How far down the rabbit hole will you go?
by Mark ~ July 5th, 2008. Filed under: abstracts, art, creativity, nature photography, rock, stone.
Morpheus: I imagine that right now, you’re feeling a bit like Alice. Hmm? Tumbling down the rabbit hole?
Neo: You could say that.
Morpheus: I see it in your eyes. You have the look of a man who accepts what he sees because he is expecting to wake up. Ironically, that’s not far from the truth.
(dialog from the movie, The Matrix)
Picture it, a dark mysterious rabbit hole beckoning you to come down and explore it. A mysterious opening into an enchanted forest. All of these things came to my mind in making the images in this post. They are a reflection of reality in that these are actual physical patterns, yet spark imagination of something quite different than their material origin. I became absolutely mesmerized by them. These in particular for me are extremely surreal.
This is part of the excitement for me in exploring nature’s patterns. They already exist, sometimes in an otherwise benign environment, but when placed in the isolated context of a photograph, they can ignite excitement, enchantment, curiosity, and creativity. In these rock abstracts, I am absolutely fascinated that such designs are created over millions of years. They make me want to jump down the rabbit hole head first and see just how far it goes.

July 6th, 2008 at ?
This is awesome Mark. It really leaves a lot to the imagination.
July 6th, 2008 at ?
Wow, Mark–that one’s REALLY awesome!
July 6th, 2008 at ?
Thank you for the comments Sherri and Lana.
July 6th, 2008 at ?
Mark, that is fascinating. The center piece looks like a branch with roses growing upon it. Also, it does look like I’m looking down the rabbit hole! I guess that The Matrix really is whatever you want it to be.
July 7th, 2008 at ?
Wow, ….. did this one ever grab my attention right off the bat!!
Really love the movement in this piece Mark.
So much beauty/mystery in this image while one studies the lines, color, texture, … and the story that goes along with it.
Dude, ….. this is probably my favorite so far from your series!
What type of Jasper is this, … if it is a Jasper?
Wet?
Eyes getting heavy so let me go.
Again Mark, … excellent image, wonderful post/storyline, … love this one!
Michael
July 7th, 2008 at ?
Well, you have good reason to be mesmerized Mark, this IS is a mesmerizing and outstanding image. I absolutely love the abstract patterns here. Beautiful work!
July 8th, 2008 at ?
Thanks guys.
@ Michael - yes, it is Jasper from the Sahara Desert, and yes, it is photographed wet.
July 8th, 2008 at ?
That is great stuff Mark!
Ron
July 8th, 2008 at ?
Whoa! You could use this for meditation… spiraling down into the center of oneself. Very intriguing, Mark. Keep jumping.
July 9th, 2008 at ?
Amazing image Mark, a true piece of art, love the depth in this !!
July 9th, 2008 at ?
Great images Mark. These deserve to be printed large (even though they look really good on my screen). Just really neat work.
July 10th, 2008 at ?
Fascinating and sends my imagination soaring. How could I possibly resist leaning into that and allowing myself to fall? Those “tree roots” along the side may pull me in anyway. And, that truly is an enchanted forest—I see a bird down there in the trees. Bravo!
July 12th, 2008 at ?
Hi Mark,
you know how well I can understand your enthusiasm. Isn’t it completely human to try to satisfy that never ending curiosity - same with the imagination. Everything is already there - you only need to grab it. I pity those who completely fail to recognize this.
Wonderful image - could be part of an illustration for a book about fairies…
July 13th, 2008 at ?
I am glad so many see the fantasy world I pictured myself. Thank you for the comments! I have some more pieces of this fascinating rock, I will put up some more images soon.
July 16th, 2008 at ?
Hey Mark,
Unbelievably inspiring stuff, buddy - you blow me away.
And congrats on the NSN cover - another killer image.
Cheers
Carl
July 16th, 2008 at ?
Carl - thanks buddy.
July 17th, 2008 at ?
Mark…this one is absolutely amazing and totally mesmerizing. It almost ahs the look of an illustration as opposed to a photo it is so three dimensional!
July 19th, 2008 at ?
Thanks Howard. I thought much the same thing.