Wednesday 10 August 2011

Sisters of Sclerder

"Sisters of Sclerder" is a photography project bringing together my long- term interest in every day life and spirituality. During this project I worked closely with the Sisters of a Carmelite Monastery in Cornwall. The Carmelite order is one of the oldest and strictest among the female contemplative orders. Sclerder Abbey is an enclosed monastery where outsiders are allowed only on rare occasions. Apart from the two recreation times the sisters spend their day in prayer and working in silence, only talking when it is necessary.

My work explores monastic life as an alternative way of living at the beginning of the 21st century in Britain. As our contemporary society is driven by materialism and is ever more homogenised, it is increasingly challenging to find alternative, more spiritual lifestyles. The Nuns take vows of obedience, poverty and chastity and dedicate their life to live in unity with God and to pray for the world. As a community their simple but strict lifestyle allows them to seek harmony and happiness.

As a photographer I was aiming to be non judgmental and my project reflects my personal view of how I saw the Sisters and their life during my visits.






























21 comments:

  1. Great project. Love the 'Jesus' pic

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  2. szépek a csendéletek ...no meg a többi is :-)

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  3. Beautiful project, peaceful images. I really get a sense of place with these images.

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  4. This is excellent (seen via Featureshoot)

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  5. These are gorgeous photos! Do you have prints for sale?

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    1. I have prints for sale please e-mail me and I can send you a price list. Thank you for your interest.

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    2. Forgot to give you my e-mail address. It is ibolya.feher@gmail.com Looking forward to hear from you.

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  6. It is a very nice job . Congratulations!

    Regards of Bogotá, Colombia!

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  7. Beautiful pics! Reflejan un ambiente de paz, sencillez y profundidad, felicidades!

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  8. Un saludo sincero desde Cocorote, Venezuela. Cerca de mi hogar, existe un convento de las Hermanas Carmelitas. No hace mucho hice un retiro espiritual junto a mi esposa y en tres días no vimos a ninguna de las hermanas. A pesar de ello, disfrutamos de lo hermoso que mantienen el convento. Felicidades por tus bellas fotografías

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    1. Thank you Elier. I am happy that you like my photographs.

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  9. Fotos muy buenas e interesantes...

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  10. I see peace on their faces. Hard to bring that peace to my materialistic routine. Your work is beautiful. Regards from São Paulo, Brazil.

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    1. Thank you Doug for you nice words. I am glad if the photos can bring some peace into our lifes.

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  11. I read that Post and got it fine and informative. Please share more like that...
    mike and tom

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    1. Thank you for your nice comment Mike and Tom. I am working on a new long term project at the moment it is called East Street Tales and hoping to post more often in the future. In the meantime if you like please take a look at my website http://ibolyafeher.com where you can see more of my work and please don't forget to check back here.

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