Lens- Artists Photo Challenge # 74 – Abstract

It makes no difference whether a work is naturalistic or abstract; every visual expression follows the same fundamental laws. – Hans Hofmann

Patti is asking us to go Abstract – ”relating to or denoting art that does not attempt to represent external reality, but rather seeks to achieve its effect using shapes, colours, and textures.”

Over the last 30 years I have developed a taste for abstract art. But, something – ”that could have been painted by any child”, (said about a big blank canvas with a single red dot) as my mother would put it, will probably not hang on my wall.  But I am sure it will hang on someone else’s wall instead! That is one of the reasons to why art is so interesting. Now we are looking forward to seeing Your ideas of Abstract!

In the header, a work by a favorite of mine, Antoni Gaudí.

Colourful from our exhibition park in Wanås, Sweden. Much of the art exhibited here, it is allowed to climb on or walk into. Do you think some art/art forms are ”more useful” than others?

Glass from Kosta-Boda Art Hotel – a material very much ”alive”

The more horrifying this world becomes, the more art becomes abstract. – Ellen Key

People like abstract art because it makes them feel clever. –  James Acaster

The two images above are both examples of a mix of photographic art and architecture. The first one is a phone photo from Helsingborg trainstation, processed in several apps, and the second one was made by simply tilting the photo (and raindrops on the lens).

Finally, some of Nature’s own abstract art –

I used to wonder, How do artists think when they work with an abstract piece of art? Well, Pablo Picasso says that There is no abstract art. You must always start with something. Afterward you can remove all traces of reality.

– Sounds perfectly right to me.

We send our heartfelt wishes to all our Australian blogger friends who have experienced weeks of devastating fires. May the rains come soon and bring an end to the terrible fears and destruction.

 

 

 

 

Tuesday Photo Challenge – Peace

Tuesday Photo Challenge – Peace

Non-Violence is a bronze sculpture by Swedish artist Carl Fredrik Reuterswärd of an oversized Colt Python.357 Magnum revolver with a knotted barrel and the muzzle pointing upwards. Carl R. made this sculpture after singer, songwriter and peace activist John Lennon was murdered.

There are currently 16 copies of the sculpture around the world. An original standing outside the United Nations headquarters in NY.

This photo is from Lund, where I studied at the University for several years.

 

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #73 – Cold

This week Tina is asking us for something Cold – and cold it is in Sweden now. But where I live it almost never gets below -20C. In recent years the climate has changed and our winters send us very little snow, and temperatures mostly around zero (+-0C). Gone are my childhood days when skiing was a winter joy.

For some real cold, I must go up north visiting friends or my daughter in Umeå. For many years we went to Dalarna to ski, but not anymore. So Tina, I will venture up north and to Iceland – for the real thing. In the header, Gullfoss, and I believe the coldest moment ever in my life.

What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness.

– John Steinbeck

My old apple tree and a Bullfinch. And yes, I do love winter – when it is Winter.

To appreciate the beauty of a snowflake it is necessary to stand out in the cold.
– Aristotle

A warm house in a cold winter night is another name for paradise!
Mehmet Murat ildan

It’s too cold outside for angels to fly.
Ed Sheeran

Keeping the warmth

And last, of course, the beautiful Tännforsen, Jämtland, Sweden. Our highest fall, 37 meters and 60 meters wide.

Many thanks to those of you who responded to Amy’s “waiting” challenge.  Our waiting was well rewarded…we so enjoyed your creativity! As always Amy, Patti, Tina and I greatly appreciate your support of our challenge.

 

Finally, for those who celebrate, we wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving surrounded by those you hold most dear. Next week it will be Patti’s challenge #74 – so stay tuned.

 

 

Friendly Friday – Construction

For Manja and Friendly Friday this week – Construction.

Tbilisi is a magical mix of old and new. The whole city is a big construction site.

Some streets and houses needed much help to be still standing. Strange constructions – but obviously they helped.

Tuesday Photo Challenge – Fantasy

Tuesday Photo Challenge – Fantasy

 

Fantasy – a treasure for those who have it and use it creatively! For Frank this week.

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #72 – Waiting

This week Amy asks us to contemplate Waiting – something all of us have to learn early in life. How do You look upon it? Here is something from my way of thinking – quite literally, Waiting…and some quotes to go with it.

In the header, one of my favorite ladies – even if she is not a Real Lady-in-Waiting

The universe is full of magical things, patiently waiting for our wits to grow sharper.

– Eden Phillpotts

And while we are waiting for that to happen…

Some things are waiting for their proper owners…

Some people are waiting for proper leaders to lead…

There is no great achievement that is not the result of patient working …

…and waiting.

– J. G. Holland

All things come to him who waits – provided he knows what he is waiting for.

– Woodrow T. Wilson

The worst part of life is waiting. The best part of life is to have someone worth waiting for. 

– Unknown

And sure enough even waiting will end…if you can just wait long enough.

– William Faulkner

Finally –

On climate change, we often don’t fully appreciate that it is a problem. We think it is a problem waiting to happen.

– Kofi Annan

Thank you All for last week’s Creepy creeps! ( – tough sleeping this whole week…) So very creative and diverse posts! We never imagined the world could be so full of creepiness!

If you wait for tomorrow, tomorrow comes. If you don’t wait for tomorrow, tomorrow comes.

Senegalese Proverb

Tuesday Photo Challenge – Slope

Tuesday Photo Challenge – Slope

For Frank this week – slopes from Sweden and Spain.

Spanish Sunflower slopes and Swedish Cattle grazing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #71 – Creepy

Halloween some days gone… I thought you might still have some interesting thoughts and images left for us and this challenge – things Creepy!

If you look up ”Creepy” in a dictionary, it says ” causing an unpleasant feeling of fear or unease”.

Here are some of my creepy nightmares… and in the header my worst scenario. Just how many spiders were at work weaving all those nets? And that – in my own garden…

When a sudden look down a side street – reveals an abandoned house – or, maybe not…?

When it is raining men…

…or they suddenly dissolve in a haze – right in front of me.

Or – I have to pass through dark tunnels …and I notice someone lurking inside.

I also avoid walking in the forest late nights…no option…when there are tree trolls towering 2×5 meters high and wide.

Seeing a giant Gunnera waking up…gives at least me the creeps…

And, Totti…? Is that you?

 

According to a recent study, the creepiest job was working as a Clown, and among the creepiest items mentioned, were dolls. Personally I clearly can relate to ”unpredictability” as an important component of creepiness. If you are interested in reading more of this study, On the nature of creepiness, here’s a link.

We just have to remember that being ”creeped out” is deep down a good thing for our ability to survive! So – now we are looking forward to seeing Your Creepy answers!

 

Thank you for the many inspirational and varied entries for Patti’s Monochrome challenge! Some of you were not much used to monochrome before, but found your own ways to answer to the challenge – clever and innovative!

Have you seen these:

As always, Amy, Tina, Patti and I hope you will join us.