I believe there are two kinds of people in the world… those who find cemeteries creepy, and those who find them beautiful.  I think most interesting/ creative/ intelligent people fall into the latter category.  At least, I hope so.
Cemeteries have a longstanding relationship with art.  They were the first sculpture gardens in America — public displays of wealth and craft.  The nature of the work allowed many an artisan to show off his skills — money was often not an object, nor time; and unlike architectural projects, neither were politics.

Back in my art school days, there were two places I used to find solace — the art museum (its large front yard a lagoon filled with lovely trees and statues), and Lakeview Cemetery, home to Garfield’s Monument, Wade Chapel (with its massive Tiffany stained glass), and dozens of beautiful mausoleums and statues.  Both were calm and reflective, with the perfect atmosphere for studying or sketching — and both within walking distance of campus.

      
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Two years ago when I met Alan, that’s where we went on our first date.  After writing back and forth, we met in person for the first time at the art museum, then drove to the cemetery to enjoy the fall foliage.  Two images will be forever burned in my mind — when I first laid eyes on him as he walked across the lagoon (so handsome!), and walking hand in hand up to Wade Chapel and catching our reflection in the glass.  (Nevermind that when we walked through the door we were bombarded by a history lesson from some poor bored soul who was stuck volunteering that day.  I refrained from shaking him and yelling “Don’t you understand, I just met the love of my life and want to SAVOR THIS MOMENT NOW PLEASE SHUT UP SIR!”).

Needless to say, Lakeview Cemetery holds a special place for many reasons.  I have wanted to bring a camera on many occasions, but have only recently done so.  The images above are part of my recent series of metal photographs called Architectural Details, all taken from bits of loveliness found there.
I hope you enjoy ~

Chris