Category: Self Expression

Beauty and its beholders

Heading north on Lake Dr., approaching Capital Dr., I notice, for the second time, a newly installed sculpture in Atwater Park. This time I stop to have a closer look. Approaching the transparent human form, by internationally known artist Jaume Plensa, I’m immediately hooked into the visual elements of both the metal and its surroundings. The Leica moves to my eye.

(click images for larger views)

A young mother, with two children, also appeared, drawn to this installation. They speak quietly about what they see. The little girl attempts to find the letters of her name within the figure.

A truly beautiful, warm, fall day
to experience the powerful presence of this great lake;
these metal sans serif letters loosely describing a contemplative human figure;
and this lovely mother with her children.

Did the camera capture these simple, peaceful thoughts along with my nonverbal feelings? Later, looking at the images on the computer, I think, “maybe.”

So I began writing this post by googling to find the name of the sculptor; only to find this depressingly, negative review of the Atwater installation; complete with absolutely horrible photographs. I agree with the critic, Mary Louise Schumacher, about the frumpy poured concrete base; the rest of her critique – not at all. It seems neither she nor her photographer could see or properly feel this particular intersection of art, lake-scape and humanity. Yet, thankfully, this work, titled Spillover II now exists there for we who care to experience and enjoy it.

Leica M8, 75 mm Summilux and 28 mm Summicron

Awakened by the light

Grinding coffee beans, barely awake;
I turn my head slightly left to look out the window,
and see one ivy leaf glowing; backlit by the morning sun.

(click images for larger view)

Always checking to see what the world may look like in black and white.

I’m often startled; especially when I discover my self in the mirror of my subjects.

M8, 65 Elmar on Visoflex

Real love loves reality

Our parents’ ashes
rest in that great chalice, Lake
Michigan, reflected

now in my dear sister’s Shades

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M8, 50 mm Summilux Asph

Jean-Luc Godard said, “When you photograph a face, you photograph the soul behind it.” Can this be true? Some times; perhaps.

Lovers at the edge

how differently
we each perceive moments which
modify our lives

9/11

(click images for larger view)

Leica M8, 65 mm Elmar, Visoflex III with Right Angle Finder

Right angle viewfinders, on both the Visoflex and R8, present me with both a fresh point of view and an unobtrusive, candid approach. And we all need fresh points of view.

When the light, lines, forms and tones beckon

When a photographer sits down with a cup of coffee, and sees light, lines, forms and tones come together in harmony with the focal length of the lens on the camera, and distance from the subject, it’s awfully difficult not to raise the courage and the camera to capture the image.

(click images for larger view)

Even when caught by the stranger’s eyes; I attempt, with my own expression, to communicate, “Oh well. I simply had to because I knew the scene would look so very beautiful as a photograph. Trust me.”

Leica M8, 50 mm Summilux asph