White Lichens Abstract

At first I thought that someone must have painted the whimsical design on the rotting surface of this old tree stump. However, a closer look revealed that the pattern was created by white lichens that were growing amongst the many cracks and grooves. Mother Nature's artwork can be found almost everywhere we look. 

 

  

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Weathered Wall

I came across this weathered wall at an old abandoned house not far from where I live and was taken with the scaly pattern formed by the peeling paint, which vividly shows the ravages of time. Over the years, the owners have let the large property gradually fall into a state of disrepair. It probably won't be long before the house gets torn down, so I plan to return with my camera to continue exploring the unexpected beauty that so often accompanies neglect and decay.

 

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Shadows on the Steps

I walk past this house on my street almost every day and seldom pay any attention to it. However, this time I decided to take a closer look and noticed these fanciful railing shadows cast on the front steps. Reminder to self: don't let things become so familiar that you stop seeing them.

 

 

 

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Stone Walls

During my walks, I often come across stone walls surrounding houses and gardens. Not only are they fun to photograph, but also they speak of the skill and patience that were needed to fit the irregularly shaped stones together like pieces of a giant jigsaw puzzle. 

 

 

 

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Patterns 2024 Wall Calendar

 I always enjoy photographing patterns, both natural and man-made. Not only are patterns often beautiful, but they also provide reassuring glimpses of order in a world that can seem chaotic and unpredictable. I recently put together a 2024 wall calendar of some of my favourite photos of patterns. Please click on the image of concentric circles below to view a preview of the calendar. 

 

An Ordinary Window

 I might easily have walked by this unassuming window without giving it a second glance. However, I decided to stop and take a closer look at it. In doing so, I was taken with the contrasting rough and smooth textures and rigid geometric shapes softened by the playful patterns on the curtains. All too often, in our search for the exotic, we risk missing the beauty of the ordinary. 

 

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Going with the Flow

I chanced upon this weathered piece of driftwood in a neighbor's front yard. Whenever I walk by it, I am reminded of the ancient Taoist principle of Wu Wei or going with the flow of life rather than fighting it. The lines in the wood resemble flowing water, which to the ancient Chinese sages was a metaphor for the Tao, the mysterious force behind the universe that pervades everything but which eludes all our attempts to grasp it.

 

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