I'm the mountain, rising high.

One of these playgrounds is called “The Land”.

The Land is an “adventure playground,” although that term is maybe a little too reminiscent of theme parks to capture the vibe. In the U.K., such playgrounds arose and became popular in the 1940s, as a result of the efforts of Lady Marjory Allen of Hurtwood, a landscape architect and children’s advocate. Allen was disappointed by what she described in a documentary as “asphalt square” playgrounds with “a few pieces of mechanical equipment.” She wanted to design playgrounds with loose parts that kids could move around and manipulate, to create their own makeshift structures. But more important, she wanted to encourage a “free and permissive atmosphere” with as little adult supervision as possible. The idea was that kids should face what to them seem like “really dangerous risks” and then conquer them alone. That, she said, is what builds self-confidence and courage.

A documentary called The Land premiered at the 2015 Full Frame Documentary Film Festival: [x]

Photo Manipulations by Ellen Jantzen

Ellen Jantzen was born and raised in St. Louis Missouri. Her first college degree was in graphic arts. In 1992, after a move to LA California, she graduated The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising with an advanced degree in fashion. She worked for several years at Mattel Toy Company, but became disillusioned with the corporate world and longed for a more creative outlet. 

Having been trained in computer design, she set about to learn Photoshop. As digital technology advanced and cameras were producing an excellent resolution, she found her perfect medium. It was a true confluence of technical advancements and creative desire that culminated in her current explorations in the photo-inspired art using both a camera to capture images and a computer to alter and manipulate the pieces. Her Twitter.

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LIKE ALL AROUND THIS BIRD IS SO RIDICULOUS