Counterbalance Demonstration

Delicate stone balance always involves a VERY fine, but definite line between collective equilibrium and collapse.. The smallest breezes will often blow many formations to the ground… However, many people are quite surprised when I report formations to last multiple days… Although delicate, the balance, if undisturbed is as strong as the rocks themselves.  Inertia will often allow them to remain for seemingly impossible amounts of time…

Here is a simple Counterbalance I made the other day along with another recording of its creation. My goal in recording these helmet cam POV videos is to create a learning resource for others.  From the edge of the creek, spectators do not see as much of the detailed adjustments I am making… They might more likely perceive a motionless Michael Grab holding rocks in a cold creek..  having a camera angle literally hanging in front of my nose makes a valuable tool for observing the finer details with difficult techniques like counterbalance or point balance.  It also provides an excellent glimpse into the patience and persistence that balancing demands.

Video Music:

Buck UK – Once (Essay‘s Ambstep Mix)

This song is one of a nearly infinite library of inspirational music I DJ with from time to time… Often I will have similar music “stuck” in my head while out balancing in the creek.. Bliss.. :)

Although the balance is simple, it is still beautiful in its simplicity. I chose the rocks mostly based on the shapes. They groove with one another. I didn’t really examine the rocks for the last balance point this time… It is slightly harder to examine for balance points with a camera in my face… This instance, and most other balance instances exemplify how feeling trumps sight in order to triangulate the balance.

“Nothing is more honorable than a grateful heart.” ~ Seneca