According to my Substack dashboard, I created this account in December 2022. Now that it’s apparently March 2025, I figure the runway has come to an end. I’ve mulled for long enough so let’s begin.
Hello!
The name of this project is “Earth Horse” which is a phrase I’ve loved ever since hearing it on an episode of Star Trek: TNG years ago, when Captain Picard requests one from the holodeck. Apologies if this means nothing to you, it’s origin isn’t really the point. It’s become a mantra of mine in a sort of “cellar door” way — just a combination of words that really scratches an itch. A phrase that clicks open a lock in my brain to reveal some shred of truth and beauty. Also, metaphysics aside, I think horses rock. An undoubtedly top five animal.
All this is to say, I think what I’ve (slowly) come to realize is that this project should be a celebration of that feeling and a space to explore the things that evoke something for me — art, food, nature, what have you. Does this just describe a journal? It’s possible. Maybe it’s closer to a curio cabinet or an inventory of artifacts? Let’s find out.
Recently, I’ve been organizing the thousands of photos on my phone into albums. It’s incredibly satisfying in that “let me find some semblance of control” sort of way. In doing so, I’ve noticed a number of recurrent themes but nothing more glaring (ha) than my ongoing effort to capture light. It’s not particularly surprising — most of my favorite artists are concerned with the interplay of light and shadow (Giorgio de Chirico, Wong Kar-wai, the Moon). I now present some of my favorites, with annotations.
Spirals are my all time favorite motif. Deducting a point for the foot cameo. 6/10
Love some refraction. Very clever. 7/10
An Airbnb skylight doing it’s best James Turrell impression. Additional point for the acorn and oak leaf shadows. 8/10
Mixing things up with a neon moment. Man made sparkle. 9/10
The most perfectly lit day of my life. I took dozens of photos chasing it. 100/10
It took me more than 2 years to publish this post. Was it worth it? Hope so! Be back soon.
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