Critique: Parkeharrison's "Guardian"

In the midst of a forgotten area, full of old, burnt twigs is a short tree stump. On top of this stump, are two tall parallel sticks on which a middle-aged, business-like man is attempting to balance himself. He has long wings made out of twigs, pointing in every direction, that seem too heavy for him to carry. Because of these wings, he is having a hard time staying perfectly balanced, and standing up straight as if he were proud.

The man is clearly the emphasis of this picture, with the two tall sticks being the leading lines pointing us in his direction. In the middle section of the picture, the lighting is bright and pure. However, around this lighting is another light that is darker, as if it has dimmed and an evil presence is taking over it. The lighting creates a mood of an old age, as if the photograph was taken sometime in our history.

This picture portrays the struggle that man faces as an individual, to be completely balanced and exceed at everything he does in life. The wings represent that humans are always trying to be heroic, but the dead twigs emphasize that it is not always possible. This was an excellent picture that reveals the struggle of any person in any situation they are placed in. The loneliness of the background was perfect for stating that in the end we all have to depend on ourselves, and only ourselves for the things we want to achieve.