One of my visual interests is the ways that people and nature interact.
Sometimes this 'interacting' is not necessarily done deliberately by people but by me juxtaposing one disparate item with another seemingly unconnected item, to create something that I hope will be far more than the sum of its parts (depending on your taste of course!).
In this instance I'd spotted the palm frond graffiti but realized that if I moved around and found a particular point to view from, (under a bush in fact) the palm frond and bushes way behind could be aligned in a rather fortuitous and symbolic way, which it was obvious from the circumstances was not the intent of the artist, as the graffiti is a continuation of a much larger piece on the wall around the corner, and this smaller part a simple visual/painterly stunt.
This is a hotel complex that meant a chunk of lovely coastal habitat was destroyed, but the hotel failed and is now derelict and being slowly eaten by time and the ravages of coastal storms. My attempt was to marry the graffiti with the encroaching environment around it and say something about the situation and the way nature returns and takes back, given the opportunity.
I know this kind of stuff is not to everyone's taste, but I enjoy the challenge. Anyway this is way too many words for such a small picture so I'll shut up.
Interesting shot, I'd be interested to see what it looked like in colour. I'm guessing that would destroy the link between the wall and the trees. It's not every day you see 'nature' graffiti.
I think the crack in the the wall where the frond begins is pretty important otherwise it would look too sterile a connection.
Interesting shot, I'd be interested to see what it looked like in colour. I'm guessing that would destroy the link between the wall and the trees. It's not every day you see 'nature' graffiti.
I think the crack in the the wall where the frond begins is pretty important otherwise it would look too sterile a connection.
Chris
Posted by Dawn Monrose on March 31, 2009 at 3:08 PM
Great shot, I really like this! Excellent composition, well seen and taken. Course I can't really say without seeing, but I think I'd prefer this black and white version to a colour version, as the black and white gives a stronger visual impact and 'graphic-ness' to the shot.
A touch of the Cartier-Bresson about this John, not is a 'decisive moment' way, more in the sense of the ability to 'see' something others would not. Well observed and composed. Doubtless, it won't be to everyones taste but that's not the point is it? One man's graffiti is another man's art.
The space, left, looks a little empty - a few sheep perhaps?
Posted by Mark Hamblin on April 1, 2009 at 7:37 AM
Well seen John. Pushing the visual boundaries and the art of seeing and much to be admired.
Posted by David Taylor on April 1, 2009 at 9:13 AM
Yes, very well seen and taken. I would like to see a colour version, as well. You have very similar artistic tastes IMHO to one of my favourite Sigma camera photographers. See
Discussion
7 repliesSometimes this 'interacting' is not necessarily done deliberately by people but by me juxtaposing one disparate item with another seemingly unconnected item, to create something that I hope will be far more than the sum of its parts (depending on your taste of course!).
In this instance I'd spotted the palm frond graffiti but realized that if I moved around and found a particular point to view from, (under a bush in fact) the palm frond and bushes way behind could be aligned in a rather fortuitous and symbolic way, which it was obvious from the circumstances was not the intent of the artist, as the graffiti is a continuation of a much larger piece on the wall around the corner, and this smaller part a simple visual/painterly stunt.
This is a hotel complex that meant a chunk of lovely coastal habitat was destroyed, but the hotel failed and is now derelict and being slowly eaten by time and the ravages of coastal storms. My attempt was to marry the graffiti with the encroaching environment around it and say something about the situation and the way nature returns and takes back, given the opportunity.
I know this kind of stuff is not to everyone's taste, but I enjoy the challenge. Anyway this is way too many words for such a small picture so I'll shut up.
EOS1DsMk2, 35-350 Canon zoom @ 40mm, 1/90th @ f8, desaturated in PS, contrast increased.
Interesting shot, I'd be interested to see what it looked like in colour. I'm guessing that would destroy the link between the wall and the trees. It's not every day you see 'nature' graffiti.
I think the crack in the the wall where the frond begins is pretty important otherwise it would look too sterile a connection.
Chris
Interesting shot, I'd be interested to see what it looked like in colour. I'm guessing that would destroy the link between the wall and the trees. It's not every day you see 'nature' graffiti.
I think the crack in the the wall where the frond begins is pretty important otherwise it would look too sterile a connection.
Chris
Good stuff!
The space, left, looks a little empty - a few sheep perhaps?
Cheers,
Chris
http://www.pbase.com/ianvermeer/root