Sunlit room

I came across this picture from a few months ago. The light reminds me of the chiaroscuro (the strong contrast of dark and light) which is so prominent in the work of Vermeer which I love so much. This is his piece Woman Holding a Balance and I have a feeling I am drawn to it in part because my mum had it framed on the wall when I was young. It also reminds me of Rembrandt's piece The Return of the Prodigal Son which I have been thinking about since I started reading Henri Nouwen's book (a freebie from the local op-shop!) by the same title, where he shares the incredible impact this artwork had on him and the many years of personal and spiritual growth which were encouraged by his reflection on the characters. Art at its best really can be so inspiring and life giving!

Vermeer image sourced here, Rembrandt image sourced here.

Pear Portrait

I couldn't help but buy these beautiful pears. They are just calling out to be photographed and drawn. I have been trying to buy locally (not much in season at the moment...) but thankfully Washington State is just over the border so I think these are a fine exception.

Christmas lights

Last night the Varty's gave us a tour of Vancouver's pretty Christmas lights. Unfortunately for them, taking me through a crowded place when I have my camera is like taking a little kid who is prone to wandering off obliviously...

Catie & Michael

Ranunculus

I visited Bondi in Sydney for work recently - quite a treat, and bought these flowers back on the plane - just because I could (we just don't get flowers like they do down south up here in the tropics). Here they are wilted but still eerily beautiful don't you think? (I love the morning light so I suppose these could go in my light series).

I haven't spent much time in Sydney and could tell straight away that it is very different to Brisbane. Equally beautiful, but different. I left a sunny, warm Brisbane and arrived in a cool, cloudy Sydney where everyone was wearing boots and jumpers. I especially loved and wish I had taken more pictures of all the bagel shops, Jewish men in their traditional hats, and the inside of all the taxsis I drove in - it's cute the way they personalise their 'workspace'. Here is some interesting comissioned street art down by Bondi Beach and I can't believe noone ever told me about double-decker trains in Sydney - I was so excited when I went to hop on and realised.

LIGHT part 2 :afternoon:

LIGHT part 1 :morning:

I keep coming back to the light of Brisbane. If you are born into it, this palette of gentle pinks and oranges at dawn and dusk, the blast white of midday in summer, the lemon luminescence of mid-morning and mid-afternoon, you keep it with you, and measure all other light by it. If you live away from it, then step back into it, it is the first thing that tells you you’re home.

This description is from the back cover of a new book by author Matt Condon titled Brisbane. Richard Fidler was interviewing Matt on 612 ABC radio the other day and I just loved and resonated with his words on the light of Brisbane. I have been photographing the playing of light recently and think I will start a bit of a series.