Surface Deep

For most of you, it is not news that after my two solo shows I went through a period of feeling uninspired, and not sure what to focus on next. I do feel I did the right thing, and took the opportunity to not actually focus on anything, but rather learn, and practice a few new things on the camera. I have been concentrating on using different exposure times and have done what I feel are some nifty practice sessions around the apartment.

                                                                                                                                                                             Recently, I was feeling like I needed to get back outdoors and spend some time with nature, and of course the camera. I went on a couple of hikes and found myself drawn to reflections in the water. Within minutes, I was using my new skills with exposures, and am happy to say I have found my new project. It is a nice transition from my texture series which focused on colour, and patterns, and textures of solid items. The difference is that now the subject is water, but the focus remains on colour and pattern.

Welcome to my new series, my new work. I call it "Surface Deep".

susie

Made a much needed walk to the Brickworks to get my nature fix last weekend. I'm always amazed at how much work is being done at this former industrial site. It has become another great spot for the community, and this day was no exception. It was full of people out to celebrate the opening day celebrations of this new 'park'. One of the things I noticed was the great pieces of floral art that have been attached to the buildings. This shot is a portion of a black eyed susie mounted way up by the roof line. A great piece of art, and appropriate to the area. Well done!!

$3,000

I was recently reading one of my many issues of home decorating/furnishing magazines and I came across a small article on a local photographer. The work shown was abstract shots of water, mostly in terms of reflections. I have done some of my own work on this subject, and have given a few out as gifts, and also framed several for my own use. The picture I am posting is one of those shots. It was taken at Riverdale farm in one of the ponds.

In the article there was a photo of hers that was extremely similar, and it was enlarged to 20 inches by 30 inches. The price tag....  $3,000

Time for me to revisit this subject, I think.  :)

In Style At Campbell House

A few weekends ago I did a photo shoot for a fantastic group called the Time Nomads Society at the Historic Campbell House in Toronto. I was able to photograph them as they went about their daily lives in the year 1833. Most people who know me, know I love history. My partner and I are addicted to BBC period movies, mini series etc. I volunteer when I can with heritage groups, and of course run a facebook group promoting the preservation of Toronto's Heritage buildings. This past weekend I visited the small village of Salem, Ontario and discovered several generations of my family in the small country cemetery. Since then, I have been able to trace my family all the way back to 1580 on my grandmothers side. History is a fascinating subject, and one I wish more people enjoyed. Without knowing our past, I find it hard to have a vision for the future.

This photo is from Campbell House....

peony in black and white

I just re discovered this photo, and thought I would share it. It is from earlier this spring, and I think it is from Allan Gardens. Not sure why I am drawn to it, but it feels rather elegant to me. It brings to mind gardenias, and also the 1930's, 1940's, and jazz. Isn't it strange how some things remind us of other things and yet there is no true connection. It is after all just a peony.

But my mind wanders like that, and if it can connect to anything with a sense of history, it will often follow that path, and I tend to follow...

Royal York

This shot was taken on a recent outing at night along the lake shore. On our way back I found this view which put me in mind of New York. Not sure why, it just did. I thought it was a good shot of the Royal Lady. She looks majestic compared to the other tall buildings made of glass and steel. I used my tripod for this shot, with a 30 second exposure.

Back to Brown...

Another visit back to one of my favorite spots, the Distillery District. This time the purpose was to practice using my camera with manual settings rather then the automatic ones I have been using up to this point. In a way I feel I am starting all over, but yet it feels exciting and new all at once. Most people who know me, know I have the patience of....well...who am I kidding. I have no patience. Which actually amazes me how much I love trying to figure out, and capture a good shot. Of course there are those moments of pure frustration, and disappointment but that comes with anything being newly learned.

But I digress. This shot is part of Toronto's most photographed old trucks at the Distillery. I can see why, the patina on it is simply amazing. My goal is of course to try and capture a less popular view of it. I love the rusty reds, and brown tones. Reminds one that Fall is only a month away....