As the tall sandstone monuments surrounded me, deep below ground level, the smaller and more meaningless I felt. Descending into a canyon has a secluding effect on the mind. Walking through its narrow spaces, the unexpected meets the eye and suddenly there is ever more to see! The unparallelled awesomeness and perpetual effect of wind and water sculpting this never-ending piece of nature unfolds. It is a humbling sight that broadens our perception.

Mesmerized by such millennial works of art, one can only hope to capture small glimpses of it. Tight crops and removing colour translates specific impressions into simple arrangments of line, shape and tone within the frame. Indulging a minimalistic approach brings us closer to our basics needs. Instinct drew me to compose images that communicate a sense of decline and sadness, taking over as I began to wonder about the fate of the earth. For how much longer will people still be able to visit exceptional places like this?

It's a dark thought and maybe over exaggerated, but as I was photographing something that took shape some 70 million years ago (and knowing the scepticism on climate change also surrounding me in the United States) I couldn’t help but wonder what more could nature do to convince us of its uniqueness and its fragility.
Besides all that we take for granted, if on top of that experiencing extraordinary places is not enough, then what is?

Francesco Carovillano
francescocarovillano.com