Last weekend, twelve of us came together on Star Island, ten miles off the New Hampshire/Maine coast, in the Atlantic Ocean. We explored this place built on rock (only 40 acres) and experienced its essence. We paused, focused, and connected, each in our own way. Here are some of the qualities I/we discovered.
Simplicity
Star Island is managed by the Star Island Corporation, a collaboration between the Unitarian Church and the United Church of Christ. There are religious undertones, yet all are welcome. Simplicity comes across as a core value here.
Being on an island, everything has to either come from the island or be brought there by boat. Rooms are spare and adequate. Meals are homemade and served family style. Water and energy are conserved and some food is grown on the island. Simple pleasures are encouraged.
Containment
An island is the perfect place for contemplation, especially one of this size. The entire island can be walked in less than a day. Then, what to do? Well, we learned to sit awhile, to sketch and write and to see more deeply. It’s amazing what we can see when we take the time to pause. Constraints and containment are seedbeds for creativity.
Contrasts
Star Island is a place of wild beauty. As contemplative photographers, we had to be careful not to fixate on the beauty, but to see the place as a whole. Contrasts are found in everything and everyone.
We noted the contrasts between rocks and sea, sea and sky, past and present, winter and summer, old and new, light and shadow. The sea can be calming at times; dangerous at others. While we didn’t experience a storm during our stay, I imagine they can be fierce. During the summer, the climate is warm and the place full of people. Behind the fun and frivolity, there is hard work being done to welcome visitors, keep the place clean, and provide food, entertainment and knowledge.
Winters can be harsh. We were lucky to hear a talk by photographer Alexandra de Steiguer, the winter caretaker on the island. She stays there by herself (mostly) from November through April, with only the wildlife, land, and sea for company. Her images and reflections, recently compiled into a book, Small Island, Big Picture, are stunning.
Spontaneous Joy
The atmosphere on Star Island is one of spontaneous joy. We saw early morning dips in the ocean, musical groups coming together on the porch, and games being played in the lobby and outside. I even saw a couple of staff members dancing in the dining hall between the preparation of meals. There’s a lot of laughter. In the image above, a couple in the gazebo danced at sunset.
The Enormity of Time
“The unexplainable thing in nature that makes me feel the world is big— far beyond my understanding—[I attempt] to understand, maybe, by trying to put it into form [and] to find the feeling of infinity on the horizon or just over the next hill.” ~ Georgia O’Keefe, New World Encyclopedia
Alexandra de Steiguer spoke of her photography philosophy, “to hint at vast perspective in small ways.” We talked about Star Island being a “thin place,” where heaven and earth seem awfully close. We felt the enormity of time.
So many things, from old gravestones to rusted anchors, and the rocks, spoke of the history of this place. Preserving this history is a mission of the Star Island Corporation. The Vaughan Cottage Museum houses an extensive library of books and photographs, as well as artifacts discovered on the island, dating back to Indian inhabitation 6,000 years ago. But, you can see the history in the rocks, the buildings, and the boats.
Learn more about the history of the island here.
The Wind Element
Alexandra de Steiguer writes, “Reaching clear and unbroken over miles of empty oceans, the wind is the shaping force that leaves its trace upon the old buildings, twisted shrubs and long grasses that stand bare against a winter sky.”
We certainly experienced the strong winds on one day of our stay, which allowed me to get this image of blowing laundry on the line. Although we can’t see wind, the evidence of its shaping force is everywhere.
Being together in a workshop is a reminder that we all see differently. Each of us sees a piece of the puzzle and, I believe, it’s our responsibility to share what we see. The video we created together provides a more complete picture than any one of us could have alone.
While I’m only just back from Star Island, I know that it’s effects will continue to linger for quite some time. And, I’m quite sure I will go back. Co-facilitator Patricia Turner and participant Carol Albers also wrote about their experience at Star Island.
It sounds magical! And, I can feel the sense of place from your photos and your words.
Star Island, what a wonderful place and I love the name! I enjoyed looking at all your links, including the video and really love your first photo of the window with the lace curtains and the rolled towels… such a lovely glimpse of the outside green too. I can really feel the wind in the blowing and flapping washing!
Thank you, Sandra. I wish you could have been there.
What a wondrous experience!
Yes, it was.
I was fortunate enough to participate. Loved the island, Loved the experience, Loved Kim and Patricia, and all of my fellow journeyers! Feeling peaceful and grateful!
As it should be!
I was so disappointed that I wasn’t able to make it to this workshop – it looks just my speed. I loved the slide show and how wonderful to see how everyone saw the island individually. It shows just how unique each of our “seeing” really is.
Yes, for sure. I hope you can make it next time.
Oh, and I forgot to say how much I love the laundry on the line.
The slide show was a great idea…I loved seeing all the different visions and impressions. I also so enjoyed seeing your images pop up on Flickr and I dream of being part of this in the future.
Oh, that would be so great, Sherry.
You’ve summarized the essence of Star Island so beautifully, Kim. I’m so glad you took “the road less traveled” on your way back. It is one of my favorite drives through New England.
I loved your part of the country, Patricia.
What a memorable event. I, too, almost feel like the experience was mine based soley on the exploration of the links you’ve provided. Thank you for sharing this moment in time. The photographs were all powerful – I loved how similar scenes presented differently with each photographer. I also love Patricia’s captioned photos on her blog site. The all of this really spoke to my contemplative nature and the wanderer in my heart.
Wish you could’ve been there, Sally. Maybe next year?
Thank you for sharing your time and expertise in this inspiring blog, Kim! i always enjoy your work, both written and photographed.
Ah, thanks Janet. Miss seeing your beautiful face.
The slide show is wonderful, I almost was there through it! We are experiencing a “medical-centric” time in our family, and these pictures offer such rest. Thanks to all the artists for sharing the essence of this magical place.
So true, there’s a time for everything. I’m glad the slideshow provided you with some rest, Candy.
What a lovely, lovely magical time the 12 of you spent together. Someday I hope to join you on one of your “in person” workshops
Kim, the video was great, and so are your photos of the weekend. If you do it again, I plan to be there. I was sorry to miss it.
Looks like a great time! Sorry the transportation issues didn’t work in my favor!
Robin, I’m sorry you weren’t there either. Now that I’ve seen how it works, I know that it’s not easy to get to and from Star Island! The ferry works according to the conference schedules. I hope to go back and maybe you’ll be able to join us then.
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful! I know my friend Carol got a lot out of this experience and I can tell everybody else did, too. Carol told me about your upcoming retreat in KY but I’m doing so much traveling this fall, I just don’t feel I can emotionally or physically fit in another trip. I’m just home from a whirlwind trip to PA and leave again Friday for a Canada/New England cruise. I’m hoping that marvelous change of pace will open my heart and mind to some contemplation because right now my mind and heart are unsettled. I will catch one of your retreats … maybe next year in KY!