Several blog posts ago I shared my interest in the old classic muscle cars. But did you know I also like to photograph old, abandoned and rusty junk yard cars? Finding rusty, broken down cars and trucks are a treat. They crop up in the oddest places! Many photographers love to photograph these gems. Why you might ask? They are rusty and old and broken down. Loaded with textures and beautiful lines, each individual car has its own story to tell. In my circle of photography peeps we call this wabi-sabi.
Author Taro Gold writes that “wabi-sabi nurtures all that is authentic by acknowledging three simple realities: nothing lasts, nothing is finished, and nothing is perfect.”
I have read that wabi-sabi loosely translated is the beauty of the worn out or broken down and just left to rust. In other words anything that has the patina of age.
The best place to find these old beauties is located in White, GA. I have been there several times. Old Car City contains the worlds largest known classic car junkyard. With over 34 acres and over 4000 American-made cars from the 20th century you can spend several days exploring rows and rows of vehicles. https://www.oldcarcityusa.com/
Even though these cars and trucks are past their prime, they still provide much joy to many people. Visitors pay a modest fee to enter the yard. If you just want to walk through and not take a camera the fee is $10.00 ($20.00 with a camera) appreciate them for their beauty and their purpose-fullness in earlier times. These cars remind me of the quiet, slower generation that came before me.
Car emblems on a backdrop of rust and peeling paint are unique and one of a kind vignette. I would like to go back to Old Car City and limit my images to just car emblems but it is hard to keep such a narrow focus.
As I get older, I tend to think of myself like an old car. Made well and I just keep going!We recently purchased a 1995 GeoTracker which is still running great after 28 years. Out west they are considered collectible because they are used for off roading and seem too hold up pretty well. We have heard they were made as throw away cars but that has not been the case. If you take care of them they just keep going! I am just getting better with time but eventually time will catch up with me and I will be considered worn-out and broken. The bible says, “Wisdom belongs to the aged, and understanding to the old,” Job 12:12. God will never abandon you, and He will work tirelessly to help you grow in the image of the Lord. His work is never done as long as you are on earth. Philippians 1:6 reminds us of God’s plans, stating, “For I am sure of this very thing, that the one who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” https://www.bethesdaseniorliving.com/blog/what-scripture-says-about-aging-in-grace-wisdom
I am thankful that I have a loving Creator who will love me always!
Old rusty and abandoned cars can be found anywhere! You just have keep on the lookout!
More images below.
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