Over-thinking Aristotle! ;o)

For the Macro Mondays challenge “Four Elements” (May 6th 2019)

 

It sounded easy - choose one or more of Aristotle's 4 elements, earth, air, fire, and water and represent it in a macro using the 3" size maximum.

I wanted to try Earth, and found myself questioning just what Aristotle included. Just earth and rocks (geological elements) or is it everything that is made of what we think of as 'matter'? All plants, trees, animals ... the entire flora and fauna of the planet? Including everything that lives in the sea (water) ....? I found myself online chasing through philosophical and scientific debates and texts. Fascinating, but maybe not helpful for my photographic choices!

 

I started off wanting to use sea-sand as it is beautiful and sparkles under the Macro gaze. It fits neatly, as it is derived from rocks, and acted on by water to produce the fine granules. So one, maybe two elements represented there? But then I added a sea-shell, to give more shape and texture to the image. OK I'd call it Earth, but might it be water-based? Maybe I am over-thinking Aristotle ;o)

(Size guide shot in the first comment field)

Light flare: 2 Lil Owls

Happy Aristotelian Macro Monday!

 

My 2019 Macro Mondays set: Here

and previous years of the challenge:

My 2018 set: 2018 Macro Mondays

My 2017 set: 2017 Macro Mondays

My 2016 set: 2016 Macro Mondays

My 2015 set: 2015 Macro Mondays

My 2014 set: 2014 Macro Mondays

My 2013 set: 2013 Macro Mondays

Done