The Challenge of True Solitude

“You have to be at peace with the fact that something might happen, and you might not make it through,” says Alexandra de Steiguer, the caretaker for the Oceanic Hotel, in Brian Bolster’s short documentary, "Winter’s Watch." De Steiguer has spent the past 19 winters tending to the 43-acre grounds of the hotel, on Star Island, which sits 10 miles off the coast of New England. In the long, wintry off-season, she is the island’s sole inhabitant.

[mtadams]

The difference between solitude and loneliness is a state of mind.

[LosslessCreative]

ive never seen a doc shot only with stationary shots, it was actually interesting and added to the "still and isolation" feel to the film. great work

[theodoreroosevelt]

This moved me. I think life is beautifully sad and it tears me up. I always thought of solitude as a great space for imagination and exploration. And then one day I’ve met someone who was better than my solitude but who I couldn’t be with. My solitude then turned into an eternal loneliness.

[FerEste]

This documentary really touched me as someone who’s divided about solitude. I enjoyed it, and often need it, but it has made me suffer many times. Beautifully shot, elegantly edited. Documentaries like this one are hard to come across in places like YouTube.

[FelixCulpa]

And if you look real close shes in one of the ballroom photos from the 20's

[jellyfish]

Solitude is many people’s fear including mine. I would like to accept the fact that I might end up being alone, without having any fear. This video is really inspiring and helpful.

[donshaffer]

I watch this about every six months. Each time I view it, I find another perspective I had not heard before.

[Wildopal]

When she needs to pass on her duty as a caretaker, I’m open. I’d love to be out there alone. This is a dream for me

[proximacentaur]

To Brian and the team. Thank you for creating such a considered and poised work. I particularly liked how and when you show the first close shot of her face, how you discreetly weave her presence through longer sequences of shots of the hotel interior and landscape, the sense of the space and of her dignity that you have conveyed. It gave me a moment of that peace.

[northerniltree]

I didn't start out as, but have become a solitary man. I find no shame or hindrance in it, and am quite loathe to relinquish it.
It has become a journey to not better understand mankind, but myself. Thank you for your post, it's appreciated!

[simply]

Loneliness - overthinking
Solitude - decision
Isolation - prevention

[gregspook]

I love the old school photography and retouch brush... that is a talent long forgotten in the digital age

[jonlouis]

Dream come true, spending my days being quiet, spotting photographs...What a lovely Woman. Great short film.

[davidliddle]

As a social phobic/ agoraphobic, the struggle of solitude can be overwhelming its documentaries like this that contain new perspectives on how to view the world in which I exist. Thank you. P.S. I love photographs There was a time that photography once consumed me.

[anttam]

God bless this woman. I hope to have a job like this one day....

[hori]

If there was a piano in that place I would spend my time learning all of Bach's Goldberg Variations. Technology has made it difficult for us to sit quietly. People fidget without their devices. I especially loved her comments about how the buildings themselves have been witnesses to all that has come and gone...

[FBall-imui]

My sister lived in Portsmouth and I visited every summer for years having come from Montreal it was a thrill to be by the ocean. I was a loner and traveled up and down the coast to Maine and Mass, and only longed to go to Star Island, never made it unfortunately. Only heard some stories. Love her photography, well done!

[simondelaney]

All my best ideas come when I’m alone and I get things done.
When I’m around people I can’t think and I get nothing done.
Also when I’m alone I can plan my next move.

[AdamChandler]

I've lived in New Hampshire for 7 years. Putting this place on my list next Summer. Stay warm, Alexandra. Thank you!

[ticnatz]

I almost completely admire this level of solitude. As others have said, there's a distinct difference between solitude & loneliness. I would so bury myself in photography there. Job well done....