Monday 15 February 2010

Progress

Interesting, the way in which new technology or tools can change the way we do things.  I have posted this photo, in a colour version, elsewhere, but the version above is one that I have earmarked for a future exhibition.  I have started taking photographs with a proper macro lens, and this wintersweet flower was an early favourite of the images I have so far taken.  The lens has made a huge difference to how I view the plant world, and is capable of delivering the shallow depth of field that fascinates and intrigues me.  I'm really excited by the prospects for future photographs
The other new departure is the use of a software package which is also changing the images I create.  I have always been a fan of monochrome photographs, and am enjoying using Silver Efex Pro to tone images in the manner of all sorts of film types, photographic styles and papers.  Purists will wail, but I relish being able to compare the results of several film types and tonings before deciding which suits the image best.
So, with new hardware and software, a whole new field of image-making opens up...look out for the results on a blog near you soon!

Monday 8 February 2010

Objects of Desire 2

Beechwood Lemon Juicer
This is one of my favourite kitchen utensils, the pleasure in using it derived from the beauty of the object, which is entirely due to its function.  There are other juicers out there, but as soon as I saw this I knew I had to have it, and its predecessor was duly filed away in the ever-growing box of objects kept for that distant and probably mythical day when we have a holiday home to furnish.
It seems such a minor thing, but this implement shows that even the humblest object has the potential for great beauty if its functionality comes first.  Here, everything is gauged to work - the tip is sharp, as are the ridges for squeezing the pulp.  The head is broad, preventing the need to wiggle the juicer around in the lemon, but the most aesthetically attractive part of it is the collar, where the ridges meet the handle.  Beautifully sculptural, it gives the whole object an organic presence - there are echoes of seeds, pollen grains, plankton, in its form.  It's no surprise that it was made in Italy...

Tuesday 2 February 2010

A quotation...

'The thing that's important to know is that you never know. You're always sort of feeling your way.' 
Diane Arbus