Ice fairies, Kingston

The diffuse composition of this striking, but initially puzzling image is reminiscent of a Jackson Pollock. The title takes us in a different direction, however, suggesting a grounding in the natural, not the manmade, world. Are these varicolored mineral stones scattered against dark velvet? It turns out the subject matter is more fleeting—and more precious.

Awakening on a recent frosty morning in Kingston, New Mexico, the photographer wandered outside to see an unimposing juniper log in her backyard bejeweled with ice crystals. Illuminated by the glancing rays of the winter morning sun, the crystals twinkled and glowed . . . as magical and ephemeral as fairies. Before the crystals melted in the rising sun, the photographer captured the sublime coloration of the light they refracted. Ice blue. Citrine. Salmon.

If you take the time to look, the photograph reminds us, you’ll find wonder in your known environment.

—Commentary by Tom Hinson, editor, Photograph of the Week

Editor’s Note: Click on the photograph to view it in a light box for even greater clarity.

Professional, amateur and phone-camera photographers alike are invited to submit images to the Sierra County Sun for possible publication in the Sun’s “Photograph of the Week” feature. The deadline for consideration is every Friday at 5 p.m. For further information, click on the Help Us Report button on our home page and then check the box labeled “I want to submit a photo to Photograph of the Week.”