Everywhere I take my camera, I usually go out of my way to take pictures of fountains, even though I almost never display them here. Here are some that I stumbled upon.
A pseudo-natural fountain in Clayton
In many languages, but not English, the words for 'fountain' and 'spring' are the same. An artificial fountain is an imitation of the same kind of mystery of water flowing out of solid rock. Some fountains, like this one, attempt to imitate nature in its form.
New Town Saint Charles
Westport Plaza
Kirkwood
Creve Coeur
Ernest Trova statue.
There are plenty of classically-inspired fountains in the area, but I haven't made a trip to visit them.
Westgate apartments, Creve Coeur.
There is apparently no rational, scientific reason for fountains. They waste energy by uselessly moving water and by their unneeded electric lighting. They are noisy, and they get things wet, potentially causing water damage, or are a danger when walking surfaces get wet and slippery. They aren't practical and do not generate a profit. Fountains are playthings of the ruling class and not of the oppressed workers. But all such considerations show a lack of humanity.
Fountains are a delight to see, to hear, and to feel. Ask anyone, of any culture. Read your history; for our ancestors loved fountains, too. They cause pleasure, and pleasure is an end in itself; and unlike many other pleasures, this one is innocent.
Indeed, constructing a fountain is an act of charity, and is a generous use of resources for the free delight of others.
Outside of a new restaurant. I was not the only one photographing this fountain.
Brentwood. The tungsten lighting on these fountains make them appear, to the camera, as tongues of fire.
Richmond Heights. Smoothly-flowing water can look like glass; while long camera exposure times can make water appear to be mist.
Municipal Opera.
The recently beautified Grand Basin, of classical design, at the foot of Art Hill in Forest Park. From this point, the Saint Louis Art Museum and the statue of Saint Louis IX look out.
Chase Park Plaza
This fountain in Maryland Plaza is new and delightful. It was made by WET Design, a company that specializes in technologically advanced fountain design. The sprays of water are computer controlled, programmed by professional choreographers. It is a beauty and pleasure to behold. This use of technology, to delight and amaze, is in the spirit of Athanasius Kircher and Saint Albert the Great, churchmen and inventors.
A natural fountain, Kiefer Creek Spring, at the base of a bluff.
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