Imagery: Perspective of Photographer Tõnu Runnel on "Eesti"
Curated Wanderings Around Estonia: A Photographer's Love Letter to His Land
Grab a peek at my latest opus, "Eesti," a visual exploration of my homeland captured through the lens of my camera. This book encompasses 100 stunning photos paired with 90 enthralling tales - 80 penned by me, 10 beautifully contributed by my collaborators. I owe the English translation to none other than Villu Arak.
The Wooden Wonderland: Strolling through the old districts, you'll find Grandfather's old houses standing proud, with their weathered facades and oversized sheds, now safeguarded as heritage sites while being replaced by contemporary replicas in homes. You haven't truly experienced hardship until you're stuck filling a rickety stove with firewood from the top floor of a vintage shed. Those who can afford it upgrade to central heating, looking past those antiquated sheds from their gleaming windows.
One day, as I snapped a picture, a neighbor popped out, eyeing the golden maple in the yard. "Stunning autumn scenery you've got here!" I exclaimed. He grinned wryly, "It's November, you know."
The Unplanned Escape: When a vehicle bites the dust, it doesn't always end up in the scrapyard. Sometimes, a family trip to the countryside home goes wrong, stranding a car in the roadside grass. These behemoths languish for years, never getting towed away, particularly in Southern Estonia where they transform into strange landscapes dotted with forgotten automobiles. With a bit of luck, they might be resurrected before nature reclaims them completely.
Now and then, these relics become outdoor sculptures, their charm growing with time. A lucky few find new life, but many end up serving as seaside sentinels on Estonia's picturesque islands.
The Bold Bites: Harmful industrial landscapes can be a macabre delight with their toxic dust and tainted groundwater, yet they deserve preservation. Their visual allure is undeniable, and with proper precautions, we can enjoy them safely. Ida-Virumaa's ravaged terrain has already been conserved for future generations to appreciate. As our hunger for pristine aesthetics continues, let us preserve and neutralize these polluted areas.
Sometimes, our cleanliness standards blind us to the beauty that lies in a messy world.
The Roots of Home: You can buy a house, but it takes time and love to make it a home. Cook in the kitchen, relax in the living room, and share laughter with friends. A home is forged not only through repairs and upgrades but simply by living within its walls.
From the ground up to tenant transformation, it takes a bit of effort to create a home, with a dash of personal touch. Despite unpolished corners or dilapidated conditions, a home can be comfortable and soulful, providing refuge and nurturing warm memories.
The Urban Patchwork: Plans to revitalize Estonia's capital may arise occasionally, giving rise to ambitious blueprints for growth and progress. Yet, these plans often fall short, struggling to secure funding and support to completely overhaul entire districts. Incomplete urban transformations leave remnants of the past, providing a unique blend of architectural styles that makes Estonia's cities vibrant and unique.
The past and present mingle harmoniously, with each new era adding a layer to our rich tapestry. Time marches on, but our ancient roots remain, enriching our urban landscapes and telling stories of the people who call them home.
The Rustic Neighborhood: Despite the efforts of city officials and residents, some areas maintain their quirky charm. Rawness thrives with houses patched together, gardens crammed between buildings, and the occasional oddball on the roof.
Tactful restoration adds character and gleam to these neighborhoods while leaving room for charmingly imperfect charm. As we continue to nurture each house's soul, the essence of our homeland lives on.
Get your copy of Tõnu Runnel's "Eesti" at local bookstores, or order internationally from Krisostomus.
Discover more of Tõnu Runnel's work, such as his series "Eesti blues," "Eesti noir," "Eesti home," "Eesti mist," and "Eesti autumn."**
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- Tõnu Runnel's latest book, "Eesti," offers a visual journey through the life and culture of Estonia, presented through 100 captivating photos and 90 compelling stories.
- Old wooden houses in Estonia's districts, with their worn facades and oversized sheds, serve as reminders of the past as contemporary replicas take their place in modern homes.
- While some appreciate the vintage charm of antiquated sheds, many prefer the convenience of central heating and overlook those structures from their contemporary windows.
- One could say that the essence of a home is not just the structure, but the experiences shared within it - the cooking, the relaxing, and the laughter with friends.
- Incomplete urban transformations in Estonia's cities result in a unique blend of architectural styles, creating vibrant and distinctive urban landscapes.
- Tõnu Runnel's work includes photographic series like "Eesti blues," "Eesti noir," "Eesti home," "Eesti mist," and "Eesti autumn," showcasing different aspects of Estonian life, culture, and landscape.
- The ravaged terrain of Ida-Virumaa, despite its macabre appeal, remains preserved for future generations to appreciate and find beauty within.
- The unfinished restoration of certain neighborhoods preserves the quirky charm of Estonia, with houses patched together, gardens nestled between buildings, and oddities on rooftops, adding character and echoing the soul of the Estonian people.
