As a child, I collected rocks and butterflies and stamps. Part of the fun of collecting was learning to arrange the items to display them attractively and scientifically. For example, in my butterfly collection I used thin pins that pierced the insect as well as a tiny cardboard square labeled with India ink. The collection as a whole was simply beautiful to my eyes.

I lost the collecting urge later in life. But in this photograph I decided to create an ephemeral collection that lasted only for the few hours needed to make the photograph. I gathered the most beautiful stones I could find on a Lake Superior beach, then arranged them as a collector might; I had to keep them wet and control the lighting as best I could in the field. Now this is my favorite collection.

Lee Rentz

lee@leerentz.com