October 11, 2020 • 50

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #118 Communication

This week, Anne Leueen and her very clever horse Biasini have graciously agreed to host Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #118.  They have chosen the theme of “Communication.”  In her post, Anne shares how horses and their riders communicate with each other in a beautifully choreographed give and take.  Anne and Biasini have inspired me this week to explore communication in its many forms.  So, what does communication mean to me?

The Written Word

You never know when a moment and a few sincere words can have an impact on a life~Zig Ziglar

It is the written word.  Its power can’t be underestimated.  Think of all the love, care, and attention that goes into a writing a letter, a book, or a simple happy birthday wish written on a special cake and shared with people we love.

Celebrating Two Birthdays in Mexico.

The Spoken Word

We speak not only to tell other people what we think, but to tell ourselves what we think. Speech is a part of thought.
― Oliver Sacks, Seeing Voices

Communication is the spoken word.  Late one afternoon, we saw these French teenagers chatting after class in front of Notre Dame.  I loved the universality of the teenage spirit and their love of talking.

Art

The only way an artist can communicate with the world at large is on the level of feeling. ~Howard Hodgkin

I will always be in awe of artists who can communicate with others through the use of paints, watercolors, pencil, and charcoal, for example.  I loved the emotion in this self-portrait by Joseph Ducreux called Yawning created in 1783.  Doesn’t it perfectly express boredom?  It’s on display at the Getty Museum.

Food

“When you wake up in the morning, Pooh” said piglet at last, “what’s the first thing you say to yourself?”

“What’s for breakfast?” said Pooh. “What do you say, Piglet?”

“I say, I wonder what’s going to happen exciting today?” said Piglet.

Pooh nodded thoughtfully.

“It’s the same thing,” he said.~Benjamin Hoff The Tao of Pooh.

Communication can be delicious.  One of the many ways we show our love for others is by the food we prepare.   I admire the artistry of this barista in Florence who adorns each cup of cappuccino with a friendly smile.

A Friendly Cappuccino. Florence, Italy.

Music

With so many ways to communicate at our disposal, we must not forget the transformative power of a live music experience and genuine human exchange. ~Jon Batiste

I loved this look of delight on this little girl’s face when she played the piano and made a joyous sound.  I admire the artistry and passion of musicians who can communicate emotions to us through their instruments.

The Piano Lesson. Lincoln Center, New York. Shot with a Canon 40D.

Street Art

People say graffiti is ugly, irresponsible and childish… but that’s only if it’s done properly.― Banksy, Wall and Piece

Street artists can transform an ordinary wall or security gate into a work of art and communicate messages that can be serious, thought-provoking, or funny.    In this photo, I loved the playful and nostalgic mood of Betty Boop on this restaurant storefront in Rome.

Nature

In every walk with nature, one receives more than he seeks.~ John Muir

Nature speaks to us, too.  In this photo, taken on the ferry to Victoria, B.C., I think nature was communicating her majesty and grandeur and instilling a sense of wonder in us.

Animals and The Spirit World

How it is that animals understand things I do not know, but it is certain that they do understand. Perhaps there is a language which is not made of words and everything in the world understands it. Perhaps there is a soul hidden in everything and it can always speak, without even making a sound, to another soul. ― Frances Hodgson Burnett, A Little Princess

I believe animals are connected much more closely to the spirit world than many of us humans.  I think Biasini would agree.  This statue, created by the artist Cyrus E. Dallin in 1909, is called Appeal to the Great Spirit is on permanent display in front of the Museum of Fine Art in Boston.  It portrays a Native American chief communicating with the creator.  I believe that the horse is communicating, as well, given his powerful, alert stance.  Although critics say that Dallin’s work is a stereotype of indigenous people, I believe the statue portrays a powerful moment of silent appeal to the spirits both by humans and animals.

A special thanks to Anne Leueen and Biasini for hosting this week’s Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #118 and inspiring us with their Communication theme.  We hope you join our photo conversation this week.  In your post, include a link to Anne’s original post and use the Lens-Artists tag so that everyone can find your post in the WP Reader.

I felt like I walked around the world last week for the LAPC #117 A Photo Walk challenge!  Your walks near and far were inspiring and gave us a window into your world.   Once again, the variety and creativity of your posts were a visual treat for all of us.

Looking ahead to next week, our wonderful and talented friend, Ann-Christine of Leya will lead the challenge, so be sure to visit her site on Saturday, October 17th at noon.

In closing, once again I’d like to give a special thanks to all of you in our creative community for your continued participation, support, enthusiasm, and creativity.  You always inspire us!   I hope you have a wonderful, creative week and please stay safe.

Categories: LENS-ARTISTS, Lens-Artists Photo Challenge, Photography

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50 replies »

      • Thank you Patti, it’s a lovely theme and Biasini is a very smart horse! 🐴 We’ve been walking in the forest a lot to enjoy the changing colours and hide from the wind . Hope you are enjoying the changing colours too! 🧡🍂

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  3. A beautiful response Patti – you’ve covered the gamut with your images, which are perfect as usual! You’ve made and illustrated your point as a true artist. But speaking of artists, I must admit I thought the self-portrait was really infuriated, not bored LOL.

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    • Thank you so much, Tina! The more I thought about the theme, the more types of communication came to mind. Interesting you said that about the self portrait. I had the same reaction at first…wondering if he was infuriated or bored!

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    • Wow, Sheetal. Thank you so much! I’m so glad you liked this post. I spend so much time thinking about how to communicate with others through my writing, so I guess I had a lot to say about it!! Take care. I hope all’s well.

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  11. Patti Human you have shown me a wonderful collection of different photos. Ma Leueen shows them to me and reads the words as well. The one that means the most to me is the Native man on the horse. We horses do connect to the spirits. The horse the man is riding knows about the spirits and he knows what the man is communicating as well. We horses still retain our ancestor memories. That is how we have survived for so many years. I know that I connect with the spirits. The White Buffalo is one that has special meaning for me. Thank you for this very interesting response to my challenge. 🐴

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    • Hi, Anne and Biasini. I had a feeling you’d like the man and the horse! To tell you the truth, I included him for that reason!! I was so struck by animals’ ability to understand our feelings and to connect with the great creative forces in our world. It is truly remarkable. Our dog Max stayed by my mother-in-law’s bed when she was dying. He seemed to know that she was ready to pass and he stayed with her for hours after she died. Quite remarkable. From that experience, I knew that all animals have this type of wisdom. It’s astounding. Thank you, Anne and Biasini, for sharing your wisdom with us!

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  12. A presentation of communication to the full, Patti! Loved it very much and had to go back to the images again…I too wonder about that self-portrait…but we will never know, will we?

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  13. Wow… Beautiful presentation for the communication through your photos, words, and thoughts. Love how you extented to these artworks and music especially. Thank you, Patti!

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    • Hi, Amy. I guess you can tell I love “talking” about communication in its many forms. Thank you for your lovely comments, too. I’m delighted. It was a fun theme. Thanks to you, too!

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  20. I can’t single out one picture that I liked best. They all fit the theme and are fabulously artistic. I love gatherings of kids, and I love sky pictures and you combined some of those loves beautifully. And who couldn’t love the pianist? Super fun post. 🙂

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