August 11, 2018 • 45

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge: Patterns in British Columbia

In short, no pattern is an isolated entity. Each pattern can exist in the world only to the extent that is supported by other patterns: the larger patterns in which it is embedded, the patterns of the same size that surround it, and the smaller patterns which are embedded in it.~Christopher Alexander

This week, Ann-Christine has challenged us to capture patterns–large and small.  Needless to say, her wonderful theme has been on my mind as we travel this week to Vancouver, British Columbia (B.C.) where we are spending some time with our son and his girlfriend.  My collection from B.C. is grouped by type–patterns in nature, architecture, art, and language.  Ready?  Here we go.

Patterns in Nature

Nature uses only the longest threads to weave her patterns, so that each small piece of her fabric reveals the organization of the entire tapestry.~Richard P. Feynman

I was fascinated by the patterns within patterns in this lovely zinnia.  It is part of a splendid hotel garden in Victoria, British Columbia.

Zinnia Close Up. Shot with a Google Pixel 2.

This dahlia in the rooftop garden of my son’s apartment building startled me with its beauty.  Aren’t the purple shadings gorgeous?

Dahlia Flower Burst, Vancouver. Shot with a Google Pixel 2.

Patterns in Architecture

From a sequence of these individual patterns, whole buildings with the character of nature will form themselves within your thoughts, as easily as sentences.~Christopher Alexander

Vancouver House, a new residential tower under construction near the waterfront, appears to defy gravity as it narrows and then expands upward.  The patterns of balconies, windows, and walls is mesmerizing.

Vancouver House Construction, Vancouver, B.C. Shot with a Google Pixel 2.

Patterns in Art

Naturally, patterns emerge through repetition, and repetition yields up a type of discovery that reveals everything about itself, especially its sorry limits.~Jan Peacock

On a cloudy day in Vancouver, I turned the corner in Yaletown and spotted this wonderful exhibit of street art.  The umbrellas, suspended by wires, made beautiful patterns under a canopy of trees.

Street Art, Vancouver. Shot with a Google Pixel 2.

Patterns in Language

Language uses agreed-upon symbols with agreed upon meanings.  But in this street sign on Grandville Island, there appears to be some confusion about which language to use!

So, as I end my post on “patterns,”  I’d just like to add one last thought:  the human mind searches for patterns to make sense of the world.  However, we can overuse our pattern-making skills and make quick “default” responses to a complex situation, a dilemma, or a different culture or society.  For example, I overheard some tourists this week complaining that Canadians never serve drinks with ice and never have enough garbage cans on their streets.  (Really??)

It’s tempting to resort to snap judgments, which are quicker and easier than analyzing a situation in all its complexity.  For better or for worse, life itself, human beings, and our societies are quite complex and wonderfully contradictory.

Now, here are a few reminders about the Lens-Artist Photo Challenges:

  • We hope you join the challenge this week.  Your participation is exactly what we are hoping for.  When you do, include a link to Ann-Christine’s post.
  • Use the tag “Lens-Artists” in your post.  If you use a different tag or have a different spelling, other bloggers won’t find your post in the Reader and that would be a shame.  Also keep in mind that you should use fewer than 15 tags for your post or it won’t appear in the Reader.  For more information on how to tag, click here.
  • Amy will post the next challenge on Saturday, August 18th.
  • Missed our initial Lens-Artists challenge announcement? Click here for details.

As always, thanks for joining the challenge and have an inspiring week!

Categories: Lens-Artists Photo Challenge, Photography

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45 replies »

  2. I agree that people can be quick to judge, and don’t always appraise situations very thoroughly first. Your flower ‘patterns’ are very beautiful; the tower block is mind-boggling, and the umbrellas make me smile – a very big smile.

    Liked by 1 person

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  5. Lovely series of patterns, Patti! Love the diversity, and my favorite must be…the purple dahlia and Vancouver House. I agree with Tish – that building is mind-boggling!

    Liked by 1 person

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  7. Lovely photographs. Wonderful colors and patterns. What an amazing building… all these seemingly tiny boxes with balconies stacked up in the air for people to live in! I find the umbrellas delightfully playful and vibrant.

    Liked by 1 person

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  17. Excellent point about finding patterns and jumping to conclusions, Patti. We humans do like things in nice, neat, definable categories. [Canada = not enough garbage cans (!) ]

    I love the umbrella street art. So colorful and cheerful. 😉

    Liked by 2 people

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    • Hi, Jackie. So true about humans liking neat, definable categories. If only life were that simple!! So glad you enjoyed the umbrella art. It made me smile too. 🙂 Hope all’s well.

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  22. Your phone is certainly an excellent camera (I stated that before and probably will again). The iPhoners myst hat you. Now now let’s not fall into a pattern of judging…

    But the Patti-ographer still needs to compose a great capture which she does indeed. I wonder how the umbrella photo would look with a crowd of Mary Poppins’ hangin on the handles!

    Powerful photos and philosophy on patterns Patti

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Hi, Abrie. Wonderful to hear from you! Thanks for your kind words on these shots. The “umbrellas” were a great find. They made me smile. I’ll visit your site next. 🙂

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