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.
This dahlia in the rooftop garden of my son’s apartment building startled me with its beauty. Aren’t the purple shadings gorgeous?
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.
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.
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
These shots are glorious. Enjoy Vancouver. We were on the island for the month of April. Such a pretty part of the world.
It is V.J. and we’re really enjoying the city and its energy. Glad you visited it! Was it raining a lot then? I love the summers here. Thanks so much for your kind words too. 🙂 🙂
It rained most of the time, but we bought raincoats and made the best of it.
Great idea. Why let the rain ruin your vacation?
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.
Thanks, Tish! I’m glad you like them. Umbrellas are a perfect art form here–given all the rain!
You wouldn’t like to email us some please 🙂
Great set of patterns, Patti!
Thank you, thank you, Sue!
😊😊
Smashing. All, great shots. However,for some reason I especially like the umbrellas. As art goes this is my kind of frivolous.
Frivolous or not, art is for our enjoyment after all! Thanks for your kind words.
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!
Thank you, thank you!! Isn’t that building amazing??
Fabulous.
Loved your response Patti – especially the way you broke your images into pattern categories. The umbrellas are definitely the show-stopper!!
So glad you like them, Tina !!😊😊
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.
Hi, Arati. Thank you so much for your kind words. That building is a marvel, isn’t it? I heard yesterday that the condos are already sold out. I’d have vertigo if I lived there!
I totally relate to feeling vertigo in that building. I much prefer living closer to the ground. Perhaps it also has something to do with having lived pretty much my whole life in earthquake country!
Oh, yes. Very understandable!!
They’re everywhere once you start to look. Lovely flower shots Patti xx
Thank you, Jo! I’m not surprised you like the flowers. 🙂 🙂 Hope you have a great walk this weekend!
We’re away for the weekend Patti. Lots of walking! ☺☺
Hi Patti, I love all your patterns.
Here is my entry for the week. Just think I didn’t even include a flower.
https://ceenphotography.com/2018/08/13/lens-artists-photo-a-week-challenge-patterns/
Thanks for joining, Cee! I love those blue windows.
Here is my contribution to this challenge: https://chava61.wordpress.com/2018/08/13/lens-artists-photo-challenge-patterns/
Great diversity of patterns Patti. The building shot is ultimate.
Thank you so much, Rupali. I’m enjoying watching that building evolve. It’s amazing engineering.
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. 😉
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.
Beautiful!!
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
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. 🙂
Wow… Beautiful pattern series, Patti! 🙂
Thank you, thank you, Amy!! I’m having fun with the challenges. 🙂