Design is thinking made visual.
–Saul Bass
For this week’s photo challenge, we’re taking a closer look at shapes and designs. Once you start noticing them, you’ll find them in many places–in nature, in works of art, in food, in architecture–to name a few. In my first photo, the colorful design makes a wonderful quilt, don’t you think?
Styles come and go. Good design is a language, not a style.
–Massimo Vignelli
I love looking for shapes and designs in architecture. Here’s another photo from the Wellington Hotel in London, which I shared in last week’s challenge. In this small interior section of the lobby, you can see wonderful examples of different shapes and design motifs in the corinthian columns, the vaulted ceiling, and the graceful arches.
Everything has shape, if you look for it. There is no escape from form.
~Salman Rushdie
One of nature’s mysteries is her intricate and beautiful shapes and designs. This image is an old favorite from Meier Gardens in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I love the distinctive markings on the butterfly and the leaf.
I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way – things I had no words for.
~Georgia O’Keeffe
These last two photos from an exhibit by the Chinese dissident artist Ai Wei-Wei highlight a variety of shapes and designs. His exhibits are created with unusual materials and have many traditional and non-traditional components. For instance, this self-portrait of the artist was created with Legos. (Click on the image to see an enlarged version.)
In this wider shot of the exhibit you can see the wallpaper and the vases he designed. You’ll notice that his 3 self portraits on the back wall show him smashing one of the vases.
This week we invite you to share images that feature shapes and designs. Have fun searching for them in nature, in your home, in architecture, in food, in textiles, on the street–and just about everywhere else. We are looking forward to seeing your images that will take us to unexpected places near and far! Include a link to this post and be sure to use the Lens-Artists tag.
For Tina’s Interesting Architecture challenge last week, you shared marvelous examples of architecture from around the world. What a treat for all of us!
We’re delighted to announce that Lindy Low LeCoq will be our guest host next week for LAPC #175. We invite you to visit her beautiful and thought-provoking site next Saturday at noon to join our next challenge.
In closing, I’d like to share a link to a wonderful artist who creates beautiful animals portraits using stones and seashells. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.
Categories: LENS-ARTISTS, Lens-Artists Photo Challenge, Photography
Excellent theme and photos. Unusual quilt! Love the Wellington shapes. Let go my Lego! Superb. Mother Nature never never ceases to amaze.
Thanks, John!! Mother Nature is amazing. And I love that…Let go my Lego! 😀. Let the games begin!
Fun topic, Patti!
Wonderful! I’m glad you like it! Looking forward to seeing what you come up with.
Beauty lies in details from the opening swirling image to that astonishing portrait made of Legos. Anna Chan and her astounding shell art was another fabulous surprise. Beautiful post, Patti.
Hi, Sheetal. Wow! Thanks so much! I’m delighted you took a look at Anna Chan’s work. It is amazing. I love that she started this project during the pandemic. It’s inspiring. And isn’t that Lego portrait wonderful? I’m so glad you like that, too.
Wonderful theme, images and the quotes, Patti.
Many thanks, Rupali. I’m glad you liked them all! Enjoy the weekend.
What a terrific topic for this week! We all have plenty of shapes to write about– but, as you say, we need to look for them. I’m going to soon this week! But now I’d like to take off for the Wellington Hotel in London. What a lovely treat that would be!
Thanks, Rusha. I’d love to go back to the Wellington, too!! It would be so much fun and the restaurant there is great. Um…now I’m thinking about when I can go! Take care and enjoy the weekend.
An interesting challenge you have set for us this week Patti. Your first image makes me feel quite dizzy 🙂
Hi, MM. Yes, definitely dizzy! I’m glad you like the theme! 😀😀
Interesting!
Great, Sue!
😄
So many designs in nature! The trick will be to slow down and ‘see’ them. (fyi when I clicked on the link to the seashell artist various pop-ups (which I normally don’t see) appeared from the museum and eventually my WordPress site totally went blank and froze. Very strange.)
Hi, Chris. That’s really strange about the website and the WP site. I’ve never had that happen before. I can’t imagine why that happened! As for your thoughts on nature, yes, it’s true. The trick is to slow down and really see them. Photography is great that way…it makes us slow down! Take care and have a good week.
I really like your blog.
Thank you, DS! I appreciate that.
I am a Big Fan of Ai Wei Wei. I saw an exhibition of his at the Royal Academy in London a few years ago. It was fascinating. Each room had wall paper that he had chosen to go with whatever was on display in that room. That was a unique design aspect that for me raised the level of the whole exhibition to a greater height.
Oh, that’s wonderful, Anne! I can only imagine how terrific that was! He is fascinating. I agree. I really respect his artistic ethics.
What an amazing quilt! I can’t even imagine how much work went into that. Legos are some of the best toys ever (or any sort on building blocks.) We had wooden ones when I grew up. I really like the butterfly shot as well.
janet
Hi, Janet. Wooden legos? Interesting! I just remember the plastic ones from my son’s construction days.😀😀. I think Ai Wei Wei really opens our eyes to the possibilities of creating from unusual materials. Wallpaper, too! A great idea. Glad you like the quilt, too!
Wooden blocks, not Legos. I was pre-Legos!
So was I!!
🥰
The quilt is incredibly beautiful! Love the detail shot if the hotel. I haven’t seen Ai Wei Wei’ artworks. The butterfly is lovely. Inspiring, indeed!
Thanks so much, Amy! There’s a quilt show in Boston that I’m going to see in December. It’s amazing what people can create with fabric. What talent! And thanks for your thoughts on the other photos, too. I hope all’s well and you’re taking wonderful walks in nature this week!
I’ve never seen quilt like this one. Remarkable!
Hi, Amy. Yes, it’s wonderful! Quite amazing.
Great topic! That architecture is so intricate!
Isn’t it, Nora! Very intricate. I’m glad you like the topic! Wonderful.
Hi Patti! My contribution to this week’s challenge. All photos were clicked on Diwali, the Festival of lights, ten days ago. It was a hectic day but so worth all the effort. Hope you enjoy a glimpse of that day.
https://sheetalthinksaloud.wordpress.com/2021/11/14/from-dusk-to-dawn/
Hi, Sheetal. I loved your photos from Diwali. I’ll leave as separate comment on your post as soon as I can!
Here’s my contribution for this week, Patti. Thanks for hostessing.
https://sustainabilitea.wordpress.com/2021/11/13/lens-artists-photo-challenge-174-shapes-and-designs/
janet
Hi, Janet. I enjoyed your post, too! It’s my pleasure to host.
Lovely theme.
Shapes and designs there everywhere for the ones who slows down and tries to make an attempt!
Love the butterfly and Ai Wei-Wei art.
Fantastic!
So true, Philo. The shapes are there if we stop long enough to notice them. I’m glad you like the theme and the photos! Thanks.
Here’s mine! I might tweak the images later.
https://anthropologist.wordpress.com/2021/11/14/lens-artists-photo-challenge-shapes-and-designs/
Hi, Kanlaon. I think your beach shot works, too! The design is interesting. Enjoy the rest of the weekend!
Thank you! I think that was the first and only time I saw Pismo Beach without people! All these years going there, I never noticed the sign before.
I love this theme and your images are wonderful examples. Indeed, designs comes out in everything, we just need to take time to look for it.
Hi JBD. Thanks for your kind words about my photos. I’m glad you like the theme, too. It’s true that design influences so much of our world if we take the time to look for it!
Funny challenge!!! I love your examples!!!
Hi, Ana. Thanks so much! I enjoyed your post, too.
I like your first quote and I wish it could apply to me. Most of the time there’s a considerable gap between my thinking and the visual outcome! The quilt is beautiful but that butterfly is something else…
Here is mine:
https://photographias.wordpress.com/2021/11/14/lens-artists-challenge-shapes-and-designs/
Hi, Sofia. I loved your post! The peacock is gorgeous. I also appreciate your thoughts on the quilt and the butterfly. I think there’s always a gap between the concept and execution of it. The geniuses keep working on the execution until they get closer to perfection. The rest of us just shrug and say that we could have done better!!
Indeed 😀
I am totally digging this theme, and your photos are really wonderful.The portrait made with Lego really wows me since I know how crazy it is to build with it. Such precision and I have great respect with all the artists who came up with it.
Thank you for inspiring us to learn from them by showing photos that shows their creative wisdom.
Hi, JBD! Thanks so much for your thoughts and kind words. It is an amazing feat to create such huge portraits with Legos! I was astounded when I got close to the portraits and saw how they were made. Thanks again for your kind words and have a great week.
That Lego selfie is creative brilliance.
Isn’t it, Khürt! I love it!! Glad you agree.
Hi Patti, thanks for hosting L-A this week! Thank you for your inspirational photos! My leafy post of course shows nature’s leafy designs and shapes! https://secondwindleisure.com/2021/11/14/sunday-stills-leaves-have-fallen-from-the-trees/
Thanks, Terri! It’s my pleasure to host. I’ll take a look at your post next…
Terrific examples and commentary Patti. I will admit to giving serious consideration to what on earth your opening image might have been, and quilt never crossed my mind! It has such a gorgeous design and shape! And legos no less….who’d have guessed?! I’m expecting wonderful responses to your creative challenge this week. Loved your post.
Hi, Tina. Thanks so much!! Legos…who would have thought of that? Wei-Wei is a genius, I think. I’ve been delighted by the responses, too. People are having fun with this one! 😀
Great topic for a challenge Patti! I love your butterfly in particular – so much so that I decided to concentrate on nature for my contribution: https://www.toonsarah-travels.blog/gallery-nature-by-design/
Hi, Sarah. Wonderful! I’m glad you like the theme and the butterfly. I’ll take a look at your post next.
Nice selections Patti. It’s amazing what some of these artists can do with Legos.
Hi, Andy. Thanks! Yes, it is amazing! I can’t even calculate how long it took to build all 3 portraits.
Beautiful designs and a lovely challenge Patti, I especially love the leaf and butterfly and the detail inside the Wellington Hotel. My contribution for this week is a thoughtfully designed memorial fountain: https://tranature.com/2021/11/14/silent-sunday-fountain-of-memories/
Hi, Xenia. Thank you so much! I’ll take a look at your site next. 😀
Hi! Would you please repost the link? It didn’t work when I clicked on it. Thanks!
https://soulnspiritblog.com/2021/11/15/lens-artists-challenge-174-shapes-and-designs/
Well done, Patti. An art teacher once told me that artists mimic nature’s designs because nature has the best designs. I tend to believe it, but marvel at both nature and human designs. Thanks for capturing them.
Hi, Frank. Thank you! I think your teacher was absolutely right about nature’s designs. We humans have copied them for centuries! And thanks as always for stopping by and sharing your thoughts.
Love the intricate design of the Wellington hotel as well as the dizzying colours of the first photo.here ks my entry for this week: https://mywanderings.travel.blog/2021/11/15/shapes-and-designs/
Hi, Teresa. I like that….the dizzying colors! The Wellington is gorgeous, isn’t it? I can’t wait to see it again at some point. Glad you joined us!
I enjoy joining in weekly! Thanks Patti.
Patti, my favorite shots were the Lego self-portrait photos. I love this wide-open theme. I had fun going through my photos last week and labeling architecture. In the process I discovered some amazing shapes and designs I will share this week. Thank you for hosting.
Hi, Marsha. That’s great! I’m happy you’re enjoying this one. I’m looking forward to seeing your collection! Enjoy the rest of the weekend…
Thanks, Patti. I worked on it last night. I hope you will enjoy it. It will post on Wed.
judging by the number of suitable candidates I had in my gallery for this theme….must mean I enjoyed the topic even before it arose on your blog….thanks for picking it!
Hi, Cath. That’s wonderful! I’m delighted to hear that!
😊
Hi, lovely post. Beautiful theme and the intricate patterns, the butterfly was beautiful. I am posting it again.
Thanks so much! I enjoyed your post!
My pleasure Patti
I like that quote by O’Keefe, it rings true of her work and those of several other intensely visual artists. And its a lovely set of photos that you have this week. That leaf behind the butterfly is so interesting; I don’t think I’ve come across either. The beautiful architecture is another lovely photo.
I thought I would give you work by a less well-known female artist today:
https://anotherglobaleater.wordpress.com/2021/11/15/web-design-a-masterclass/
Your idea of writing a post on web design is wonderful, IJ! I totally enjoyed it. And thanks for your kind words about my photos! Have a great week.
I wanna share about some of my favourite finds from the middle east region.
https://justbluedutch.com/2021/11/15/arabesque-the-patterns-of-islamic-heritage/
Beautiful images, JBD. I enjoyed this look at Islamic design.
Thank you Patti. Regards from Germany!
You’ve got so many different designs and shapes here Patti! The quilt is exceptional! Quite an interesting prompt!
Hi, Aletta. I’m glad you like my collection! Thanks so much for your kind words. I’m enjoying seeing everyone’s photos!
There are such a wonderful variety of photos from every one!
Various shapes, patterns and designs from the past year or so:
https://davidmsphotoblog.com/2021/11/16/shapes-and-designs/
Hi, David. I’m glad you joined us. I enjoyed your collection. 😀
Hi Patti
Your photo from the lobby of the Wellington Hotel really captivates! They don’t build them like that any more, do they!? Your butterfly and leaf is a simple example of shapes and designs in Nature that’s perfect for this challenge.
Here’s my offering that includes shapes and designs in mosaic art in town:
https://babsjeheron.wordpress.com/2021/11/16/beautiful-great-blue-heron-fledgling-surprise/
Best, Babsje
Hi, Babsje. It’s true. That style is a classic. I wish those artisans were still embellishing buildings. It adds a timeless beauty to them. Thanks for your kind words, too. I enjoyed your post!
Much impressed with your ability to select crucial photos (I can’t, I have 30 again) and the lego portrait. Splendid!
What can I say? I’ve got so much style around that I’ve got to me Mexcessive. 😉
https://manjameximexcessive6.wordpress.com/2021/11/16/lens-artists-pc-shapeshifting-in-style/
Hi, Manja. What fun! Your post was wonderful. I’m delighted you liked the Lego portrait. As for choosing only a few photos, well, I have to. I’m running out of space in my media file on WP!! Take care and have a good week.
Ahh, I see. No fun this!
Lovely shots as always.
There’s a good balance of light as well as detail and I think these are all pleasing, but I’m most drawn to the butterfly.
Probably has to do with it being a form of nature.
Here’s mine for this one:
https://stupidityhole.com/2021/11/17/wave-between-rock/
Hi, SH. Thanks so much for your thoughtful comments–as always! I appreciate that. The butterfly is beautiful, isn’t it? I was fortunate to see hundreds of them at a special indoor event. But still, it was hard to capture them! I enjoyed your post, too. I was surprised to hear there’s still mining at that location. It’s a beautiful spot.
I probably should’ve been clearer about that, but mining in this spot stopped a long time ago. There’s a sewage treatment plant (at least, I’m pretty sure it is one) there which is fenced off, and a lot of space open to the public. It is a beautiful spot bit there’s also a lingering feeling of wondering what it was like before it was mined out.
I see, SH. Thanks for explaining.
Hi Patti, You have so many terrific photos that inspired me (and all of us) this week. Terrific post.
Here is my entry.
https://ceenphotography.com/2021/11/17/lens-artists-challenge-174-shapes-and-designs/
Thanks so much, Cee. I’m delighted I inspired you! I appreciate your kind words. I enjoyed your eclectic and fun collection, too.
This is fun! I posted a second time: https://anthropologist.wordpress.com/2021/11/18/lens-artists-photo-challenge-shapes-and-designs-2/
hi patti, a wonderful theme and pictures that you have chosen for us this week, I like the photos very much.
here is my contribution, https://wp.me/p2AvI7-3Y7.
many greetings robert
Hi, Robert. Thanks so much! I’m happy you like them. I’ll take a look at your photos next.
Some interesting examples of shape and design, Patti, especially the piece about the Chinese artist.
Hi, Sue. Thanks! Yes, he’s amazing. Who would have thought to use Legos??
What a wonderful theme this week, Patti. I especially love the images you’ve selected because they inspired me to look through my photos to find shapes as well. We mostly focus on lines, I guess, because they just kept popping up! Here’s our entry: https://ohtheplaceswesee.com/2021/11/19/linear-shapes-and-designs-lens-artists-challenge-174/
Thanks so much, Rusha! That’s wonderful to hear. I’ll take a look at your post next. 😀😀
Hi Patti. Thanks for doing this week’s challenge and making it so open ended! Here’s my take 🙂
https://lindylecoq.com/2021/11/19/lens-artists-challenge-174-shapes-and-designs/
What a great post! Such varied designs! Here’s my contribution: https://suejudd.com/2021/11/20/lens-artistsphoto-challenge-174-shapes-and-designs/
Hi Patti
I adore your lead photo of the swirling design, and coincidentally before I read your descriptive paragraph, what jumped to mind was a quilt. And then I read your note and smiled. You nailed it.
Here’s another offering from me for the Lens Artists Shapes and Designs challenge:
https://babsjeheron.wordpress.com/2021/11/20/tunnels-of-great-blue-heron-love/
Best, Babsje
I am a bit late with my contribution:
https://geriatrixfotogallerie.wordpress.com/2021/11/20/mosaic-floors/
Beautiful photos and a real fun and creative topic. I’m a little late with my contribution as well, I couldn’t think of anything at first but then I found something from my archives. 🙂
Hi Patti – I am just getting caught up on a few blog posts today – and gad I came back to see this one – the lego bricks use to show the artist is just so clever – and his work sounds fascinating
Hi, Yvette. It is fascinating. I’m delighted you like this sample of his work. He’s one of the great dissident artists in our time. Happy holidays, and plenty of good health in 2022.
Thanks and happy new year to you