallowed up by the chaos of nature.
"I have always looked upon decay as being just as wonderful and rich an expression of life as growth."
- Henry Miller
Haunted Spaces -
The Undercroft.
June 11, 2019
The church has been known as a place of rest, a sanctuary. A place where one who is lost comes to find truth. A place where even the grips of the devil cannot reach. Looking into 12th century history, a sanctuary was defined as a place where a fugitive was protected from both common law and the law of the church. (Oliver, 2011) Once the accused felon crossed into the church yard, they were protected and even fed for up to 40 days. Yet why is it that a church can have such a haunting image?
This beautiful Catholic church with design inspirations from basilicas in the renaissance is located in London Ontario. Almost hidden by the large tree line, the church reveals itself from behind the trees. The picture shows a center division between nature and manmade artifact. The way the trees seem to swallow the church brings to mind the Gaia hypothesis.
First formulated in the 1960s by James Lovelock, the Gaia hypothesis proposes, “the biosphere and the physical components of the earth are closely integrated to form a complex interacting system that maintains the climatic and biogeochemical conditions on Earth in preferred homeostasis.” In essence, Lovelock was arguing that the damage caused by humans will lead to their struggles in survival as Gaia will self-regulate.
An imprint on one of the walls reveal that the building is over a century old. As an urban explorer, I can't help but be excited to see what artefacts remain scattered in this 129 year old building.
Walking down creaky stair cases towards the under-croft, the air thickens. “Think back to your childhood for a moment, and it begins to make sense. Do you remember the terrifying yet seductive draw of the archetypal haunted house? Every neighbourhood and every childhood has one.” (W G 2012).
As Romany W G writes, there is a seductive attraction towards the haunting unknown. Perhaps it is the excitement of breaking free from this overly protected society.
A wonder how this relatively knew carbonated drink managed to get this deep.
The corner of the under croft reveals the original foundation made of stone.
I find a certain irony in discovering a broken cross sitting in the deepest part of a church. Perhaps symbolizing how many "Christians" also put their "Lord" away in the undercroft while maintaining only their outward appearance.
RomanWG writes, “Urban exploration is the research, documentation, escape, exploration, and mapping of these forbidden spaces that include maintenance or service areas, utility tunnels, abandoned buildings, such as mental institutions, and basically any place where the everyday public are not supposed to be.” (W G 2012) Taking a few steps deep into the under croft of this church gives a glimpse of what more wonders may be hiding behind more closed doors. It is this wonder that draws us to haunted landscapes and pushes the boundaries of urban exploration.
