You should never ask a child what he or she is making. They know. Instead, ask them to tell you about the squiggly line, or the orange color in the center. And by all means, notice it is surrounded by purple.
Childhood is the best place for creative, abstract art, and critical thinking.*
So at what point do our images need to be something? Of course, we often strive for clarity and definition in our photos for good reason. We want our onlookers to identify a snake or the rainbow, like in the drawing above.
But can’t we back it up a bit to embrace the impact or bask in impressions?
This week, Ritva challenges us with, Abstract. With her inspiration here, she has us lean in to the potential of turning an ordinary subject into a masterpiece of colors, shapes, patterns, and textures. Explore – Start with finding a new vantage point and look for interesting shapes and lines in your surroundings.
I was doing laundry when I first got wind of the challenge, and just like that I discovered strange, mysterious beauty in the detail of dryer lint.
I have come to the conclusion that dryer lint is the cremated remains of all my missing socks.
There is truth in finding abstract images anywhere, and while it might feel uncomfortable to mess up photos on purpose, it can be liberating. How else will you find artsy surprises in a ceiling aboard a cruise ship, or fascination in the skeletal remains of prickly pear cacti?
It is not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.
Get close enough to a subject, and the tiniest details come to light. The yearning to run our hands across texture is real, and it is our senses that tap into impressions. From the lens, we notice cracked dirt, patterns in the water-dropped sandstone, colors from lichen and minerals, and curved lines from a canna lily leaf. They might look like abstract nothingness, but to me they become conversation pieces of wall-art in my home.
The longer you look at an object, the more abstract it becomes, and ironically the more real – Lucian Freud
Color is, for me, the purest form of expression, the purest abstract reality. Jim Hodges .
Finally, it is possible to come across abstract images by mistake. The photo below was one of those that came to life as more of an aha moment. It is the blurred background of another subject. Initially cropped out, this section generated a life of its own. Dreamy? Meditative? Silly? You decide. That’s what abstract art is all about, isn’t it?
Like a good poem, a good abstraction attacks your feelings before your understanding. – Robert Genn
I hope I succeeded.
Wind Kisses, Donna
Thank you to Ritva for this motivational challenge and its underlying theme to explore anywhere and everywhere. Her post is sure to inspire you to get out and look at the world in a different light. Remember to link to her post here, and include the Lens-Artists Tag so we can find you.
Thank you for your overwhelming response to Rock Your World last week. I took notes about places I would love to visit and I am humbled by what I learned this and every week. You all rock. Next week, Egidio of Through Brazilian Eyes, will lead us. His post is sure to inspire everyone. Join him next Saturday 12EST for his stunning photos and unmatched inspiration.
Interested in knowing more about the Lens-Artists challenge? Click here for more information.
*A happy earth snake who is camouflaged and going around the earth with the warm sun in the middle and the purple sky on the edge -LJ age 5
Wonderful post. It is so true that the more you look at something, the more abstract it becomes.
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I think so. Thanks Marie.
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Innovative and artistic… especially the lint closeup
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Thank you. The lint was a fun thought and it turned out nice. lol. Goes to show, look and you shall find.
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Donna, yes, you succeeded. What amazing creations you shared here! I am at a loss in trying to decide if there is any image I like more than the others. No, there isn’t. They are all fantastic! Even the lint photo got me thinking about looking more carefully when I clean the drier filter now.
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Thank you Egidio. It was a fun thought for me. I didn’t really think it would come out. It did. kind of made be realize show we can find the abstract almost anywhere. Thank you, again.
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I love your natural take on abstracts Donna and the happy earth snake 😀
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Seems like a good place to share that sweet thing. Proud little kid that made and thought up the story. Thank you Brian. Nature sure know how to bring it!
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I love this post! Such variety! But I was immediately drawn in by that very first image. Great stuff.
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Thank you Margaret. Yes, a great challenge to play around with.
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Really, a wonderful response to Ritva’s challenge, Donna. You answered all my questions and came up with some great abstracts. I especially love that vase.
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Thank you, Jo. It was a fun challenge and also made us think outside the box a bit.
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The lint image is my kind of image and I loved your ‘missing socks’ excuse.
The glass-blown vase is another favourite.
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I bet your photos become “conversation pieces of wall-art in my home”. Nature is an amazing artist. I am always fascinated by patterns in nature. The cacti are pure art!
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Oh, and the last photo I would call dreamy and joyful.
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Thank you. Funny how that came to light. Thanks again!!!
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Thank you, Stella. Surprisingly enough the abstracts that are hangin in my house do create conservation. Most ask if they are photos first and then want to know what/where they are from.
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I love the lint one, that is what this challenge is about. looking for it and finding it in unexpected places. I love the soil ones, nature is just a beautiful place to find it. Love the last one it has a story in it. A photo needs not to be perfect, a little bit of magic in the moment – with a movement you have a more imaginative story. I really like the fleeting moment in the last photo,
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Thank you, Ritva, for your encouragement and the challenge. I originally felt like this was a “think outside your box” challenge, and the more I looked the more I realized I take lots of nature photos of exactly what your inspiration shared. I knew you’d love the lint. lol I did too. It was fun, funny, and artsy. Thank you for that. Yes the last photo spoke to me as well. Thank you again. A fantastic challenge, with so many interesting responses.
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yeah, I am for the not so obvious choices, and as I see them from others I think, why did not I think of that. Often it is the light is right you see things differently
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These are great! It’s fascinating what you see when you got so close to a subject that it almost disappears and becomes something totally other 😀
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Yes. I agree. It has been a fun challenge.
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I love these, Donna. The last picture could be a painting, and the ceiling is mind-boggling. Very cool. You must be a teacher. Your comments about your granddaughter’s painting are right on. “Tell me about” goes a long way with adults as well. Some of their work is almost as abstract as art sometimes. 🙂
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I have so many photos of that ceiling, mostly with people eating below. I liked the chance to use it as art. It was beautiful especially at night. Indeed, I was a teacher for years. I have a folder of pictures kids drew of me over the years. Some are quite good, most downright funny. But what I loved was they didn’t draw my physical features in most cases. They drew me… reading or playing…or singing which is what really touched my heart. I always hoped they would travel through life not worried about physical attributes of people and instead the love they had because of time shared.
The last photo ended up to be a nice surprise. Thank you Marsha.
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Lovely, that explains why you talk like a teacher. LOL I kept a few things as well, and digitized some of them. We used to make books at Thanksgiving and other times, and they were hilarious.
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I love their free expression and always wish as adult we kept a little more of it.
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Those who did, teach! 🙂 xxxxx
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hmmm, true.
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You must definitely did, Donna. I’m enjoying people’s posts more than I enjoyed doing mine. I can feel how much they’re making me think. I love your natural details gallery, the colours are superb.
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Thank you Sofia. Nature sure has a way of “walking the walk”. I enjoyed your contribution, I always do, and I have to say I agree. I am enamored with the outcomes of the challenge. Thanks again.
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Loved your opener (I see grandkids’ hands at work!) and laughed at the dryer lint….only you LOL. Your set of square images is terrific, have you hung them in your home? The rocks are my favorite of that set. Terrific post as always. (Still laughing at the dryer lint 😊)
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Couldn’t resist the dryer lint…for funs sake. I experimented with a fabric softener sheet too. lol. Never knew they were so lacy, but it didn’t make the cut for me.
And yes, grandkids. They all have a frame in my house where they can change their art. It is fun to see what THEY like in themselves.
I didn’t have those particular ones on my wall. Favorites from other places are on the wall now. That’s how I know they generate conversation. I love that. I am ready for an updated wall, but who is ever home long enough to decide which one to use. lol
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Very creative images and thought-provoking. I need to start focusing on the ‘little things’ in life and stepping outside my photography wheelhouse.
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Thank you, Ingrid. I think this was a great inspiration for me to think a little outside the box. Always fun to play with the camera, isn’t it?
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Yes, it is! BTW – the splash pad at Rio Vista Park is open. Lillian and I had fun there on Thursday.
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ohhhh. good to know. And the weather has been perfect.
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YES! You succeeded. I adore the lessons and examples you gave for us to learn from. Abstract photography bringing out the childlike look at life is an excellent way to approach having fun with our cameras and being free not to have to get the best shot, yet, sometimes those moments turn out to be our best shot after all. I chuckled at your line, “cremated remains of all my missing socks.“ LOL, I’ll never look at dryer lint the same.
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Right? I thought the quote was a great chuckle at the right time.
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Donna, the photo of the glass vase is exquisite. Fine art indeed.
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Thank you. I love the vase, guess. I should have included what it looks like. Another time. Thanks again Tracy,.
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My pleasure, Donna.
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Wonderful captures!I love the natural textures of those stones and its arid colors, it´s so vibrant , unique and simply beautiful.
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Thank you. Nature knows how to do it! I just need to be present.
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Fab examples, Donna .
Always a pleasure to read what you write along with the images.
Love Lucian Freud quote. So true!
Kids art is my favourite!
Your last image teaches us the exact meaning of an abstract!
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Aw…you made my day. Sometimes we don’t know it we did it right or if people will “get it” Luckily people who know me and my writing do. I appreciate you
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It’s true that sharing creativity can sometimes feel uncertain, but it’s wonderful when others connect with and appreciate your work.
Keep shining your unique light through your writing—I’m here cheering you on!
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Back at you, my friend.
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👍👍👍
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Oh, I love this set. Especially that gallery with the textures and colours of earth. And that first photo of course: a keeper
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Thanks I.J.
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Wow. GREAT examples. Well done!!!
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Thanks John.
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Hi Donna, wonderful abstracts. Love the colors in the dryer lint 😀
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Thanks Cee. I love that the lint got some attention. It was a fun find.
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Love your cremated socks – and such a great colour – I now imagine you running around red rocks in pink and purple socks…
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Love them all but the dryer lint has me imagining you running around the red rocks in pink and purple socks!
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hahaha you made my day. Thank you
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The children’s drawing is a good one to include, I wouldn’t never have thought of that. Wonderful images Donna.
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thank you, Leanne.
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I also considered a few natural surfaces, but finally opted against using them. But, great you have them in 👍👍👍
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I absolutely love your abstract selections, Donna! Beautiful observations and captures, especially the dryer lint. You are showing us the abstract around us, inspiring!
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Thank you Amy
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An amazing set of abstracts, Donna 👏 The blown glass vase is incredible with the colour variation & it seems as if the form is twirling in front of the eye 😃
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Thank you, Jez. it is certainly a favorite vase of mine. I should have posted a photo of the vase itself. Another time. Thanks again .
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Wonderful abstracts Donna! So colorful. And I loved the black and white.
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Thank you, Anne.
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Abstracts are a wonderful way to see the world – lovely!
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Thank you, Mary.
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Great finds, Donna!
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Thank you, Teresa.
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I love how you bring out the textures in your images here, Donna!
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Thank you John.
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Wonderful abstract images
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The cruise ship ceiling is spectacular, Donna. Also really liked the colorful glass vase. What a great photo!
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Thank you, Siobhan. A favorite piece of art in my home for sure. And with all our sun, it is always reflective.
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The magic of everyday things!
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