This week, the theme for the Lens-Artists Photo Challenge is Abstract.  As I played with some images for the challenge, I felt that the designs I favoured were reminiscent of textile art.  If I wasn’t a mosaicer, I would probably do something arty with fabric.  Perhaps it is the tactile nature of both that I like.  Here are a few images of what I came up with.

How about this little black and white number?  This was originally a photo of some reeds.

grass

I can picture the design below on a scarf.  It is kind of retro.  This was originally a photo of an apartment building reflected on water.

scarf

My mosaics are often exceptionally colourful.  At close range, I tend to think that perhaps I’ve gone a bit overboard with the colour, but from a distance and on a fairly unadorned surface, they somehow seem more subdued.  Here I’ve livened up a photo of a stand of trees.  When I first took the photo, I was fascinated by the play of light on the trunks.  I like the combination here.  It looks like tie-dye, don’t you think?

tie dye

One day in the distant future, I would like to try making shibori fabrics.  If you look closely at the photo below, you will see it contains an image of a kangaroo paw (ie. a plant rather than the paw of an actual kangaroo).  From a distance, the image looks rather dream-like.  It is almost like peering into a shaman’s sacred fire or the pensieve from a Harry Potter novel.  Well, that’s what I think anyway.

shibori flower

I’ve not played around with image editing before.  So I would like to thank Patti, the host of this week’s Lens-Artists challenge, for the excuse to dabble.  It was quite fun.  Once my body gives out and I can no longer make mosaics, I think I might like to do some more dabbling.  I’ve also learnt another important lesson from this challenge — not to delete my rubbish photos as they are perfect for graphic design.  I’ve included the link to the challenge below for those interested in joining this popular weekly photo challenge.

Kind Regards.
Tracy.

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge — Abstract

50 thoughts on “Abstraction Distraction”

  2. These are such creative abstractions, Tracy. I like the ‘textile’ theme you’ve come up with. All are effective, but I especially like the reflections on water. Reminds me of Ikat printed fabric.

    Liked by 2 people

      1. I was trying to find an image to add to my comment, and couldn’t come up with what I wanted. It’s a technique that’s been popularly borrowed in some UK mainstream fashion at the mo’. Though of course the traditional creations are more beautiful and have more ‘depth’.

        Like

  3. Nice work on this challenge Tracy. I agree with some of your reflections. I think the second one looks very much like a Saori weave. The first one reminded me of Bev Doolitle’s artwork.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you, Heather. I had to look up Saori weave. My goodness, I was in heaven. There are quite a few pieces on Etsy. I don’t covet much but I was drooling. I also looked up Bev Doolittle’s work. Wow, stunning work! I am really flattered for my little photo to provide even the merest hint of her work. I now have so many ideas for mosaics that I can’t wait to try out.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Oh! I am so glad that you were able to find new inspiration through both of those. I love Saori weaving, but I still haven’t taken the next step to transform my weaves in articles of clothing,

        Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Su. Textile art has always seemed a little mysterious to me. I am so in awe of anyone that dabbles in that type of art. Mosaics are more forgiving. You can always recover if you cut a piece of tile incorrectly. Also, textile art seems like something you can only do if you have a big indoor studio. Does that sound like too many excuses? 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I’ll take the “big indoor studio” one. I keep saying I’d do a lot more if I had proper space to work, instead of taking over the dining room every time I want a big table.

        Liked by 1 person

  6. I enjoyed your take on the abstract theme Tracy. I laughed at your comment regarding don’t delete old photos. I am using more old photos than new as I have such a extensive collection. Why recreate the wheel so the saying goes!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Suzanne. I get nervous trying new things, but this was certainly a fun, risk-free project.

      I’m glad you are recycling your photos. They are so beautiful that we should see more of them, especially those of us who are only new to your blog.

      Like

  7. So much fun to be had and so many pleasant surprises! These are a lovely series, Tracy, and I love it that you enjoyed making them as well. I really should dabble more myself. At least if I got results like yours. Love the Harry Potter novel thinking.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Tina. Mosaicer is my new word. 🙂 I originally described myself as a mosaic artist, but I’m still having difficulty seeing myself in that light, so I changed it. I have trouble describing myself as a photographer too. I prefer the term ‘happy snapper’.

      I love your take on abstract too. When I saw your tree of many faces, I thought I’m going to have a go at that. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  9. Yes a lesson learnt not to get rid of all the WTF photos. Dabbling is good. I like the water reflection best Tracy 🙂 I hope I get to see the reason for our initial contact in a mosaic

    Liked by 1 person

  12. I enjoyed all of your abstractions, but the one of the kangaroo paw was by far my favorite because of the dreamy feel to it. I’d also never considered using my rubbish photos for the purpose of creating art. Now that’s a great idea!

    Liked by 1 person

  13. Hi Tracy. I consider myself a happy snapper also…no fancy lenses, no tripod, only use natural light. Love the tie-dye trees. Definitely a flamboyant fabric design there. The first one has a sense of mystery to it. The shapes hiding behind the reeds are calling to me. Ha ha! ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks for stopping by, Celia. I am so pleased you like the reflection image. Although I had been past that spot many times, I had never seen the building’s reflection in the water
      quite that way before. It was enchanting. So it was lovely to see that magic carried through to the photo abstraction.
      By the way, I loved having a peek into the bowels of your house. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  15. This series is wonderful, Tracy! I’ve thought about doing mosaics for quite a while, but haven’t tried it yet. You’ve inspired me! I think these images would make wonderful textiles. I’m delighted the challenge inspired you to “dabble!”

    Liked by 1 person

  18. Wonderful editing,Tracy! Your pics really have a textile quality to them. And I love the last one and your reference to the Pensieve in Harry Potter – it really looks like it could be part of it! 😄

    Liked by 1 person

  19. You have an incredible artist’s eye, Tracy. You capture images beyond those planted before you and convey the possibilities in your perceptive renditions. This is what makes you an original and what I admire about your work. My favorite is the kangaroo paw – so gorgeous and deeply satisfying to see. This is one I could lost in. Thank you.

    Liked by 1 person

Comments are now closed.