After exploring for a few years, a sense of calm and ease began to take over. We had made the rounds, we knew where we were. So we could take a deep breath and relax. This week, I’m reflecting on the beautiful peacefulness of the universe we immersed ourselves in. Time almost stood still around us as we sauntered down dark hallways of brick and stone, lit only by our maglight, or by tea-candles. As was the case on one very special occasion.

This week, I’m also reflecting on decay. Multiple times we witnessed the death of beautiful, magnificent places. And so we moved on, thanking the space for the opportunity and time that we had. Everything decays, and changes, and transforms; earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust.

Enjoy 7 new images from the great photographer David Rin. We have a lot in store for the coming months, the completion of a few projects, more blog posts, and a big announcement coming this April/May. Stay tuned.

-Gahein

Eight inches of new snow had fallen overnight, the blizzard continuing long after we’d pulled our chilled, exhausted buts into our temporary motel home. When the drapes were pulled aside, the unfamiliar landscape outside our window was a sight to behold – bright white and a sky so empty and blue there was no question of just how cold a day was waiting for us.

Not that cold was going to keep us in.

After sliding downstairs to enjoy our traditional continental breakfast of muffins, cereal and what may have been an entire pot of coffee, we began pulling our resilient Minnesotan toes into many layers of socks and planning for the next challenge. Spirits were high, cameras were charged and ready and the location was set: Nopeming Sanatorium.

Of course, in true Municipal Heroes fashion, we ended up playing our approach by ear, with little regard to the initial plan. The turn was missed, we spent a bit of time driving in circles, dodging snowplows and abusing Google Maps’ good name. Soon enough, though, after retracing most of our tracks, we were finally looking up at Nopeming itself. Or ‘No Pain,’ as it was now so affectionately named.

From the warm safety of the running vehicle, we surveyed the scene. This was one building that, if we hadn’t already known of its vacancy, would be easy to mistake as active. Of course, we knew better. No Pain was ours. (more…)

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Over the past 4 years, MH has gone through numerous transformations as we’ve learned our strengths and our weaknesses as photographers, writers and artists. Our story is one of growth and learning. Every adventure is special because it offers us new challenges with our art, how to capture a feeling, an idea, a mood, in a photograph, or more.

For these last few months of 2011, we’re going to take a final look back at what we’ve accomplished, and share the story of how we came to be with you. Until the end of September, we will be re-releasing the best of the old photos from our arsenal. Then, on October 1st, the revised story of The Glorious Cranefields, will be released. Rin and Thalia are away for a while, however Gahein will be releasing videos, and Averna has new photos to share as the year progresses. Whether greatness or our demise lies in the shadows, we do not know. We are just humble explorers, sometimes seeking excitement where others might not, looking danger in the eyes while taking two steps into the darkness, on the adventure of our lifetimes. Will you join us?