Surreal Abstract Art
Title: Haven.
Coryton Refinery, Essex, reasonably near the mouth of the River Thames.
I was thrilled when I found this view—I love a good industrial scene. I took this while out exploring the local area not long after arriving in England. I edited a version of it at the time, but my ability and taste evolved since, so I decided to redo it because I like the subject so much.
Continue reading “Coryton Refinery, Essex”
Title: Angles of Attrition.
Dilapidated building, Istanbul. This very run-down structure was on the street of the hotel we stayed in, and home to numerous squatters as far as I could tell. There are many of these sites all around Istanbul, and I’m not sure if they’re protected, or whether people just can’t afford to either develop or demolish them. Either way, I’m glad they are there. They’re eerily evocative and beautiful.
Continue reading “Dilapidated Building, Istanbul”
Title: Red Peace.
I don’t remember where this was specifically, but that’s a testament to the high number of beautiful mosques all over Istanbul.
Of a piece with the form of any mosque for me now is a strong association with the trebly warble of the regular call to prayer. They’re invariably broadcast over PA systems not built to convey singing in high fidelity. That’s cool though, it kind of adds even more exotic character.
Continue reading “Mosque, Istanbul, Turkey”
Title: Arno.
Taken in Pisa, Italy. Italy is a fantastic place—excellent food, wine, weather, art, history, and beautiful landscape. This photo was taken on a summer amble through the town on the way to get some of the best pizza I’ve ever tasted. And not just any summer amble, either—Italy was the hottest place I’d been up to that point; Rome reached 45 degrees centigrade. I learned that hard exercise in that type of heat is best avoided.
Continue reading “Arno River Through Pisa, Italy”
Title: At Mosque Point.
Taken in Istanbul. High contrast drama was the goal here. The way I began processing this lead to the sky making a natural halo around the tower. When I saw the first hints of it, I developed it further, and I like the bold effect it gives. I also like the somewhat jarring angular lines of the lower building juxtaposed against the perfectly vertical tower. It makes for a slightly unnerving but interesting composition.
Continue reading “Mosque Minaret, Istanbul, Turkey”
Title: Arno II.
I serendipitously, and clumsily if we’re going to be honest, clicked the wrong thing during development and switched off the color while leaving other adjustments on. This was the result. I thought it had enough merit to stand on its own and add something to the image significantly different to the original, which is called Arno. Incidentally, Arno is the name of the river.
Continue reading “Arno River Through Pisa, Tuscany”
Title: Eastern Stream.
Shot from the Ngong Ping cable car in Hong Kong, which is an impressive 5.7km 25 minute gondola ride high above land. It offered amazing views of the region, and sure beat the bus-ride up. But probably best I didn’t know one of the gondolas fell 50m a few years before.
Continue reading “Tung Chung, Hong Kong”
Title: The Peak.
This is from the Victoria Peak viewing platform, but looking in the opposite direction to the city.
As beautiful as the main view of the city is, it’s well worth looking out the back, too.
Continue reading “View From Victoria Peak, Hong Kong”
Title: Pick-Up Sticks.
Taken at Victoria Peak, Hong Kong, this time during the day (the night version of this scene is Hong Kong Night-scape).
Regarding the title, the shape of the buildings reminds me of pick-up sticks in a jar.
Continue reading “Hong Kong City”
Title: Hong Kong Portrait.
Taken at Victoria Peak viewing platform, Hong Kong. This had some heavy processing, which is a testament to my finding straight photography uninspiring.
More power to purists who want to reflect reality as close as possible. But I prefer to approach art photography as I would a painting. The original scene is a mere starting point.
Continue reading “Hong Kong Cityscape”