Amy finds her inspiration for this week’s Lens-Artists Photo Challenge from the ancient Chinese who believed that 5 elements (wood, fire, earth, metal and water)contain different types of energy, which constantly interact with each other and are in a perpetual state of motion. The Chinese name for the elements (wu xing in some Chinese translations) is translated as “the five changes.”
This week, I’ve chosen 4 images which highlight the interaction between these elements. Most shots are new; one is reprocessed.
Earth
Touch the earth, feel the earth, her plains, her valleys, her hills, and her seas; rest your spirit in her solitary places.~Henry Beston
My first image was shot in Sedona, Arizona, where the cliffs are a fiery red and stunningly beautiful. I love how their color contrasts with the blue sky to create a magnificent panoply.
Sedona Earth and Sky. Sedona, AZ
Metal and Wood
Wood is universally beautiful to man. It is the most humanly intimate of all materials.~Frank Lloyd Wright
I saw this wooden door on a walk one evening in Florence. I love its story hidden in the peeling layers of paint. I wondered what I’d find if I slid open the bolt. Maybe a Vespa or a Fiat?
Wood and Metal. Florence, Italy
Fire
Fire is never a gentle master~Proverb
These candles burn in The Shrine of the Little Flower in Royal Oak, Michigan. Although they create a gentle and soft light, they mask the sad history behind this church built by the once-famous “Radio Priest,” Father Charles Coughlin. In his weekly radio talks in the 1930’s and 1940’s, he incited millions of Americans to believe his message of hate.
Water
In one drop of water are found all the secrets of all the oceans.~Khalil Gibran
This image, shot in Hollywood, Florida, reminds me that the beach is where many of us find serenity and happiness.
A special thanks to Amy for her Elements challenge this week, which helped me “break down” my shots into these 5 categories and look at them in a new light. This made me realize that I need to take shots of fire more often! I appreciate that insight, Amy!
Next week, it’s Tina’s turn to post challenge #48. Stay tuned.
Categories: Photography
P.A. Moed 
Oh, lovely images – I really like the old door for wood and metal!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi, Sue. I’m so glad you like them. I love that door too. The light was so beautiful that evening. Thanks as always for your thoughts!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are most welcome, Patti!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love that photo of the aged wooden door with the rusted latch. The most beautiful thing about that is the light. Photographers cannot do without light, and shouldn’t that be the element of fire in this classification?
If yes, then you everything you do has fire!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, thank you, IJ! That’s a lovely compliment. Yes, I agree. Light is the “fire” in photography. I debated including “fire” in my descriptions!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I especially like the shot of the door and Sedona is always beautiful.
janet
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Janet! I love Sedona. You’re absolutely right. It is always beautiful even on an overcast day like that one!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I, too, love the shot of the aged door. Sedona is magnificent, and so much joy in the beach. And, so sad about the history of the Shrine. All are beautifully captured, Patti!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much, Amy! I’m so glad you like these shots. It’s true. The Shrine is a sad story, but the current parishioners are trying to improve the reputation of the church. And thanks for your inspiration this week!
LikeLike
Wonderful as always Patti – I saw that same view in Sedona, beautiful wasn’t it?! I see you found people too – good job!! And your beach shot is exquisite. Perfect job rising to the challenge!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much, Tina. It’s very kind of you to say that! I love Sedona, as I’m sure you do too. The walks/hikes there are magnificent. I think we’re going back there next year… Maybe we’ll see you there!!
LikeLike
So lovely Patti!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂 🙂 I always appreciate it when you stop by!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great images, particularly that old door.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi, MM. That door seems to be a favorite this week. I hope all’s well with you and that you’re enjoying your lovely part of the world.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful collection, Patti. Your door is a standout with its light, textures and colors. Beautifully seen.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much, Jane. The light that afternoon was marvelous. Interesting how it often happens on a day that’s mostly rainy.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Absolutely beautiful. All of them though I am partial to Sedona because it’s Arizona. And the metal and wood for the texture S.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Luanne!! I’m not surprised that you like Sedona. 🙂 It’s a lovely place, isn’t it? Magical.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great photo selection and commentary. I love peeling paint. Weather will have it’s way.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, John. 🙂 🙂 So true. Weather always has its own way!!
LikeLike
Loved the color in the Sedona picture!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi, SoyBend. Many thanks. The colors of the landscape are amazing there. Thanks for your thoughts!
LikeLike
Wonderful interpretations, Patti! 🙂 🙂 We have no end of old doors like that here in Portugal.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Jo! I am sure you have similar doors in Portugal. I hope you’re having fun exploring this week. 🙂 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amazingly beautiful gallery, Patti! As so many others write, I love the shot of the old door, but the light in your exquisite shot from Sedona is my favorite.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi, Ann-Christine. Thank you! The light in Sedona is amazing, as well as the landscapes. You’d love the nature there, I’m sure. I hope you’re having a calmer week, post elections!
LikeLike
Yes, I think I would have loved it, Patti! And yes, life is calming down – somewhat – now I am only working in the garden. ;-D Hope you are still enjoying your trip!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Patti, each image fulfills the theme, and I enjoyed your interpretation. Mostly, these challenges help one see what we really do see.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi, Sally. Thank you! So true. The challenges give us a way to frame our thoughts and our images, so to speak! I’m so glad you stopped by. I hope all’s well.
LikeLike
I enjoyed the light and texture in your picture for “metal and wood;” that alone could be an entire theme or series. You’re also correct in stating that these themes push us to think about our archive of photographs and to push us forward to new themes for future photography.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can almost hear the laughter in the beach photo.
Great selections of photographs.
Isadora 😎
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi, Isadora. I’m so glad you stopped by and commented. Glad you like the beach shot! It’s a great spot to relax and have fun. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person