Happisburgh Lighthouse

Happisburgh lighthouse is located on the East Norfolk coast in the UK.  This stretch of coast is notorious for its sandbanks and 70 sailing ships and 600 men were lost during a severe winter storm in 1789.  As a direct consequence of these events the lighthouse was built the following year, 1790.  Indeed, two were built at different heights but the lower of the two was demolished in 1883 when it was threatened by coastal erosion.

Despite being offiicially decomissioned in 1988, the lighthouse was ‘rescued’ by local enthusiasts and is the only independently operated lighthouse in the UK.

The tower is 85 feet tall and the lantern is 134 feet above sea level.  Three white flashes are repeated every 30 seconds and the light can be seen for 18 miles.  It is painted with red and white bands to distinguish it during the hours of daylight from a neighbouring lighthouse at Winterton.

Dune grasses ‘Close encounter’

This abstract image is derived from a photograph of dune grass.

Abstract 184

See Abstract 182 for an introductory comment for this group of abstract images.

Flying high

And high above the geese passed by.  For me, the migratory flight of birds at altitude symbolizes a detachment from the pressures of everyday life.

 

Fly past

Seagulls can be aggressive, marauding creatures, but on this occasion it was a delight to watch their fly past display in groups of  varying size and pseudo formations.

Bark screen

A few months ago I posted a series of images of tree bark.  I have now brought them together to form a bark screen.  I was, and still am, intrigued by the textures.

Click on the image to see the texture in greater detail.

Abstract 183

See Abstract 182 for an introductory comment to this collection.

Not just a pretty picture

Often, when taking a photograph, we are consciously or unconsciously trying to capture more than just a visual image. We are attempting to capture an experience that impacts on two, three or even four of our senses  –  not just the visual.  Consider, for example, the two images below and in each instance allow yourself to be there at the scene of the breaking waves  –  experience the force of the sea, hear the sound, taste the salt spray.

Or, enjoy the relaxing warmth of paddling through the shallow pools left by the ebbing tide on a warm summer’s day

 

Just leaving in the rain

It is Sunday morning in Santiago de Compostela and as the worshippers leave the cathedral after mass the rain falls

…..   and falls

…..  and continues to fall!

Abstract 182

This abstract pattern is derived from the play of sunlight on waves.  The ’roundel’ format seemed appropriate  –  possibly subconsciously suggested by its porthole shape.  There will be two further images in this group.  Each has been given the ‘breathing space’ of a separate post.

Bonfire/Guy Fawkes Night

It was on the 5th November 1605 that a plot, the ‘Gunpowder Plot’, was foiled.  The plan had been to assassinate King James I by blowing up the House of Lords during the State Opening of Parliament.  But an anonymous letter led to the discovery of 36 barrels of gunpowder in the cellars, guarded by one of the conspirators, Guy Fawkes.  Fawkes was arrested and found guilty of treason.  His co-conspirators fled but were tracked down and were either shot or hanged.

News of the plot’s failure spread quickly and bonfires were lit in joyful celebration..  Indeed, in January 1606 the king ordered that henceforth the people of England should have a great bonfire every year on the night of 5th November.  It became traditional to place an effigy of Guy Fawkes on top of the fire, sometimes accompanied by an effigy of the pope.

Now, bonfire night, though still widely observed, is simply a pleasant social occasion  –  an excuse for extravagant firework displays.

The pictures below are from our own small village bonfire celebration, held a few evenings ago.

Still life with a soup can

A soup can is a familiar object  –  perhaps too familiar!  Certainly when experimenting with the images below I became aware of features I had not previously given thought to.  In addition, the circles in various forms and perspectives provided an interesting compositional element.  Colour v black and white?  I’m still undecided   –  but here are four different interpretations.

Autumn gains pace

The preliminaries of Autumn are now over.  The clocks have changed, resulting in a closing in of the end of the day, the stronger winds have removed most of the leaves from the trees and now just a  few colourful stragglers remain.

Abstract 186

There is something primitive or occult about the dancing I see taking place in this image.  It evokes links with Stravinsky’s ‘Rite of Spring’ or Saint-Saëns’ ‘Dance Macabre’.  (Perhaps I still have echoes of Halloween in my mind!)  But, of course, it doesn’t have to do either!  It is a perfectly satisfying abstract pattern without recourse to any narrative.

Windswept pine

The recent post of grasses in the breeze reminded me of a photograph taken a few years ago on the Mediterranean island of Ibiza.  This scrubby little pine may be basking in warm sun but its shape provides a clear indication of the direction and force of the winds it endures.