Explore magical places and magical tales

FOLKLANDS & FOLKL0RE

Since the dawn of history, humans have crafted images and woven narratives about their environment, not only to articulate the struggles of existence in a complex natural realm but also to convey the wonder that stems from comprehending our true position amidst its grandeur. As a folklorist and photographer, I endeavor to grasp how our position in time and space shapes our comprehension of the stories and concepts we perpetuate, for both our contemporaries and future generations.

Folklands and Folklore Galleries

These galleries showcase some of the locations I've visited that are abundant in both natural beauty and cultural heritage. Cultures naturally interact and blend to create new expressions. I will persist in observing popular cultures within their environments to demonstrate how communities both influence and are influenced by their surroundings over time.

Reflection of sky in pool at prehistoric rock sanctuary of Beglik Tash, Thrace, Bulgaria

Ancient Thrace

Modern day Bulgaria was once home to the ancient Thracians. Many sites in the Rhodope Mountains, just north of Greece, seem to have had a sacred nature. These places can be hard to reach, so may have not been accessible to all.

To Thrace collection

Loud cowbells are worn by kukeri to scare away the demons. Pes ponedelnik, Shiroka Laka 2010

Carnival & Kukeri

Ritualized performances by people dressed in animal skins and symbolic ornaments are common in Europe, especially around springtime. Kukeri are one example.

To Carnival collection

Birds fly around sea stacks near Vik, southern coast of Iceland at sunset - 2023

Iceland in Winter

Iceland, due to its volcanic base and exposure to the strength of the wind and sea, is home to many tales of supernatural beings that symbolized the powers of nature.

Iceland collection

"We are in Transylvania"

In Bram Stoker's 1897 novel "Dracula," the Count declares, "We are in Transylvania. Our ways are not your waiys, and to you, many things will seem strange." The truth, over 125 years since its publicaton, is that the Alps of Western Romania are not strange, but beautiful and authentic.

Transylvania collection

Irish Sheela-na-gigs

During my first of many trips to Ireland, long ago, I encountered the stone carvings called sheela-na-gigs. After several returns, I resolved to locate and photograph some of them in situ.

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Roaming around Ireland

This informal gallery showcases the towns and countryside of Ireland, captured during various journeys. The country's beauty and charm and humor are so pervasive that it's difficult to resist taking photos at every opportunity.

See casual Ireland

Church of Mother of God, Lake Bled, Slovenia at sunrise

Autumn in Slovenia

Before this iconic church was constructed, Bled Island was the site of a temple dedicated to Ziva, the ancient Slavic goddess of love and fertility. This temple was lost during conflicts between pagan worshippers and Christians, who destroyed the altar and erected a church in its place.

Slovenia Collection

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