Vrouwen vermalen graan te Nazareth 1905

This small stereo card, "Women Grinding Grain in Nazareth," probably made with a camera by an anonymous photographer, gives me a sense of looking into the past. It makes me think about the daily grind, literally. I can almost feel the weight and texture of the millstone, and the repetitive motion of grinding grain. What were these women thinking as they performed their chores? Did they feel pride, resentment, or simply a sense of duty? I want to see this scene in color. I can't help but wonder about the photographer, too. What was their intention in capturing this scene? Were they documenting a way of life, or perhaps seeking to exoticize the East for a Western audience? Maybe they were just interested in the shapes. It’s interesting how we look at the work of others and use it as a jumping off point for our own creative work. Art is all about conversation. I'm inspired.