Weekly Challenge

Lens-Artists Challenge #257 – Simplicity

/ Leya / 78 kommentarer

Mr Philo of Philosophy Through Photography is our most welcome guest host this week, and he calls for Simplicity:

”I considered selecting simplicity since the modern world is so stressful and chaotic that we are losing the fundamental clarity and simplicity that allow us to concentrate on what is really important.” Please visit his site for more inspiration!

Hopefully this post will tell you why I too believe we need more simplicity.

As I grew older, I realized that it was much better to insist on the genuine forms of nature, for simplicity is the greatest adornment of art.

— Albrecht Durer

Simplicity can be reflected in so many ways…here are a few:

I have just three things to teach: simplicity, patience, compassion. These three are your greatest treasures.

— Lao Tzu

Nature is pleased with simplicity.

— Isaac Newton

Enjoy the little things,

– for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.

— Robert Brault

Beauty of style and harmony and grace and good rhythm depend on simplicity.

– Plato

Everything is both simpler than we can imagine, and more complicated that we can conceive.

– Goethe

Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.

– Confucius

Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.

— Leonardo da Vinci

We are looking forward to seeing your Simplicity posts, and remember to link to Philo’s original post and use the Lens-Artists tag.

Sincere thanks to Ritva Sillanmäki for hosting last week’s Inspiration Found In The Kitchen, a challenge with immensely creative answers! Thank you for sharing your talent and passion with us.

Next week, Dawn Miller of The Day After will be hosting LAPC # – 258 Fences. And, if you would like to participate weekly in our Lens-Artists challenge, click here for more information.

Lens-Artists Challenge #256… – Inspiration found in the Kitchen

/ Leya / 55 kommentarer

A big Thank You to Ritva for encouraging us to look for inspiration in the kitchen. Great fun! I have mostly chosen old and new utensils and kitchen herbs, but also good light in a kitchen is essential.

My grandmother’s old funnel is still in use…while her almond grinder is just there for memories. Flowers? I have flowers everywhere, and many in my kitchen windows as well. For inspiration! My favourite mug is from my daughter’s trip to Japan some years ago.

Finally…some sallad from my other kitchen in our summerhouse. A very old photo, but I loved that table cloth as well…

Thank you again, Ritva, this was a fun challenge with many possibilities! I look forward to seeing everyone’s kitchens, and coffee or tea cups. Remember to link to her post here and include the Lens-artists Tag so we can find you.

Thank you also to Patti for inspiration and encouragement to tell stories with our photography last week. I think we all agree that every photo has a story…to us.

July’s Guest Hosts and Challenges are:

Interested in knowing more about the Lens-Artists challenge? Click here for more information.

Lens-Artists Challenge 255#- Telling a Story

/ Leya / 38 kommentarer

This week, we’re focusing on telling a story with photos. Sometimes, if we’re lucky, we can convey a story in one image; other times we need several. For this challenge, there is a limit of 5 photos per story.

My two stories are both from last weekend. Midsummer Eve and Midsummer Day.

I believe they speak for themselves – without pictures of the young couple. Of all the games we played that day, the most precious one is catching the bridal bouquet. I don’t know about the custom in other countries, but in Sweden, catching it means you are the next one to get married!

Dancing around the maypole and playing games is always a treat for both young and old.

These pictures show Björnen sover, a singing game, used both as a round dance and a children’s song. The tune is a simplified version of the one used for Gubben Noak, published by Carl Michael Bellman, published in Songs of Fredman in 1792. According to Wikipedia, still today research hasn’t proved if Bellman wrote the tune or not. Since it became famous, the tune has been used for several different lyrics in the centuries since Bellman, including many children’s songs.

The game

  1. One person is appointed bear, taking cover and pretending to sleep (in the middle).
  2. Other participants walk around the ”bear” in a ring, singing Björnen sover (”the bear is sleeping”).
  3. At the end of the song, the bear ”wakes up”, and begins to chase the other participants.
  4. When someone is caught, he or she will become the ”bear” the next time. (as you can understand, in the end they will all be bears)

Because Russia and the USSR sometimes have been called the Russian Bear the term björnen sover (”the bear sleeps”) has in Swedish sometimes referred to times in international politics when Russia has attracted less attention, but not everyone is trusting them.

So, now it is your turn to tell a story in 1 to 5 photos. The story you tell is totally up to you. Document for example an event you liked, a meal you enjoyed or a visit to a favorite place. Share a photo that conveys an emotion, and show us a memory of a place, time or person. In your post, be sure to include the Lens-Artists tag and a link to Patti’s original post.

Last week Tina invited us to share photos of Spiritual Places. A special thanks to Tina for her inspiring theme, which generated your marvelous posts. I was especially touched by the images that honored Bren, a wonderful creative artist who recently died from cancer.

Now, a special announcement. We’re very pleased to tell you that once again 5 very talented photographers have accepted our invitation to host our July “Month of Guest Hosts” here at Lens-Artists. Be sure to visit their unique sites each week as they explore the following topics:

In August, the Lens-Artists team will be back.  I, Ann-Christine, will be your host on Saturday, August 5. Look for my post on Leya at noon ET.  And by then, this hectic time will be over and I am free to do some inspired blogging again. In the meantime, I am hoping that your July is relaxing and filled with inspiration for the July topics!

Interested in joining the Lens-Artists challenge? Click here for more information.

Lens-Artists Challenge #254 – Spiritual Sites

/ Leya / 56 kommentarer

To see a world in a grain of sand
And a heaven in a wild flower,
Hold infinity in the palm of your hand,
And eternity in an hour.

William Blake

Tina‘s challenge this week is Spiritual Sites. ”While many associate spirituality with religion, the Oxford dictionary defines it as “relating to or affecting the human spirit or soul as opposed to material or physical things”, a much wider interpretation.”

Trees are sanctuaries. Whoever knows how to speak to them, whoever knows how to listen to them, can learn the truth.

― Herman Hesse

I will post some of the most spiritual places I have visited. Starting with New Zealand and Tane Mahuta, the biggest Kauri tree left in the world. His name means ”Lord of the Forest”, and he is indeed impressive. The forest around him whispers his name.

Peace comes from within.  Do not seek it without

― Siddhārtha Gautama

Lhasa, Tibet, and the Pothala Palace. Walking in silence up to the palace on those massive, worn stones, in the thin air, was overwhelming. The palace lies on a cliff, 3700 m above sea level, so you have to walk slowly. And that is the true way to register all impressions with all of your senses.

Pilgrimage is a powerful metaphor for any journey with the purpose of finding something that matters deeply to the traveler.

– Phil Cousineau

Bhutan talks to you as soon as you arrive – the Himalayas and the Dzongs, the monks, the prayer flags and the people. A pilgrimage to the Tiger’s Nest monastery is a must.

It is through gratitude for the present moment that the spiritual dimension of life opens up.

– Eckhart Tolle

To see the sunset over the Amazon from a Kapok tree – was one of the most spiritual things that has ever happened in my life. The Amazon, the lungs of the world, and the sounds of the jungle and its inhabitants…is an unforgettable experience. We don’t know for how long we will have the Amazon with us, but I am sure that when we do everything we can to make it survive – then the Earth and our world will survive too.

In my country, the forests are, for many of us, the most spiritual places, and the churches of course. But for our Sámi people, there are also mountains, cliffs, caves and open land. Our most renowned landmark up north is Cuonjávaggi/Lapporten (the gate to Lapland). Here the Paddus nature trail leads to an old sacred Sámi area and the cliff Baddusdievva in Abisko national park. But you don’t really need to know that – you will feel the prescence of the old spirits in your body and soul when you walk.

Finally, I will echo Tina’s words:

”…remember to pay attention to your spiritual side. It will remind you of the positivity in the world when its chaos seems overwhelming.”

Welcome to join us this week and share your thoughts on spirituality and the places where it can be found. Be sure to link to Tina’s post and to use the Lens-Artists Tag for reader. Sincere thanks to Brian of Bushboy’s World for last week’s wonderful Fragments, and to you for all your creative and beautiful responses. Patti will lead next week on her lovely Pilotfish blog so be sure to check her out next Saturday. Until then, stay safe, be kind and enjoy the journey.

Lens-Artists Challenge #253 – Fragments

/ Leya / 64 kommentarer

Fragments...yes, our lives are, the world is. Brian of Bushboy is our guest host this week, and he says: ”What has been happening recently is a bit of fragmentation around the world, a disconnect. But we always have been made up of pieces. What I would like to see is some of your fragments.”

I am late to the party, because my life right now is more than fragmentary, sometimes I feel I am dissolving totally. But once again I will try to scramble up the pieces of my self and act like a whole person.

Some thoughts of fragments from me on a warm summer’s day, sitting in my garden.

Fragments of lives lost, going down with the Titanic.

I love using fragments in my photography, it makes us look at the image with open senses, using our fantasy. Drawing our own conclusions, making pictures in our minds.

Not showing the whole picture, the whole background or the whole subject is beautiful and suggestive. I wish that would be used in clothing and model photography as well.

Fragments…can make poetry

Fragments talk to our senses. Early summer of wild orchids in evening light make my heart sing. What fragments make your heart sing?

Fragments put together make a clearer picture of what is happening. Like the words and chapters of a book. Or the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle.

A fragment of the facade is gone…but a butterfly made it ”whole” again – gave it a new meaning. One of life’s little wonders.

Fragments of beauty is still there while we are ageing…

Fragments of Love. A great deal of my time now goes to fitting together the fragments of my father’s life. Through photos, letters and talks with his only remaining sister. I kept some of his things to feel closer to him. Photos, his accordion, a shirt, his books, paintings… What are we humans – only fragments of life on earth, life in space, life in the universe.

But it is a good thing to think of our lives as tiny and insignificant. We tend to take ourselves too seriously.

Many thanks to Brian for this thoughtful challenge, and to Donna and her lovely “Bugs” challenge last week. Next week Tina will be hosting LAPC. So, look out for her exciting challenge!

Lens-Artists Challenge #252 – What’s Bugging You?

/ Leya / 53 kommentarer

Donna is our host this week, with the intriguing quest for what’s bugging us… And well, mostly I don’t think anything is bugging me…but since Donna asks for it…here’s my gallery of lovely bugs!

Tiny things are often in my lens – I do love macro, but close-ups are ok too. And bugs are definitely an interesting topic.

A big friend…a bit too big for me to feel comfortable! More than once I have had one of these jumping into my face.

This golden guy though, a flower chafer, can also scare me with his sudden thumping into me or my world. He is rather heavy and clumsy – but also a great beauty. In Swedish he is called ”Golden Beetle”, and belongs to the scarab beetles. Which leads me to a visit in the Moroccan desert some years ago.

I cannot say how impressed I was by this little creature covering so much ground so fast in this endless ocean of sand. The first shot is in early morning light and the second is late evening.

Last summer I made some new acquaintances in my own garden – this one I had never seen before and I still don’t know who he is…

Aromia, a handsome longhorn beetle, sitting on a yesterday’s glass left outdoors.

A gallery of last year’s summerfriends – makes me long for the insects to return. The cold and windy spring has taken its toll. But we are ready for take-off!

A special thank you to Anne for last week’s challenge Buildings and Other Structures. It is always fascinating to see how different buildings/structures are constructed and can be both functional and art.

Next week, our guest host is Brian of Bushboys World. The view of Australia through his lens is always fascinating. Be sure to visit his site and join all of us as he challenges us to look for: Fragments.

Interested in going the Lens-Artists challenge? Click here for more information.

Lens Artists Challenge #251 – Buildings and other Structures

/ Leya / 31 kommentarer

Anne shows us some awesome buildings and structures, some from her trip to Australia. This is an interesting theme with already many responses too.

From me, there is a gallery from Prague – what caught my eye especially in this lovely city.

Ginger and Fred – On top!

Natural structures …too

Juxtapositions are always fascinating

Old and new.

In the middle stands a replica of the Eiffel Tower.

Old and famous

Strange and beautiful church interiors. To the left…figures peeping out from almost every pillar!

Libraries of course

Details details…

Anne asks us to find our own fascinating structures that capture your attention, tell a story or are just beautiful. Capture new scenes or take a trip down memory lane in our photo archives. Remember to link to her challenge when you post and use the Lens-Artists tag. Looking forward to seeing all your artful structures!

Winding beauty – a favourite building style

Many thanks to Amy and her challenge of Cloudscapes and Skyscapes last week. I love skies too, and enjoyed the beautiful images that you all posted. Next week Donna will be hosting LAPC. So, look for her special and exciting challenge.

If you would like to participate weekly in our Lens-Artists Challenge, click here for more info. 

Lens-Artists Challenge #250 – Skyscapes or Cloudscapes

/ Leya / 59 kommentarer

Amy invites us to share clouds and skies – and that is something we all can relate to. When I was a child, I loved lying on my back in the grass under my grandmother’s cherrytrees, appletrees and plumtrees, listening to the humming of bees, the birdsong and the soft purring from my cat. Watching the clouds sailing by…looking for interesting shapes and seeing them change and maybe finally dissolve.

Clouds mean something to most of us, and we look for that message…be it weather signs or just for fun.

I have chosen some moments when I could not stop looking at the cloudscape or skyscape.

Powerful Prague

Above the clouds

Sunset, Ecuador

Desert sunset, Morocco

Irresistible Iceland

Today’s Sweden

Dashing Denmark

Exquisite Ecuador

We hope you will join us by sharing your cloudscapes over land, sea, or cities, or just clouds. Send a link to Amy’s original post and tag Lens-Artists so we can find you in the WP Reader. Thanks to John for Art in the Park last week. There is really an endless resource for enjoying public art!

Next week Anne will lead LAPC #251, please go to her lovely site for more inspiration!

Lens-Artists Challenge # 249 – Art in the Park

/ Leya / 48 kommentarer

John gives us a chance to feature almost any public art we have met – please visit his inspirational site for more!

First in my post must be an all time favourite of mine – although I don’t remember either artist or name of the work. The rain made it even more unforgettable. I still find her fascinating – and so much alive.

This oversized, strong worker portrayed walking, and the fragile woman walking beside him – I loved the contrast. Look at their hands, and their feet, putting the same foot first.

This is a Prague cavalcade. You will recognize Kafka – and the Lennon Wall I guess. So much to see, so much to take in, so much to love. In the end, it had to be The Dancing House and Charles Bridge, for the goodbye.

Tančící dům

Karlu̇v Most

”Art is where you find it.” John says, – where do you find yours? Your challenge response should include a link to his original post.  We can find your post easily in the Reader if it includes the “Lens-Artists” tag. For more information on joining the challenge, click here.

Many thanks to Sofia for her wonderful mood theme. We have learned more about moods in photography from her and from your creative photos. Next week, it’s Amy’s turn to host the Lens-Artists Challenge. Until then, stay kind and well.

Lens-Artists Challenge – Mood

/ Leya / 68 kommentarer

Being a teacher for so many years, I know Vincent Nichols’ statement is right: we’re losing social skills, the human interaction skills, how to read a person’s mood, to read their body language, how to be patient until the moment is right to make or press a point. Too much exclusive use of electronic information dehumanises what is a very, very important part of community life and living together.

Sofia leads us through different moods this week. A wonderful theme, very much needed in this world today. It will be interesting to see how we all react and feel – the same or differently?

The ups and downs in life, in a day, in an hour in a moment… I have tried to find some of those moods. they can change fast, we all know that. Some of them just happen…some of them we can create or change.

I love abandoned places. Walking there I often feel the place wants to tell me something. It is the same mood when I am walking in cemeteries – and in libraries. You feel the prescence of those who were there before you, the prescense of thoughts, words and lives.

What do these images tell you?

I hope they tell stories…

…of those who once lived there or worked there.

Then, let’s try some moods in the rollercoaster of life. Scary, frightening…the mood can sneak upon you when it is getting darker in the forest or in the streets on your way home. For some of us – it’s about monsters hiding under the bed or in the wardrobe.

Mood has to be controlled.
Otherwise, it’s your master.
― Toba Beta

Or, you can create a monochrome madness and play around with it – letting yourself go as dramatically as you want or dare to!

After all this tension, you will need some late evening bliss to calm you down.

But soon, back in the city’s frenzy… in order to survive, there is a need for slowing down again.

Over the years I have found that an artistic mood always makes me calm down and feel good…

… and a festive mood sometimes cheers me up – (but not too often…)

Feeling playful is a great mood for all creatures…

…and so is sheer happiness and love.


To join Sofia’s challenge this week, be sure to stop by her inspirational and beautiful Photographias site. In your own post, please include the lens-artists tag and link to her original post.

In my Backlit challenge last week you inspired me and many of us to use this type of photography more often. Thank you for opening our eyes to all creative possibilities! Next week, it’s John’s turn to lead us, so be sure to stop by Journeys with Johnbo next Saturday at noon EST for inspiration.

In the meantime, I’m hoping that your week is filled with light and creative inspiration. As spring has arrived here, there is much to do in my garden…