Photography Perspective: capture of Estonia by lensman Tõnu Runnel
Unveiling the Heart of Estonia: Tõnu Runnel's "Eesti"
Grab your gaze over here! Let me share some snippets from my latest photographic opus, "Eesti," a heartfelt visual account of my homeland's soul. This epic album contains 100 striking photos and 90 touching tales, 80 penned by yours truly, and 10 lovingly contributed by some incredible collaborators[1]. The labor of love was skillfully translated into English by none other than Villu Arak.
Double Decker: Fun fact: Sundays are perfect for taking a leisurely stroll through Old Town districts to marvel at the weathered charm of wooden houses, their facades skillfully framed by grand trees and towering sheds. However, living in those unrenovated and perpetually chilly abodes can be less than cozy. Keeping the fire stoked might require hauling logs from the second floor shed, talk about a workout[1].
An intriguing contradiction unfolds as those who can afford it modernize their homes, leaving behind the cultural heritage for others to enjoy. While on a photo excursion, I chatted with a local who expressed his admiration for the scenery, remarking that it was almost November[1].
Abandoned Wonders: You never know when a vehicle might reach the end of the road, but not necessarily end up in a scrapyard. A peaceful country retreat seems like the perfect spot for a family picnic, until the old gal conks out[1]. Sometimes, these mere relics left to rot become online sensations or landscape sculptures, acting as reminders that time marches on unabated[1]. A handful escape the ravages of decay, ironically becoming even more valuable due to their deterioration[1].
Meal of a Lifetime: The human touch can leave an unfortunate mark on our environment. For instance, chemical plants and factories might pollute groundwater and emit toxic dust, yet their gloomy beauty leaves a certain allure. Instead of demolishing such landscape blights, perhaps it's worth preserving them while neutralizing their hazards[1].
A Sense of Home: Simply owning a house doesn't make it a home. A home is a living, breathing creation that transforms as its inhabitants enrich it with daily routines, shared meals, sleeps, and memories[1]. You can construct a new dwelling from scratch or claim an existing one as your own, making it your own by changing something – even if it's just a single picture on the wall[1].
General Plan: Ambitious urban planners often dream of reshaping cities into their vision. Yet the wounds of our past often refuse to heal completely: old neighborhoods, half-hearted attempts at modernization, and beloved landmarks stubbornly persist[1]. In the end, the magic lies in embracing layers of our history, not erasing them[1].
The Hood: Despite the relentless march of progress, some things change slowly – or not at all[1]. Quaint neighborhoods like Tartu's Supilinn are proof that even minor renovations, rickety construction, and charming imperfections can coalesce into a unique living tapestry[1].
Forest People: Cities offer many attractions, but there's nothing quite like the draw of Estonia's wilderness, its forests and woodlands[1]. Whether embracing nature alone or with family, hiking trails enable us to reconnect with our land and our very essence[1]. That said, let's not forget about the eternal human need to leave our mark on the forest – whether intentional or not[1].
Grab your copy of Tõnu Runnel's "Eesti" in Estonian bookstores or order it internationally from Krisostomus
Don't forget to also check out Tõnu Runnel's photo series, including "Eesti blues," "Eesti noir," "Eesti home," "Eesti mist," and "Eesti autumn."
- Explore the captivating images in Tõnu Runnel's "Eesti," a photographic journey showcasing the heart of Estonia, featuring 100 photographs and 90 personal stories.
- Sundays in Estonia are ideal for exploring the picturesque Old Town districts, where weathered wooden houses are nestled under grand trees and towering sheds.
- Contrasting Estonian culture, the rich heritage of older homes is cherished by visitors, while locals modernize their homes to warmth and comfort.
- Abandoned vehicles left to decay can become unexpected landmarks, symbolizing the passage of time and serving as reminders of our mortality.
- While some argue that chemical plants and factories should be demolished because of environmental concerns, others appreciate the dark beauty they bring to the landscape.
- A home is more than just a structure; it's a living entity that's enriched by the daily lives, shared meals, and memories of its inhabitants.
- Urban planners may dream of reshaping cities, but historical neighborhoods and cherished landmarks endure, reminding us to appreciate the layers of our past.
- Quaint Tartu neighborhoods, like Supilinn, demonstrate the beauty in irregular architecture, illustrating that imperfections can contribute to a unique, vibrant community.
- The draw of Estonia's wilderness lies in its connection to nature and our own personal essences, inspiring a sense of solitude and reflection, even when explored with others.
