In keeping with my tradition of using my “featured” section to share atypical work here’s a spontaneous still life!

Worinished

Click here to view this image in the gallery.

I spotted these in the window of an old shoe repair store while walking around San Fransisco recently. They were stacked against the glass as if quickly placed aside to make space for another task. Their obvious wear suggests a long life of use and probably and older – possibly soon-to-retire – owner. The title is intended to combine both a short term and long term meaning.

After a whole lot of family and event photography over the last few weeks, I feel the need to get back to some art photography. This image was made just a few weeks ago and is another in  my “Off the Wall” series exploring the connection between modern abstract art and  the urban landscape around us.

Blackheart Vent

Click here to see the image in the gallery.

What did I see in this that made me stop and take a photograph? At first sight it’s all about the juxtaposition of the metallic, angular vent and the organic flowy-dripping graffiti. I love that the image is almost monochromatic except for the blue ledge which seems to underline the image while also catching and containing the dripping paint.

The vent is not rigid mechanical perfection, however. Decay, rust and vandalism have tainted it and distorted it’s shape and symmetry. Look around and you’ll also notice the wood grain weathering through the paint.

In these geometric and simplified compositions that mimic modern art, I find that old and decaying subjects not only add interest but also play a similar role to the texture of paint on a canvas – giving the image depth and character.

Comments encouraged as always …

For those of you who enjoyed this month’s featured picture, I have uploaded a few more images from the same event. You can find them on absoluteblank.com under “Other Work” or here.

Firedance #5

Firedance #3

Hope you enjoy — let me know what you think!