Spain Repost: From 2015

During our last summer studio in Spain, I asked the students to each select a theme and collect 30 photographs on that theme over the course of the trip. The themes were common elements of the urban landscape: Steps, tiles, masonry, water, columns, trees, lamps, doors, windows, sculpture, etc.

I tried to follow along with my own and discovered that it quickly reduced many to a generic contribution. Even relatively nice tilework could seem less impressive when lost among30 other examples. On the other hand, one outstanding window seemed all the more dramatic when contrasted with the others. And patterns that emerged were fun to look at. 

Unlike the students, I jumped from theme to theme, but here are a few of my old thematic photos...

Sycamore Gap Tree

How do you replace something that is irreplaceable? That is the struggle facing a community in northern England where vandals cut down a landmark 300-year old tree along Hadrian's Wall. The Sycamore Gap Tree was a solitary tree in an historic space, so it leaves a visible hole. Should they build a memorial to mark the spot? Plant a replacement tree? Install an artificial (presumably artistic) facsimile?

Trust in scientists declines

Not good news in the latest Pew Poll.

Get on the Spain train

 Studio Abroad 2024

Spain Repost: Gaudi in Barcelona

After my last trip to Barcelona I shared a few dozen photos from Parc Guell, Sagrada Familia, and Palau Guell. They are below the fold:
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Gzim’s dreams froze to ice, just like the lake

Atlas Obscura posted an emotional piece about a sculpture in northern Sweden. The piece shows a real person, so he was especially touched when it was found after a theft.