Seen from a different perspective

It was the 2019 Easter show and I had entered a photo entitled "Desolation" into the art competition. I have entered something each year for a few years now more because my husband and I enjoy the excitement of opening night than to win a prize or sell my work. We neared my photo with trepidation although I was less than confident that my photo would have a ribbon residing on top. As we neared, a group of middle aged women were admiring my work.

 

They were rather incredulous as it was of Lake Mulwala on the border of Vic and NSW. The lake is a man made reservoir and looks quite dystopian because the trees that are there are now water logged and lifeless. The only wildlife consisted of a pair of pelicans. As we got closer I heard one of the women talking to a blind lady in their gathering.

 

She was attempting to explain the photo. My husband shouted "You have a ribbon...Oh it's Highly Commended"! the women realised that the photo was mine. The blind lady's friend asked me to describe the photo to her blind companion. As I spoke I saw the blind lady's face change from boredom to wonder. She smiled and thanked me.

 

That night on my way home my husband commented on the fact that he was proud of my ribbon. I replied that the look on the blind lady's face made me much happier than the ribbon. It was my lucky year that year as I also sold my photo. I hope the recipient is inventing their own story of that weird and wonderful lake.

 

MELITA AMARAL