March 24, 2019 • 55

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #38: Weathered or Worn

A stair not worn hollow by footsteps is, regarded from its own point of view, only a boring something made of wood.~Franz Kafka

Like Ann-Christine, I love the traces of history in weathered and worn places and objects. If I listen carefully, I can hear their stories and secrets.  So, for this week’s Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #38, I’m sharing some of my favorite “weathered or worn” images.

The suitcase in this first photo was carried by a Japanese-American internee in the early days of World War II.  Its battered exterior tells the story of a sad time in United States history when immigrants from Japan were imprisoned because of the fear that they were enemies of the United States. I can only imagine the sadness of the people whose loyalty was questioned after years of putting down roots in the United States.  Many of them had little time to pack their belongings and get on buses and trains to remote parts of the United States.

Suitcase from a Japanese-American internee 1940’s

When we were in Rome, this shop window filled with broken dolls caught my eye.  Not surprisingly, this shop is a doll hospital.  These dolls show the traces of wear and tear by many loving children.  I can only imagine how happy these children are when their dolls are fixed and returned to them.

Doll Hospital, Rome, Italy

Exploring the Belém district in Lisbon is stepping back in time.  It is one of the oldest sections of the city, down by the harbor, with many historical monuments and buildings that have been lived in for centuries.  I loved the juxtaposition of the pictures of modern hairstyles with centuries-old architecture.

Beauty Parlor, Belem District, Lisbon, Portugal

In the Alfama district in Lisbon, these tiled facades tell the story of when the Moors occupied the city and shared their knowledge of science and crafts like tile making.  Their faded beauty is still enchanting.

Portuguese Doorway in Alfama, Lisbon.

This final shot, taken of the jail in Port Arthur, Australia, shows the effects of almost two centuries of wind and stormy weather in this remote spot.  The front steps were worn smooth by many prisoners’ feet.

Port Arthur Prison, Australia

Thanks, Ann-Christine, for letting me highlight some of my images of older buildings and objects, worn and weathered by time.  I love learning about their secrets and long history.

Wishing you a week filled with sunshine and inspiration…

Categories: Lens-Artists Photo Challenge

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55 replies »

  2. The stonework looks really nice in your last photo.. I was surprised as I would think the building was constructed with convict labour. Enjoyed your photos and the variety of locations!

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  3. Excellent entry, Patti! Lovely shots and the beauty of weathered and worn buildings and objects really gets to me. The Japanese suitcase has its own sad story. The B&W is a perfect choice for that shot, but I quite agree with TCast about the dolls – the first impression is a bit scary, but when I take a closer look and know what it is all about, it is an amazing shot. Lastly, the feeling in Port Arthur must be quite overwhelming – all those prisoners, all those years. Love your choices for the challenge.

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    • Yes, absolutely, AC. I agree about the suitcase and the dolls. Port Arthur is an amazing place. It was a bit overwhelming and so sad. But ultimately those prisoners became Australian citizens. I wonder about the immigrants that are imprisoned today. There aren’t many happy endings, I’m afraid.

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  4. Nice variety for your worn/weathered post.
    Graffiti always adds to the story in a photo – and I do love the tiles and two doorways in that rich photo –
    also, the doll hospital window was a little creepy – but I bet some of those old dolls are worth big money to the right collector.

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    • Thank you, PH! I agree about the creepiness of the doll heads. Seems like something out of a horror movie, doesn’t it? But thankfully, it was perfectly innocent. A doll’s hospital! I was reassured when I saw the owner fixing the dolls inside the shop. 🙂

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      • That is wonderful to value these old pieces like that! I was in a thrift store and an old man was buying a doll. At first I was like – really?? At his age (ha)
        and then we talked – cos of course I said something about the doll in his cart. He told me he sells stuff online and expects a decent amount for it. (I grabbed a picture because the doll was kind of unusual to me)

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  13. Like others i find the doll parts in the window a bit creepy (i wonder why that is) but it is a great shot for the theme. Old buildings are always fascinating.

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    • Hi, Jackie. The doll hospital was at the end of the street where we were renting. I hurried by the place for a few days, but when I found out they were fixing dolls, I breathed a lot easier!! 🙂 I hope all’s well with you. 🙂 Thanks as always for your thoughts.

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