View allAll Photos Tagged INTERCONNECTEDNESS
Unfortunately, Flickr is not the best medium to produce any sort of serial ideas. Most people are looking for single images and never read the descriptions. Many people simply post their photos without so much as a title or any thought for context. Fair enough then, I am a fish out of water. By now you must have realised I am on about something much more than producing a "good shot".
But for those who do care about these things, and are not rushing to fave the next image that takes your fancy, let me share a few ideas from Susan Sontag about what photography can mean for us. I don't agree with all her conclusions in the book, but that said, "On Photography" (1971) and Roland Barthes' "Camera Lucida" (1980) still remain the best introductions to the meaning of photography in our modern age.
"In a world ruled by photographic images, all borders ('framing') seem arbitrary. Anything can be separated, can be made discontinuous from anything else, all that is necessary is to frame the subject differently. Photography reinforces a nominalist view of social reality as consisting of small units of an apparently infinite number - as the number of photographs that could be taken of anything is unlimited. Through photographs, the world becomes a series of unrelated, freestanding particles; and history, past and present, a set of anecdotes...The camera makes reality atomic, manageable and opaque. It is a view of the world which denies interconnectedness, continuity, but which confers on each moment the character of a mystery. Any photograph has multiple meanings..." (p.22-23).
Now this is where Sontag gets very interesting!
"The ultimate wisdom of the photographic image is to say: 'There is the surface. Now think - or rather feel, intuit - what is beyond it, what the reality must be like if it looks this way.' Photographs, which cannot themselves explain anything, are inexhaustible invitations to deduction, speculation, and fantasy." (p.23).
The problem most viewers of photographs have is that we have been so trained to think LITERALLY (this is a picture of graffiti), that we fail to make the necessary connections with deeper aspects of meaning.
- Why did I photograph this in fading light?
- Why has the building been abandoned?
- Is it beautiful?
- What was the graffitist trying to do?
The questions are endless.
But I've visited this sort of thinking before in discussing the Phenomenology of Photography.
www.flickr.com/photos/luminosity7/52536790756/in/datepost...
www.flickr.com/photos/luminosity7/52534433756/in/datepost...
The camera can be many things, but we often forget it can be a philosophical weapon to make us THINK.
Excerpt from www.k11musea.com/about-k11-musea/:
Located at Victoria Dockside, K11 Art and Cultural District of Tsim Sha Tsui, K11 MUSEA is Hong Kong’s pioneering cultural-retail landmark. Inspired by ‘A Muse by the Sea’, K11 MUSEA is designed to enrich the new consumer’s daily life through the power of creativity, culture and innovation.
A destination 10 years in the making, K11 MUSEA was crafted by renowned entrepreneur Adrian Cheng together with 100 Creative Powers, a roster of more than 100 international architects, artists and designers who sought to create the ultimate space for all to embark on a “journey of imagination”. Since opening its doors in 2019, the museum-worthy landmark has ushered in a new era of cultural retail which speaks to the growing consumer demand for immersive experiences in art, culture, nature and commerce.
K11 Group was founded by renowned entrepreneur Adrian Cheng in 2008 with a social mission to incubate talent and propagate culture. In creating Victoria Dockside, K11 Art and Cultural District — K11 Group’s most ambitious project to date — Cheng’s vision is to inspire global millennials through establishing K11 MUSEA as the Silicon Valley of Culture, while facilitating a broader discussion on the interconnectedness of creativity, culture and innovation.
K11 MUSEA is located at the heart of Victoria Dockside,K11 Art and Cultural District. The art and design district is built on a historic site formerly known as Holt’s Wharf, a freight and logistics hub that transformed Hong Kong into one of the busiest ports in the world. Paying tribute to Hong Kong’s unique history and cultural cosmopolitanism, K11 MUSEA is committed to incubating the local cultural scene with a world-class rotation of art events, collaborations, experiences, and workshops throughout the year.
The architecture of K11 MUSEA was designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox and James Corner Field Operations in collaboration with 100 Creative Powers, including Rotterdam-based OMA and Hong Kong-based architecture studios LAAB and AB Concept.
Excerpt from www.k11musea.com/about-k11-musea/:
Located at Victoria Dockside, K11 Art and Cultural District of Tsim Sha Tsui, K11 MUSEA is Hong Kong’s pioneering cultural-retail landmark. Inspired by ‘A Muse by the Sea’, K11 MUSEA is designed to enrich the new consumer’s daily life through the power of creativity, culture and innovation.
A destination 10 years in the making, K11 MUSEA was crafted by renowned entrepreneur Adrian Cheng together with 100 Creative Powers, a roster of more than 100 international architects, artists and designers who sought to create the ultimate space for all to embark on a “journey of imagination”. Since opening its doors in 2019, the museum-worthy landmark has ushered in a new era of cultural retail which speaks to the growing consumer demand for immersive experiences in art, culture, nature and commerce.
K11 Group was founded by renowned entrepreneur Adrian Cheng in 2008 with a social mission to incubate talent and propagate culture. In creating Victoria Dockside, K11 Art and Cultural District — K11 Group’s most ambitious project to date — Cheng’s vision is to inspire global millennials through establishing K11 MUSEA as the Silicon Valley of Culture, while facilitating a broader discussion on the interconnectedness of creativity, culture and innovation.
K11 MUSEA is located at the heart of Victoria Dockside,K11 Art and Cultural District. The art and design district is built on a historic site formerly known as Holt’s Wharf, a freight and logistics hub that transformed Hong Kong into one of the busiest ports in the world. Paying tribute to Hong Kong’s unique history and cultural cosmopolitanism, K11 MUSEA is committed to incubating the local cultural scene with a world-class rotation of art events, collaborations, experiences, and workshops throughout the year.
The architecture of K11 MUSEA was designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox and James Corner Field Operations in collaboration with 100 Creative Powers, including Rotterdam-based OMA and Hong Kong-based architecture studios LAAB and AB Concept.
Excerpt from www.k11musea.com/about-k11-musea/:
Located at Victoria Dockside, K11 Art and Cultural District of Tsim Sha Tsui, K11 MUSEA is Hong Kong’s pioneering cultural-retail landmark. Inspired by ‘A Muse by the Sea’, K11 MUSEA is designed to enrich the new consumer’s daily life through the power of creativity, culture and innovation.
A destination 10 years in the making, K11 MUSEA was crafted by renowned entrepreneur Adrian Cheng together with 100 Creative Powers, a roster of more than 100 international architects, artists and designers who sought to create the ultimate space for all to embark on a “journey of imagination”. Since opening its doors in 2019, the museum-worthy landmark has ushered in a new era of cultural retail which speaks to the growing consumer demand for immersive experiences in art, culture, nature and commerce.
K11 Group was founded by renowned entrepreneur Adrian Cheng in 2008 with a social mission to incubate talent and propagate culture. In creating Victoria Dockside, K11 Art and Cultural District — K11 Group’s most ambitious project to date — Cheng’s vision is to inspire global millennials through establishing K11 MUSEA as the Silicon Valley of Culture, while facilitating a broader discussion on the interconnectedness of creativity, culture and innovation.
K11 MUSEA is located at the heart of Victoria Dockside,K11 Art and Cultural District. The art and design district is built on a historic site formerly known as Holt’s Wharf, a freight and logistics hub that transformed Hong Kong into one of the busiest ports in the world. Paying tribute to Hong Kong’s unique history and cultural cosmopolitanism, K11 MUSEA is committed to incubating the local cultural scene with a world-class rotation of art events, collaborations, experiences, and workshops throughout the year.
The architecture of K11 MUSEA was designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox and James Corner Field Operations in collaboration with 100 Creative Powers, including Rotterdam-based OMA and Hong Kong-based architecture studios LAAB and AB Concept.
SN/NC Thunbergia mysorensis, Acanthaceae Family
Thunbergia mysorensis is known as the Mysore trumpetvine or lady's slipper vine, is a woody evergreen vine native to the southern tropical forests of India. Its name honors the city of Mysore. The vine is renowned for its spectacular, hanging flower chains. Each blossom is a unique combination of red and yellow, resembling a slipper or trumpet. These nectar-rich flowers are specially adapted to attract and feed sunbirds and hummingbirds, creating a breathtaking display of nature's interconnectedness.
Thunbergia mysorensis, conhecida como trepadeira-de-Mysore ou trepadeira-sapatinho, além do mais popular sapatinho-de-judia, é uma trepadeira lenhosa e perene nativa das florestas tropicais do sul da Índia. Seu nome homenageia a cidade de Mysore. A planta é famosa por suas espetaculares cascatas de flores pendentes. Cada flor é uma combinação única de vermelho e amarelo, assemelhando-se a uma trombeta ou a uma chinela. Essas flores, ricas em néctar, são adaptadas para atrair beija-flores e passeriformes pequenos como o nectarínia, criando um espetáculo deslumbrante da interconexão na natureza.
Thunbergia mysorensis, conocida como enredadera de Mysore o enredadera zapatillo de dama, es una enredadera perenne de tallo leñoso nativa de los bosques tropicales del sur de la India. Su nombre rinde homenaje a la ciudad de Mysore. La enredadera es reconocida por sus espectaculares cadenas colgantes de flores. Cada flor es una combinación única de rojo y amarillo, que se asemeja a una zapatilla o una trompeta. Estas flores ricas en néctar están especialmente adaptadas para atraer y alimentar a aves como el colibrí y el suimanga, creando una exhibición impresionante de la interconexión de la naturaleza.
Thunbergia mysorensis, conosciuta come vite tromba di Mysore o vite scarpetta della signora, è una pianta rampicante sempreverde e legnosa originaria delle foreste tropicali dell'India meridionale. Il suo nome rende omaggio alla città di Mysore. La pianta è rinomata per i suoi spettacolari grappoli penduli di fiori. Ogni fiore è una combinazione unica di rosso e giallo, che ricorda una pantofola o una tromba. Questi fiori ricchi di nettare sono appositamente adattati per attirare e nutrire uccelli come i colibrì e i nettarinidi, creando uno spettacolo straordinario dell'interconnessione in natura
Thunbergia mysorensis, appelée liane trompette de Mysore ou liane pantoufle, est une liane ligneuse à feuillage persistant originaire des forêts tropicales du sud de l'Inde. Son nom rend hommage à la ville de Mysore. Cette liane est réputée pour ses spectaculaires châines de fleurs pendantes. Chaque fleur, unique, allie le rouge et le jaune et ressemble à une pantoufle ou à une trompette. Riches en nectar, ces fleurs sont spécialement adaptées pour attirer et nourrir les oiseaux-mouches et les souimangas, offrant un spectacle saisissant de l'interconnexion naturelle.
Thunbergia mysorensis, die Mysore-Trompetenwinde oder Damenschuh-Ranke, ist eine holzige, immergrüne Kletterpflanze, die in den tropischen Wäldern Südindiens beheimatet ist. Ihr Name ehrt die Stadt Mysore. Die Pflanze ist für ihre spektakulären, herabhängenden Blütenketten berühmt. Jede Blüte ist eine einzigartige Kombination aus Rot und Gelb und ähnelt einem Schuh oder einer Trompete. Diese nektarreichen Blüten sind speziell an die Lockung und Ernährung von Nektarvögeln und Kolibris angepasst und bieten ein atemberaubendes Schauspiel der Vernetzung in der Natur.
Thunbergia mysorensis, de Mysore-trompetbloem of dementenslipper, is een houtige, groenblijvende klimplant die inheems is in de zuidelijke tropische wouden van India. Zijn naam is een eerbetoon aan de stad Mysore. De plant is beroemd om zijn spectaculaire, hangende bloemtrossen. Elke bloem is een unieke combinatie van rood en geel en lijkt op een slipper of een trompet. Deze nectarrijke bloemen zijn speciaal aangepast om kleine vogels zoals honingzuigers en kolibries aan te trekken, wat een adembenemend beeld van de verbondenheid in de natuur creëert.
ツンベルギア・マイソレンシス (マイソールラッパカズラまたはレディースリッパバイン) は、インド南部の熱帯林が原産の木質性の常緑つる植物です。その名前はマイソール市に由来します。このつる植物は、その壮観な下垂する花の鎖で知られています。赤と黄色が独特に組み合わさった各花は、スリッパやトランペットの形をしています。蜜が豊富なこれらの花は、太陽鳥やハチドリなどの非常に小さな鳥類を引き寄せるために特化しており、自然の相互関係が見事に表現されています。
翼叶山牵牛（Thunbergia mysorensis），又称迈索尔喇叭藤或淑女的拖鞋藤，是一种木质常绿藤本植物，原产于印度南部的热带森林。其种加词"mysorensis"源自迈索尔市。这种藤本以其壮观的下垂花链而闻名。每朵花都是红黄两色的独特组合，形状像一只拖鞋或小喇叭。这些花蜜丰富的花朵专门用于吸引太阳鸟和蜂鸟等小型鸟类，展现出大自然中物种相互依存的美妙景象。
ثونبيرجيا ميسورينسيس، أو نبات بوق ميسور أو نبات حذاء السيدة، هو متسلق دائم الخضرة ذو ساق خشبي، موطنه الأصلي غابات جنوب الهند الاستوائية. اسمه مشتق من مدينة ميسور. تشتهر هذه النبتة بسلاسل أزهارها المتدلية المذهلة. كل زهرة هي مزيج فريد من الأحمر والأصفر، تشبه الحذاء أو البوق. هذه الأزهار الغنية بالرحيق مكيّفة خصيصًا لجذب الطيور الصغيرة مثل طيور الشمس والطنان، مما يخلق مشهدًا بديعًا للترابط في الطبيعة.
Indeed, the metaphor that "life is not parallel lines only" suggests that life is not a straightforward, unchanging journey with a clear, unobstructed path. Unlike parallel lines, which never meet and follow a constant direction, life is full of intersections, divergences, and unexpected turns.
This phrase beautifully captures the essence of the human experience, which is characterized by its complexity, variability, and the interconnectedness of events and decisions. Life involves a series of changes, challenges, and opportunities that often require adaptation and reconsideration of one’s path.
The unpredictability of life means that while we may set out on a certain course, the interactions we have, the decisions we make, and the circumstances we encounter can lead us in new and sometimes surprising directions. These twists and turns can lead to personal growth, new experiences, and profound insights. Thus, embracing the non-linear nature of life can help us to adapt more readily to its inherent uncertainties....................ChatGPT3.5
DSC00687
Excerpt from www.k11musea.com/about-k11-musea/:
Located at Victoria Dockside, K11 Art and Cultural District of Tsim Sha Tsui, K11 MUSEA is Hong Kong’s pioneering cultural-retail landmark. Inspired by ‘A Muse by the Sea’, K11 MUSEA is designed to enrich the new consumer’s daily life through the power of creativity, culture and innovation.
A destination 10 years in the making, K11 MUSEA was crafted by renowned entrepreneur Adrian Cheng together with 100 Creative Powers, a roster of more than 100 international architects, artists and designers who sought to create the ultimate space for all to embark on a “journey of imagination”. Since opening its doors in 2019, the museum-worthy landmark has ushered in a new era of cultural retail which speaks to the growing consumer demand for immersive experiences in art, culture, nature and commerce.
K11 Group was founded by renowned entrepreneur Adrian Cheng in 2008 with a social mission to incubate talent and propagate culture. In creating Victoria Dockside, K11 Art and Cultural District — K11 Group’s most ambitious project to date — Cheng’s vision is to inspire global millennials through establishing K11 MUSEA as the Silicon Valley of Culture, while facilitating a broader discussion on the interconnectedness of creativity, culture and innovation.
K11 MUSEA is located at the heart of Victoria Dockside,K11 Art and Cultural District. The art and design district is built on a historic site formerly known as Holt’s Wharf, a freight and logistics hub that transformed Hong Kong into one of the busiest ports in the world. Paying tribute to Hong Kong’s unique history and cultural cosmopolitanism, K11 MUSEA is committed to incubating the local cultural scene with a world-class rotation of art events, collaborations, experiences, and workshops throughout the year.
The architecture of K11 MUSEA was designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox and James Corner Field Operations in collaboration with 100 Creative Powers, including Rotterdam-based OMA and Hong Kong-based architecture studios LAAB and AB Concept.
The transient beauty of the coast is intricately intertwined with the captivating patterns that emerge in the sand, crafted by the relentless forces of wind and wave. These natural sculptors shape the shoreline, leaving behind ephemeral masterpieces.
As the tides ebb and flow, they orchestrate a delicate dance with the sand. With each advancing wave, the water gently caresses the shore, carrying particles of sand along its journey. As the wave recedes, it relinquishes its cargo, depositing the grains in a meticulous arrangement. This cyclical process, repeated countless times, creates intricate patterns that stretch along the coastline.
The patterns left behind by the retreating tide mimic the ebb and flow of life itself. Swirling ripples, reminiscent of a miniature desert landscape, emerge as the water recedes, their graceful curves and undulating lines transforming the beach into a living work of art. The patterns are at once orderly and chaotic, with intricate geometrical formations intermingling with whimsical curves and asymmetrical shapes.
The wind, a silent artist in its own right, adds its touch to the sculpting process. As it sweeps across the coast, it whispers secrets to the sand, coaxing it to dance in its invisible embrace. The wind's gentle touch lifts fine particles from the beach, carrying them aloft in an intricate ballet. It sculpts the sand into delicate ripples, resembling the soft undulations of fabric.
The interplay between the wind and the tide results in an ever-changing landscape. The patterns shift and evolve, shaped by the combined forces of these elemental sculptors. Ripples become miniature mountains, rising and falling in a transient topography that mirrors the larger contours of the surrounding coast. Each gust of wind and every advancing or receding wave leaves its mark, etching new patterns and erasing old ones, in an eternal cycle of creation and destruction.
These ephemeral patterns serve as a reminder of the impermanence of existence and the transient nature of beauty, as each passing moment alters the landscape, erasing what once was and creating something new. The sands become a canvas for the symphony of time, a tangible reflection of the ever-changing nature of our lives.
The beauty of these fleeting patterns lies not only in their visual allure but also in the emotions they evoke. They inspire a sense of wonder and awe, inviting us to pause and appreciate the intricate designs that nature creates with such effortless grace. The patterns speak of the interconnectedness of all things, the harmonious interplay between the elements, and the constant flux that defines our existence.
In these patterns of nature, we find a profound lesson: that life, like the shifting sands, is ever-changing, and that true beauty lies not in permanence but in the appreciation of the fleeting moments that grace our journey.
Neil DeGrasse Tyson's Unified Theory of Absurdity as imagined by Deep AI
Astrophysicist Neil Degrasse Tyson has proposed a unified theory of absurdity in which he suggests that absurdity does not exist in the universe, but it is a product of human perception. Tyson argues that we, as humans, have a hard time accepting the nature of the universe and, therefore, we create absurdity to fill the void of our understanding.
According to Tyson, humans have a natural tendency to apply the human perspective to everything, ignoring the fact that the universe is vastly different from anything we can imagine. He notes that we often think in binary terms, such as good and evil, black and white, and life and death. However, the universe operates on a scale that we cannot comprehend, with phenomena that defy our simplistic understanding of the world.
Tyson asserts that human beings find it difficult to comprehend the nature of the universe, and we often struggle to accept its vast complexity. In our quest to understand the world around us, we create absurdity to fill the gaps in our understanding. For example, we often assign meaning to random events, such as seeing patterns in clouds or finding significance in coincidences — to try and make sense of our world. But this can lead to a misinterpretation of the reality before us.
Tyson explains that we often create absurdity as a coping mechanism for things that we cannot understand. Tyson suggests that we do this to feel in control of the universe, even when we are not. Additionally, Tyson argues that absurdity arises when humans try to impose their will on the universe. He notes that we often create absurdity by assuming that we know what is best for the universe, even though we cannot possibly know what the universe needs.
Tyson believes that the universe's inherent absurdity to us is a result of our limited perspective. We try to translate the universe into something that fits into our preconceived notions of how things should be. However, the universe operates on a scale so vast that it leaves us both intrigued and utterly confused, but also endlessly entertained.
Finally, Tyson posits that the universe is inherently absurd to us because it exists beyond our comprehension. He suggests that, instead of creating absurdity to fill the void of our understanding, we should be open to the mysteries of the universe and embrace the unknown.
An Alternative take on the seemingly Boundless Absurdity of the Universe
By contrast, other prominently deranged and deluded theoretical physicists believe that quantum entanglement, the phenomenon where two particles become connected and behave as one, is the cornerstone of a competing unified theory of absurdity. According to their model, they argue that the universe is full of absurd, entangled particles, each part of a cosmic joke that we humans are not meant to understand.
This alternate theory goes on to suggest that the unpredictability of quantum entanglement is what gives rise to the absurdity of everyday life. From the inexplicable behaviour of our pets to the bizarre behavior of our politicians - everything can be traced back to the strange and unpredictable behavior of these tiny particles.
This outlandish and preposterously controversial school of theoretical physics goes on to posit that the universe may, in fact, be one giant, tangled web of absurdity. They suggest that everything in the universe might be entangled and that it's only our limited perception that prevents us from seeing the interconnectedness of all things.
To take this alternative theory to its ‘logical’ conclusion, we could say that the universe is one giant cosmic joke, and that we are all just characters in a farcical play that is constantly unfolding. From the smallest subatomic particles to the most distant galaxies, everything is part of this grand absurdity, and nothing is quite what it seems.
As to the more widely accepted view, Tyson's unified theory of absurdity concludes that absurdity is nothing but a product of human perception. Overall, Tyson's theory of absurdity is a refreshing perspective on how we, as humans, interact with the universe. It encourages us to approach the universe with an open mind instead of trying to impose our will upon it. By acknowledging the complexity of the universe and our limitations in experiencing it, we can experience beauty in life's most absurd moments.
(Compiled from three separate fictitious summaries generated by DeepAI with some minor editing)
The image above was based off of three separate AI images created in Dream by Wombo, then stitched together with extensive manually cloning work in PS. A minimal oil paint filter was also applied in PS. Finally, the low-res pixelated image was smoothened and then re-sharpened in Topaz DeNoise.
The transient beauty of the coast is intricately intertwined with the captivating patterns that emerge in the sand, crafted by the relentless forces of wind and wave. These natural sculptors shape the shoreline, leaving behind ephemeral masterpieces.
As the tides ebb and flow, they orchestrate a delicate dance with the sand. With each advancing wave, the water gently caresses the shore, carrying particles of sand along its journey. As the wave recedes, it relinquishes its cargo, depositing the grains in a meticulous arrangement. This cyclical process, repeated countless times, creates intricate patterns that stretch along the coastline.
The patterns left behind by the retreating tide mimic the ebb and flow of life itself. Swirling ripples, reminiscent of a miniature desert landscape, emerge as the water recedes, their graceful curves and undulating lines transforming the beach into a living work of art. The patterns are at once orderly and chaotic, with intricate geometrical formations intermingling with whimsical curves and asymmetrical shapes.
The wind, a silent artist in its own right, adds its touch to the sculpting process. As it sweeps across the coast, it whispers secrets to the sand, coaxing it to dance in its invisible embrace. The wind's gentle touch lifts fine particles from the beach, carrying them aloft in an intricate ballet. It sculpts the sand into delicate ripples, resembling the soft undulations of fabric.
The interplay between the wind and the tide results in an ever-changing landscape. The patterns shift and evolve, shaped by the combined forces of these elemental sculptors. Ripples become miniature mountains, rising and falling in a transient topography that mirrors the larger contours of the surrounding coast. Each gust of wind and every advancing or receding wave leaves its mark, etching new patterns and erasing old ones, in an eternal cycle of creation and destruction.
These ephemeral patterns serve as a reminder of the impermanence of existence and the transient nature of beauty, as each passing moment alters the landscape, erasing what once was and creating something new. The sands become a canvas for the symphony of time, a tangible reflection of the ever-changing nature of our lives.
The beauty of these fleeting patterns lies not only in their visual allure but also in the emotions they evoke. They inspire a sense of wonder and awe, inviting us to pause and appreciate the intricate designs that nature creates with such effortless grace. The patterns speak of the interconnectedness of all things, the harmonious interplay between the elements, and the constant flux that defines our existence.
In these patterns of nature, we find a profound lesson: that life, like the shifting sands, is ever-changing, and that true beauty lies not in permanence but in the appreciation of the fleeting moments that grace our journey.
Zena: The Vast Interconnectedness of Life...
With one breath, with one flow
You will know
Synchronicity
A sleep trance, a dream dance,
A shared romance,
Synchronicity
A connecting principle,
Linked to the invisible
Almost imperceptible
Something inexpressible.
Science insusceptible
Logic so inflexible
Causally connectible
Yet nothing is invincible.
If we share this nightmare
Then we can dream
Spiritus mundi.
If you act, as you think,
The missing link,
Synchronicity.
We know you, they know me
Extrasensory
Synchronicity.
A star fall, a phone call,
It joins all,
Synchronicity.
It's so deep, it's so wide
Your inside
Synchronicity.
Effect without a cause
Sub-atomic laws, scientific pause
Synchronicity
~ The Police, "Synchronicity"
The transient beauty of the coast is intricately intertwined with the captivating patterns that emerge in the sand, crafted by the relentless forces of wind and wave. These natural sculptors shape the shoreline, leaving behind ephemeral masterpieces.
As the tides ebb and flow, they orchestrate a delicate dance with the sand. With each advancing wave, the water gently caresses the shore, carrying particles of sand along its journey. As the wave recedes, it relinquishes its cargo, depositing the grains in a meticulous arrangement. This cyclical process, repeated countless times, creates intricate patterns that stretch along the coastline.
The patterns left behind by the retreating tide mimic the ebb and flow of life itself. Swirling ripples, reminiscent of a miniature desert landscape, emerge as the water recedes, their graceful curves and undulating lines transforming the beach into a living work of art. The patterns are at once orderly and chaotic, with intricate geometrical formations intermingling with whimsical curves and asymmetrical shapes.
The wind, a silent artist in its own right, adds its touch to the sculpting process. As it sweeps across the coast, it whispers secrets to the sand, coaxing it to dance in its invisible embrace. The wind's gentle touch lifts fine particles from the beach, carrying them aloft in an intricate ballet. It sculpts the sand into delicate ripples, resembling the soft undulations of fabric.
The interplay between the wind and the tide results in an ever-changing landscape. The patterns shift and evolve, shaped by the combined forces of these elemental sculptors. Ripples become miniature mountains, rising and falling in a transient topography that mirrors the larger contours of the surrounding coast. Each gust of wind and every advancing or receding wave leaves its mark, etching new patterns and erasing old ones, in an eternal cycle of creation and destruction.
These ephemeral patterns serve as a reminder of the impermanence of existence and the transient nature of beauty, as each passing moment alters the landscape, erasing what once was and creating something new. The sands become a canvas for the symphony of time, a tangible reflection of the ever-changing nature of our lives.
The beauty of these fleeting patterns lies not only in their visual allure but also in the emotions they evoke. They inspire a sense of wonder and awe, inviting us to pause and appreciate the intricate designs that nature creates with such effortless grace. The patterns speak of the interconnectedness of all things, the harmonious interplay between the elements, and the constant flux that defines our existence.
In these patterns of nature, we find a profound lesson: that life, like the shifting sands, is ever-changing, and that true beauty lies not in permanence but in the appreciation of the fleeting moments that grace our journey.
(Gene observes): Phineas had soaked & brushed his hair for the occasion. This gave his head a sleek look, which was contradicted by the surprised, honest expression (that) he wore on his face. His ears, I had never noticed before, were fairly small & set close to his head, & combined with his plastered hair they now gave his bold nose & cheekbones the sharp look of a prow.
~ John Knowles, "A Separate Peace," p. 26.
Click on "All Sizes" to take in Phineas's countenance, as he stands by his dear friend, Gene. Setbacks, impairments--vision or otherwise, cannot detract from his inherent value & essential goodness. Please visit HorseNet Horse rescue:
The red of the Tricolore (fraternite) frames this capture--& underlies the theme running through the brief series on Gene, Phineas, & "A Separate Peace." Kieslowski's extraordinary meditation (Trilogie: Bleu, Blanc, Rouge) throws into broad relief the vast interconnectedness of all life--& the sometimes tragic circumstances of shared experience (A Separate Peace). Fraternite: All sentient life has inherent value & is interconnected.
This is a photo of the reflection of overhanging oak tree branches on ripple patterns on the river that were created by droplets of rainwater dripping off of the branches. I mirrored and copied the photo twice to make it a two axial symmetrical mirrored image. The intriguing detail in the patterning of this river mandala is best seen when the image is enlarged to full screen.
In Tibetan Buddhism, and Jungian psychology, the symbolism of a mandala is viewed as visually expressing concepts about the nature of reality. Looking at this mandala image derived from forms in nature, I see a matrix of polarities that flare out into a bio-electro-sphere; the orb of a planet reverberating with the conscious energies of two-axial cosmic energy fields; the experiences of the existential sacred polarities of dying and being born; human consciousness and perception manifesting in the being polarities of the psyche: feeling and knowing, sensing and intuiting; or on the vast scale of the universe, the parameters of reality manifesting as the cosmic dualities of time and space.
Looking at the pareidolia suggested by this mandala image, I see on the horizontal axis that there is a fierce onrushing Aztec sacrificial bird deity, its three-clawed wings spread wide, and on the vertical axis, a turban-wearing wizard presides at the top of the totem pole-like column of interlacing entities. And at the center of the mandala image, there seems to be a singularity vortex that like a blackhole, is sucking, or cycling matter out of the dimension of existence. or material reality.
The double bilateral symmetry of the mandala structure suggests the mystical concept expressed in the axiom, or aphorism, As Above So Below, that is, the oneness and interconnectedness of all reality. The symbolism of a mandala visually represents the concept that consciousness is an attribute or dimension of the material universe, permeating creation on all scales, from the molecular to the cosmic, with the human scale being the midpoint in that vast continuum of dimensions, and human consciousness being the mystic central fulcrum mediating the connection between higher and lower spiritual dimensions.
© all rights reserved by B℮n
The Netherlands is a small country of 16 million people, but it boasts a quarter of a million competitive speedskaters, and millions more who skate for fun. What's the story? Natural ice in the Netherlands is a rare occurrence. In fact, some winters there's no natural ice at all. Maybe that explains why the Dutch love to skate outdoors. They hardly ever get the chance! But when a cold wave hits, and the interconnected maze of canals, rivers and lakes freeze over, it's a spontaneous celebration, a national holiday. Infinite sea of ice is perfect for ice skating journeys. Ice skating is not only a Dutch sport, it also underwrites the history, art and culture of the Netherlands. Perhaps most importantly a good freeze provides the Dutch a chance to discover the wilderness and an outdoor challenge within their own landscape. The Netherlands are a long distance skater's dream. Hundreds of kilometres of potential routes can carry the skater to the heart of a wild landscape. Today after 4 years we went ice skating on the Ankeveense Plassen.
The Ankeveense Plassen is a real skater’s paradise. As temperatures plunge across Europe, many are cursing the cold. But not in the Netherlands. Many are hoping for further frigid conditions. Photo taken of Dutch people on the lakes of Ankeveen. A first time skating in 2017 is such a rare occurrence.
Schaatsen op natuurijs is het leukste wat er is. Warm inpakken, muts op, handschoenen, schaatsen geslepen, slee mee en gaan. Helaas is het in Nederland niet zo vaak zo koud dat we echt kunnen schaatsen. Veel mensen grijpen vandaag nog even de kans om te schaatsen. Ondanks de waarschuwingen van schaatsbond KNSB om weg te blijven van meren, sloten en kanalen. Het ijs is op veel plekken niet dik genoeg. Daar lieten veel schaatsliefhebbers zich dus niet door weerhouden.. Op 26 januari 2017 verzamelden meerdere mensen op de Ankeveense plassen. Dat is de plek waar het ijs het sterkst was. Vaak wordt er aangehouden dat het ijs een centimeter of 10 dik moet zijn om veilig op te kunnen schaatsen, en het ijs op de Ankeveense plassen is op het dikste gedeelte maar een centimeter of vijf dik, maar dat weerhield tientallen mensen er niet van om toch even het ijs op te gaan. In Ankeveen was de meest gehoorde reactie: “het is dun, maar het kan wel…”. En dat leverde mooie plaatjes op. Mensen van alle leeftijden op schaatsen, kinderen die een buikschuiver willen maken, mensen die voorzichtig even willen voelen hoe het is om op het ijs te staan. De aantrekkingskracht van het ijs is enorm. Opvallend veel Amsterdammers zoeken hun toevlucht in Ankeveen. ,,Hier kan het al, bij ons op de grachten nog lang niet”, grijnst een meneer. ,,Het is windstil, lekker zonnetje, het is ijs is goed. Wat wil je nog meer?” ,,Natuurlijk kan je door het ijs zakken, maar het leven is niet zonder risico's. Je kan ook onder een auto komen, of er kan een vliegtuig op je huis neerstorten.”
Johannes Pannekoek
(WA)
Lifeblood
Statement: Lifeblood embodies the interconnectedness in nature, drawing inspiration from Earth’s winding rivers and their serpentine shapes. The symbolism of the serpent as an ancient, wise, and transformative creature implores us to recognise our profound connection to nature and to thread lightly on our planet, respecting the delicate balance of ecosystems.
This art work has won Johannes Pannekoek the exhibition’s most coveted award. It is seen as a standout in this year’s exhibition.
Sculpture by the Sea Exhibition
Although this fishing boat's full name is "Gulf Spirit", there was something about just "Spirit" showing from this angle that I liked. I don't know if it has to do with the spirituality of the ordinary and of work, or about how we often miss the connection of Spirit to this world and all that it contains, of the interconnectedness of All Things, but somehow this visual spoke to me something more than a boat docked on the Fraser River.
And there was something, too, about the POV and framing of this shot that I liked, and those elements seem to work better in B&W, at least IMHO as an amateur photographer.
Excerpt from www.k11musea.com/about-k11-musea/:
Located at Victoria Dockside, K11 Art and Cultural District of Tsim Sha Tsui, K11 MUSEA is Hong Kong’s pioneering cultural-retail landmark. Inspired by ‘A Muse by the Sea’, K11 MUSEA is designed to enrich the new consumer’s daily life through the power of creativity, culture and innovation.
A destination 10 years in the making, K11 MUSEA was crafted by renowned entrepreneur Adrian Cheng together with 100 Creative Powers, a roster of more than 100 international architects, artists and designers who sought to create the ultimate space for all to embark on a “journey of imagination”. Since opening its doors in 2019, the museum-worthy landmark has ushered in a new era of cultural retail which speaks to the growing consumer demand for immersive experiences in art, culture, nature and commerce.
K11 Group was founded by renowned entrepreneur Adrian Cheng in 2008 with a social mission to incubate talent and propagate culture. In creating Victoria Dockside, K11 Art and Cultural District — K11 Group’s most ambitious project to date — Cheng’s vision is to inspire global millennials through establishing K11 MUSEA as the Silicon Valley of Culture, while facilitating a broader discussion on the interconnectedness of creativity, culture and innovation.
K11 MUSEA is located at the heart of Victoria Dockside,K11 Art and Cultural District. The art and design district is built on a historic site formerly known as Holt’s Wharf, a freight and logistics hub that transformed Hong Kong into one of the busiest ports in the world. Paying tribute to Hong Kong’s unique history and cultural cosmopolitanism, K11 MUSEA is committed to incubating the local cultural scene with a world-class rotation of art events, collaborations, experiences, and workshops throughout the year.
The architecture of K11 MUSEA was designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox and James Corner Field Operations in collaboration with 100 Creative Powers, including Rotterdam-based OMA and Hong Kong-based architecture studios LAAB and AB Concept.
The transient beauty of the coast is intricately intertwined with the captivating patterns that emerge in the sand, crafted by the relentless forces of wind and wave. These natural sculptors shape the shoreline, leaving behind ephemeral masterpieces.
As the tides ebb and flow, they orchestrate a delicate dance with the sand. With each advancing wave, the water gently caresses the shore, carrying particles of sand along its journey. As the wave recedes, it relinquishes its cargo, depositing the grains in a meticulous arrangement. This cyclical process, repeated countless times, creates intricate patterns that stretch along the coastline.
The patterns left behind by the retreating tide mimic the ebb and flow of life itself. Swirling ripples, reminiscent of a miniature desert landscape, emerge as the water recedes, their graceful curves and undulating lines transforming the beach into a living work of art. The patterns are at once orderly and chaotic, with intricate geometrical formations intermingling with whimsical curves and asymmetrical shapes.
The wind, a silent artist in its own right, adds its touch to the sculpting process. As it sweeps across the coast, it whispers secrets to the sand, coaxing it to dance in its invisible embrace. The wind's gentle touch lifts fine particles from the beach, carrying them aloft in an intricate ballet. It sculpts the sand into delicate ripples, resembling the soft undulations of fabric.
The interplay between the wind and the tide results in an ever-changing landscape. The patterns shift and evolve, shaped by the combined forces of these elemental sculptors. Ripples become miniature mountains, rising and falling in a transient topography that mirrors the larger contours of the surrounding coast. Each gust of wind and every advancing or receding wave leaves its mark, etching new patterns and erasing old ones, in an eternal cycle of creation and destruction.
These ephemeral patterns serve as a reminder of the impermanence of existence and the transient nature of beauty, as each passing moment alters the landscape, erasing what once was and creating something new. The sands become a canvas for the symphony of time, a tangible reflection of the ever-changing nature of our lives.
The beauty of these fleeting patterns lies not only in their visual allure but also in the emotions they evoke. They inspire a sense of wonder and awe, inviting us to pause and appreciate the intricate designs that nature creates with such effortless grace. The patterns speak of the interconnectedness of all things, the harmonious interplay between the elements, and the constant flux that defines our existence.
In these patterns of nature, we find a profound lesson: that life, like the shifting sands, is ever-changing, and that true beauty lies not in permanence but in the appreciation of the fleeting moments that grace our journey.
With the eight-ton spiral ball in the pentagonal Viscardi courtyard of the "Fünf Höfe" in Munich, Ólafur Elíasson wants to symbolize the interconnectedness of the world.
Gray day and first day of snow in Munich... this is a color photo!
olafureliasson.net/archive/artwork/WEK100993/sphere
===
Mit der acht Tonnen schweren Stahl-Spiralkugel im fünfeckigen Viscardi-Hof der "Fünf Höfe" in München möchte Ólafur Elíasson die Vernetzung der Welt symbolisieren.
Time and Space by Andrew Rogers Time and Space – The Speed of Light. Ibiza, Spain.
Thirteen solid basalt columns forming a Fibonacci sequence located on the edge of a cliff facing the ocean in Ibiza, Spain.
The tallest column, ten metres in height, is highlighted in 23-carat gold to reflect the message with the setting sun on the day of the Winter Solstice.
The sequence is laid out around the circumference of an ellipse alluding to the trajectories of the planets moving around the sun. It is a vision of time and space the the interconnectedness of humanity.
The Fibonacci sequence is demonstrated both in terms of height and spacing.
Extracted and carved in Turkey, the 420 tons of basalt were loaded onto a dedicated ship and transported 4,400 kilometres to Ibiza, Spain.
The columns are mounted on basalt bases weighing from 7.2 tons to 12.5 tons. The tallest column weighs 19.5 tons.
Construction commenced on 17 January, 2014 and was completed one week later on 23 January.
The transient beauty of the coast is intricately intertwined with the captivating patterns that emerge in the sand, crafted by the relentless forces of wind and wave. These natural sculptors shape the shoreline, leaving behind ephemeral masterpieces.
As the tides ebb and flow, they orchestrate a delicate dance with the sand. With each advancing wave, the water gently caresses the shore, carrying particles of sand along its journey. As the wave recedes, it relinquishes its cargo, depositing the grains in a meticulous arrangement. This cyclical process, repeated countless times, creates intricate patterns that stretch along the coastline.
The patterns left behind by the retreating tide mimic the ebb and flow of life itself. Swirling ripples, reminiscent of a miniature desert landscape, emerge as the water recedes, their graceful curves and undulating lines transforming the beach into a living work of art. The patterns are at once orderly and chaotic, with intricate geometrical formations intermingling with whimsical curves and asymmetrical shapes.
The wind, a silent artist in its own right, adds its touch to the sculpting process. As it sweeps across the coast, it whispers secrets to the sand, coaxing it to dance in its invisible embrace. The wind's gentle touch lifts fine particles from the beach, carrying them aloft in an intricate ballet. It sculpts the sand into delicate ripples, resembling the soft undulations of fabric.
The interplay between the wind and the tide results in an ever-changing landscape. The patterns shift and evolve, shaped by the combined forces of these elemental sculptors. Ripples become miniature mountains, rising and falling in a transient topography that mirrors the larger contours of the surrounding coast. Each gust of wind and every advancing or receding wave leaves its mark, etching new patterns and erasing old ones, in an eternal cycle of creation and destruction.
These ephemeral patterns serve as a reminder of the impermanence of existence and the transient nature of beauty, as each passing moment alters the landscape, erasing what once was and creating something new. The sands become a canvas for the symphony of time, a tangible reflection of the ever-changing nature of our lives.
The beauty of these fleeting patterns lies not only in their visual allure but also in the emotions they evoke. They inspire a sense of wonder and awe, inviting us to pause and appreciate the intricate designs that nature creates with such effortless grace. The patterns speak of the interconnectedness of all things, the harmonious interplay between the elements, and the constant flux that defines our existence.
In these patterns of nature, we find a profound lesson: that life, like the shifting sands, is ever-changing, and that true beauty lies not in permanence but in the appreciation of the fleeting moments that grace our journey.
Summary:
Immerse yourself in the mesmerizing world of macro photography with this captivating image of a magnificent heliophanus spider delicately perched on a vibrant leaf, looking upwards. This extraordinary snapshot captures the intricate details of nature in a stunningly vivid manner, allowing you to appreciate the beauty that often goes unnoticed by the naked eye.
Description:
Step into the realm of macro photography and witness the marvels that lie within our natural surroundings. This exceptional photograph showcases a mesmerizing heliophanus spider, known for its captivating appearance and unique behaviors. The spider, gracefully positioned on a lush green leaf, gazes upward, creating a sense of curiosity and wonder.
Through the power of macro photography, the image brings to life the tiny world of the heliophanus spider. Every delicate feature, from its intricate web-spinning capabilities to the detailed patterns on its body, is magnificently portrayed. The vibrant colors of the leaf provide a striking contrast, enhancing the overall visual impact of the composition.
As one of the most captivating subjects for macro photography, the heliophanus spider is a testament to the incredible biodiversity found in nature. Its presence on the leaf symbolizes the delicate balance of life and the interconnectedness of all living beings.
This image serves as an inspiration for both photography enthusiasts and nature lovers. It reminds us to appreciate the extraordinary beauty that surrounds us, even in the smallest of creatures. Through the lens of macro photography, we gain a renewed perspective, unlocking a world of intricate details that often go unnoticed.
With its incredible composition and remarkable subject, this photograph is sure to captivate and inspire viewers from all walks of life. Discover the wonders of macro photography as you delve into the world of the heliophanus spider and its breathtakingly beautiful environment.
Taken on a recent walk around Stamford Park to view natures spring blossoms. Apple blossoms symbolize hope and new beginnings, attract pollinators and inspire art and literature. The delicate apple blossoms herald the arrival of spring, with their five petals and rich symbolism. They are a vital part of ecosystems and a source of apple blossom honey, embodying the beauty and promise of nature’s interconnectedness.
The transient beauty of the coast is intricately intertwined with the captivating patterns that emerge in the sand, crafted by the relentless forces of wind and wave. These natural sculptors shape the shoreline, leaving behind ephemeral masterpieces.
As the tides ebb and flow, they orchestrate a delicate dance with the sand. With each advancing wave, the water gently caresses the shore, carrying particles of sand along its journey. As the wave recedes, it relinquishes its cargo, depositing the grains in a meticulous arrangement. This cyclical process, repeated countless times, creates intricate patterns that stretch along the coastline.
The patterns left behind by the retreating tide mimic the ebb and flow of life itself. Swirling ripples, reminiscent of a miniature desert landscape, emerge as the water recedes, their graceful curves and undulating lines transforming the beach into a living work of art. The patterns are at once orderly and chaotic, with intricate geometrical formations intermingling with whimsical curves and asymmetrical shapes.
The wind, a silent artist in its own right, adds its touch to the sculpting process. As it sweeps across the coast, it whispers secrets to the sand, coaxing it to dance in its invisible embrace. The wind's gentle touch lifts fine particles from the beach, carrying them aloft in an intricate ballet. It sculpts the sand into delicate ripples, resembling the soft undulations of fabric.
The interplay between the wind and the tide results in an ever-changing landscape. The patterns shift and evolve, shaped by the combined forces of these elemental sculptors. Ripples become miniature mountains, rising and falling in a transient topography that mirrors the larger contours of the surrounding coast. Each gust of wind and every advancing or receding wave leaves its mark, etching new patterns and erasing old ones, in an eternal cycle of creation and destruction.
These ephemeral patterns serve as a reminder of the impermanence of existence and the transient nature of beauty, as each passing moment alters the landscape, erasing what once was and creating something new. The sands become a canvas for the symphony of time, a tangible reflection of the ever-changing nature of our lives.
The beauty of these fleeting patterns lies not only in their visual allure but also in the emotions they evoke. They inspire a sense of wonder and awe, inviting us to pause and appreciate the intricate designs that nature creates with such effortless grace. The patterns speak of the interconnectedness of all things, the harmonious interplay between the elements, and the constant flux that defines our existence.
In these patterns of nature, we find a profound lesson: that life, like the shifting sands, is ever-changing, and that true beauty lies not in permanence but in the appreciation of the fleeting moments that grace our journey.
Excerpt from www.k11musea.com/about-k11-musea/:
Located at Victoria Dockside, K11 Art and Cultural District of Tsim Sha Tsui, K11 MUSEA is Hong Kong’s pioneering cultural-retail landmark. Inspired by ‘A Muse by the Sea’, K11 MUSEA is designed to enrich the new consumer’s daily life through the power of creativity, culture and innovation.
A destination 10 years in the making, K11 MUSEA was crafted by renowned entrepreneur Adrian Cheng together with 100 Creative Powers, a roster of more than 100 international architects, artists and designers who sought to create the ultimate space for all to embark on a “journey of imagination”. Since opening its doors in 2019, the museum-worthy landmark has ushered in a new era of cultural retail which speaks to the growing consumer demand for immersive experiences in art, culture, nature and commerce.
K11 Group was founded by renowned entrepreneur Adrian Cheng in 2008 with a social mission to incubate talent and propagate culture. In creating Victoria Dockside, K11 Art and Cultural District — K11 Group’s most ambitious project to date — Cheng’s vision is to inspire global millennials through establishing K11 MUSEA as the Silicon Valley of Culture, while facilitating a broader discussion on the interconnectedness of creativity, culture and innovation.
K11 MUSEA is located at the heart of Victoria Dockside,K11 Art and Cultural District. The art and design district is built on a historic site formerly known as Holt’s Wharf, a freight and logistics hub that transformed Hong Kong into one of the busiest ports in the world. Paying tribute to Hong Kong’s unique history and cultural cosmopolitanism, K11 MUSEA is committed to incubating the local cultural scene with a world-class rotation of art events, collaborations, experiences, and workshops throughout the year.
The architecture of K11 MUSEA was designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox and James Corner Field Operations in collaboration with 100 Creative Powers, including Rotterdam-based OMA and Hong Kong-based architecture studios LAAB and AB Concept.
5 in 1, 1973-74, consists of five interlocking discs which represent the interconnectedness of the City's Five Boroughs, Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island.
Excerpt from www.newswire.ca/news-releases/cadillac-fairview-introduce...:
Cadillac Fairview Introduces Art Corridor on Yonge Street with new Billboard Campaign at CF Toronto Eaton Centre in Partnership with OCAD University.
The 'Imagine Together' exhibit showcases three emerging Canadian artists from OCAD University, bringing the community together through art and design.
Cadillac Fairview (CF) is proud to announce the CF Toronto Eaton Centre Art Corridor in partnership with OCAD University (OCAD U). The 18-month long exhibit features nine vibrant and inspiring designs created by three diverse and emerging OCAD U artists Raquel Da Silva, Jason Zante and Daria Joyce. Their art will transform a popular portion of Yonge Street into a beautiful outdoor gallery located directly above the iconic shopping centre.
In alignment with CF's recently shared Purpose, Transforming Communities for a Vibrant Tomorrow, CF issued a call for submission to graduate students of OCAD U's Faculty of Design to represent how art can bring people together and build community. The resulting exhibit entitled 'Imagine Together' highlights the vibrancy of human connection that is vital to healthy and happy communities and serves as a reminder of the power of collaboration and interconnectedness.
"CF is committed to creating dynamic, inviting spaces and we recognize the important role art plays in enabling expressive and meaningful places in our buildings and the neighbourhoods we are proud to be a part of," said Sheila Jennings, General Manager, CF Toronto Eaton Centre. "Our centre is located in the heart of downtown Toronto, serving as a regular meeting place for our engaged student community. It was only natural that we collaborate with young emerging talent to transcend a message of hope, positivity and togetherness through art."
Each artist was asked to reflect on their own experiences at CF Toronto Eaton Centre, weaving in physical, emotional and sensory elements to highlight the importance of inclusivity, togetherness and social connections. A mainstay in Toronto for more than 44 years, CF Toronto Eaton Centre is one of North America's most visited retail destinations that features a collection of digital signage and billboards, typically reserved for advertising, from Dundas Street down to Queen Street. For the first time, the billboards will showcase community artwork that will be on display for the next year and a half. This area, which neighbours the city's highly visited Yonge-Dundas Square, is home to some of Canada's largest digital displays, providing optimal visibility for the artists.
"OCAD University is dedicated to fostering communities that integrate multiple perspectives and we are inspired by the creativity and passion our students showed in bringing this mission to life," said Ana Serrano, President and Vice-Chancellor at OCAD University. "We are grateful to partners like Cadillac Fairview for their strong community support and providing a tremendous platform, especially at one of their landmark properties, to serve as a showcase for our students."
"This exhibit is a great addition to Downtown Yonge, highlighting the cultural significance of this neighbourhood with a positive and inspiring message. It is also important economically: arts and culture are crucial to bringing people back to this area as we re-open, and we are excited to see this art activation showcasing the talent of emerging artists," says Mark Garner, Chief Operating Office of the Downtown Yonge BIA.
About the Artists
The three artists participating in the CF Toronto Eaton Centre Art Corridor are Faculty of Design students from OCAD U. Aligned with CF's purpose, the Faculty encourages students to create designs that nurture community and empower individuals.
Raquel Da Silva - Raquel is a Toronto-based artist and designer, working primarily in painting and sculptural objects. Her work is focused on creating abstract environments with two and three-dimensional forms and shapes. Raquel's pieces created for 'Imagine Together' are meant to evoke the cultural vibrancy of the city and reflect the energy that it creates to inform, inspire and regenerate.
Jason Zante - Jason is a Filipino Canadian multidisciplinary artist. He infuses vibrant colours in his compositions that depict stillness in time, Philippine culture, and ethereal landscapes. Jason's pieces created for 'Imagine Together' emphasize how art and design influence social change and have the potential to create conversations that matter through captivating visuals.
Daria Joyce - Daria is an illustration artist, creating work that is inclusive, playful, and vibrant, as she aspires to create art that connects and illuminates. Her pieces created for 'Imagine Together' reflect the power of CF Toronto Eaton Centre as the heart of Toronto, a destination that brings people together in a visually inspiring environment, creating an emotionally enriching and communal experience.
Excerpt from www.k11musea.com/about-k11-musea/:
Located at Victoria Dockside, K11 Art and Cultural District of Tsim Sha Tsui, K11 MUSEA is Hong Kong’s pioneering cultural-retail landmark. Inspired by ‘A Muse by the Sea’, K11 MUSEA is designed to enrich the new consumer’s daily life through the power of creativity, culture and innovation.
A destination 10 years in the making, K11 MUSEA was crafted by renowned entrepreneur Adrian Cheng together with 100 Creative Powers, a roster of more than 100 international architects, artists and designers who sought to create the ultimate space for all to embark on a “journey of imagination”. Since opening its doors in 2019, the museum-worthy landmark has ushered in a new era of cultural retail which speaks to the growing consumer demand for immersive experiences in art, culture, nature and commerce.
K11 Group was founded by renowned entrepreneur Adrian Cheng in 2008 with a social mission to incubate talent and propagate culture. In creating Victoria Dockside, K11 Art and Cultural District — K11 Group’s most ambitious project to date — Cheng’s vision is to inspire global millennials through establishing K11 MUSEA as the Silicon Valley of Culture, while facilitating a broader discussion on the interconnectedness of creativity, culture and innovation.
K11 MUSEA is located at the heart of Victoria Dockside,K11 Art and Cultural District. The art and design district is built on a historic site formerly known as Holt’s Wharf, a freight and logistics hub that transformed Hong Kong into one of the busiest ports in the world. Paying tribute to Hong Kong’s unique history and cultural cosmopolitanism, K11 MUSEA is committed to incubating the local cultural scene with a world-class rotation of art events, collaborations, experiences, and workshops throughout the year.
The architecture of K11 MUSEA was designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox and James Corner Field Operations in collaboration with 100 Creative Powers, including Rotterdam-based OMA and Hong Kong-based architecture studios LAAB and AB Concept.
What an amazing feeling this image gives to me. I feel the rush of water. As a little girl I used to take a branch and slide it back and forth in the water. The bubbles of air dance just below the smooth surface of the water. My senses delight in this movement and I feel the earth and sky join in the fun. I feel the evening permeating everything and life is cleansed and renewed. I feel in touch with the depth and the deep, the height and endlessness of what is above and around us.
Excerpt from www.k11musea.com/about-k11-musea/:
Located at Victoria Dockside, K11 Art and Cultural District of Tsim Sha Tsui, K11 MUSEA is Hong Kong’s pioneering cultural-retail landmark. Inspired by ‘A Muse by the Sea’, K11 MUSEA is designed to enrich the new consumer’s daily life through the power of creativity, culture and innovation.
A destination 10 years in the making, K11 MUSEA was crafted by renowned entrepreneur Adrian Cheng together with 100 Creative Powers, a roster of more than 100 international architects, artists and designers who sought to create the ultimate space for all to embark on a “journey of imagination”. Since opening its doors in 2019, the museum-worthy landmark has ushered in a new era of cultural retail which speaks to the growing consumer demand for immersive experiences in art, culture, nature and commerce.
K11 Group was founded by renowned entrepreneur Adrian Cheng in 2008 with a social mission to incubate talent and propagate culture. In creating Victoria Dockside, K11 Art and Cultural District — K11 Group’s most ambitious project to date — Cheng’s vision is to inspire global millennials through establishing K11 MUSEA as the Silicon Valley of Culture, while facilitating a broader discussion on the interconnectedness of creativity, culture and innovation.
K11 MUSEA is located at the heart of Victoria Dockside,K11 Art and Cultural District. The art and design district is built on a historic site formerly known as Holt’s Wharf, a freight and logistics hub that transformed Hong Kong into one of the busiest ports in the world. Paying tribute to Hong Kong’s unique history and cultural cosmopolitanism, K11 MUSEA is committed to incubating the local cultural scene with a world-class rotation of art events, collaborations, experiences, and workshops throughout the year.
The architecture of K11 MUSEA was designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox and James Corner Field Operations in collaboration with 100 Creative Powers, including Rotterdam-based OMA and Hong Kong-based architecture studios LAAB and AB Concept.
Excerpt from www.k11musea.com/about-k11-musea/:
Located at Victoria Dockside, K11 Art and Cultural District of Tsim Sha Tsui, K11 MUSEA is Hong Kong’s pioneering cultural-retail landmark. Inspired by ‘A Muse by the Sea’, K11 MUSEA is designed to enrich the new consumer’s daily life through the power of creativity, culture and innovation.
A destination 10 years in the making, K11 MUSEA was crafted by renowned entrepreneur Adrian Cheng together with 100 Creative Powers, a roster of more than 100 international architects, artists and designers who sought to create the ultimate space for all to embark on a “journey of imagination”. Since opening its doors in 2019, the museum-worthy landmark has ushered in a new era of cultural retail which speaks to the growing consumer demand for immersive experiences in art, culture, nature and commerce.
K11 Group was founded by renowned entrepreneur Adrian Cheng in 2008 with a social mission to incubate talent and propagate culture. In creating Victoria Dockside, K11 Art and Cultural District — K11 Group’s most ambitious project to date — Cheng’s vision is to inspire global millennials through establishing K11 MUSEA as the Silicon Valley of Culture, while facilitating a broader discussion on the interconnectedness of creativity, culture and innovation.
K11 MUSEA is located at the heart of Victoria Dockside,K11 Art and Cultural District. The art and design district is built on a historic site formerly known as Holt’s Wharf, a freight and logistics hub that transformed Hong Kong into one of the busiest ports in the world. Paying tribute to Hong Kong’s unique history and cultural cosmopolitanism, K11 MUSEA is committed to incubating the local cultural scene with a world-class rotation of art events, collaborations, experiences, and workshops throughout the year.
The architecture of K11 MUSEA was designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox and James Corner Field Operations in collaboration with 100 Creative Powers, including Rotterdam-based OMA and Hong Kong-based architecture studios LAAB and AB Concept.
The transient beauty of the coast is intricately intertwined with the captivating patterns that emerge in the sand, crafted by the relentless forces of wind and wave. These natural sculptors shape the shoreline, leaving behind ephemeral masterpieces.
As the tides ebb and flow, they orchestrate a delicate dance with the sand. With each advancing wave, the water gently caresses the shore, carrying particles of sand along its journey. As the wave recedes, it relinquishes its cargo, depositing the grains in a meticulous arrangement. This cyclical process, repeated countless times, creates intricate patterns that stretch along the coastline.
The patterns left behind by the retreating tide mimic the ebb and flow of life itself. Swirling ripples, reminiscent of a miniature desert landscape, emerge as the water recedes, their graceful curves and undulating lines transforming the beach into a living work of art. The patterns are at once orderly and chaotic, with intricate geometrical formations intermingling with whimsical curves and asymmetrical shapes.
The wind, a silent artist in its own right, adds its touch to the sculpting process. As it sweeps across the coast, it whispers secrets to the sand, coaxing it to dance in its invisible embrace. The wind's gentle touch lifts fine particles from the beach, carrying them aloft in an intricate ballet. It sculpts the sand into delicate ripples, resembling the soft undulations of fabric.
The interplay between the wind and the tide results in an ever-changing landscape. The patterns shift and evolve, shaped by the combined forces of these elemental sculptors. Ripples become miniature mountains, rising and falling in a transient topography that mirrors the larger contours of the surrounding coast. Each gust of wind and every advancing or receding wave leaves its mark, etching new patterns and erasing old ones, in an eternal cycle of creation and destruction.
These ephemeral patterns serve as a reminder of the impermanence of existence and the transient nature of beauty, as each passing moment alters the landscape, erasing what once was and creating something new. The sands become a canvas for the symphony of time, a tangible reflection of the ever-changing nature of our lives.
The beauty of these fleeting patterns lies not only in their visual allure but also in the emotions they evoke. They inspire a sense of wonder and awe, inviting us to pause and appreciate the intricate designs that nature creates with such effortless grace. The patterns speak of the interconnectedness of all things, the harmonious interplay between the elements, and the constant flux that defines our existence.
In these patterns of nature, we find a profound lesson: that life, like the shifting sands, is ever-changing, and that true beauty lies not in permanence but in the appreciation of the fleeting moments that grace our journey.
From Tate Modern - In Wetin You Go Do? Nigerian artist Otobong Nkanga integrates voice and sculpture to reflect on contemporary anxieties.
The installation consists of concrete spheres connected to each other with heavy ropes. Sound can be heard from three of the balls, carefully edited and layered, with each sphere representing a different imaginary character. These soundtracks are part narrative and part song, and shift between stream of consciousness and profound statements in English, French and Nigerian Pidgin, an English-based Creole language widely spoken across Nigeria. In a dialogue improvised by the artist, the characters reflect on life’s difficulties, asking ‘Wetin you go do?’, a colloquial term in Nigerian Pidgin meaning ‘What are you going to do?’
The spheres are arranged in small groupings that mimic the way people gather in a crowd. The ropes connecting the spheres suggest networks within society. As such, the work can be read as a metaphor for the interconnectedness of life. With some of the concrete balls weighing more than 600 kilograms, the work might also signal the impossibility of moving forward alone.
Excerpt from www.newswire.ca/news-releases/cadillac-fairview-introduce...:
Cadillac Fairview Introduces Art Corridor on Yonge Street with new Billboard Campaign at CF Toronto Eaton Centre in Partnership with OCAD University.
The 'Imagine Together' exhibit showcases three emerging Canadian artists from OCAD University, bringing the community together through art and design.
Cadillac Fairview (CF) is proud to announce the CF Toronto Eaton Centre Art Corridor in partnership with OCAD University (OCAD U). The 18-month long exhibit features nine vibrant and inspiring designs created by three diverse and emerging OCAD U artists Raquel Da Silva, Jason Zante and Daria Joyce. Their art will transform a popular portion of Yonge Street into a beautiful outdoor gallery located directly above the iconic shopping centre.
In alignment with CF's recently shared Purpose, Transforming Communities for a Vibrant Tomorrow, CF issued a call for submission to graduate students of OCAD U's Faculty of Design to represent how art can bring people together and build community. The resulting exhibit entitled 'Imagine Together' highlights the vibrancy of human connection that is vital to healthy and happy communities and serves as a reminder of the power of collaboration and interconnectedness.
"CF is committed to creating dynamic, inviting spaces and we recognize the important role art plays in enabling expressive and meaningful places in our buildings and the neighbourhoods we are proud to be a part of," said Sheila Jennings, General Manager, CF Toronto Eaton Centre. "Our centre is located in the heart of downtown Toronto, serving as a regular meeting place for our engaged student community. It was only natural that we collaborate with young emerging talent to transcend a message of hope, positivity and togetherness through art."
Each artist was asked to reflect on their own experiences at CF Toronto Eaton Centre, weaving in physical, emotional and sensory elements to highlight the importance of inclusivity, togetherness and social connections. A mainstay in Toronto for more than 44 years, CF Toronto Eaton Centre is one of North America's most visited retail destinations that features a collection of digital signage and billboards, typically reserved for advertising, from Dundas Street down to Queen Street. For the first time, the billboards will showcase community artwork that will be on display for the next year and a half. This area, which neighbours the city's highly visited Yonge-Dundas Square, is home to some of Canada's largest digital displays, providing optimal visibility for the artists.
"OCAD University is dedicated to fostering communities that integrate multiple perspectives and we are inspired by the creativity and passion our students showed in bringing this mission to life," said Ana Serrano, President and Vice-Chancellor at OCAD University. "We are grateful to partners like Cadillac Fairview for their strong community support and providing a tremendous platform, especially at one of their landmark properties, to serve as a showcase for our students."
"This exhibit is a great addition to Downtown Yonge, highlighting the cultural significance of this neighbourhood with a positive and inspiring message. It is also important economically: arts and culture are crucial to bringing people back to this area as we re-open, and we are excited to see this art activation showcasing the talent of emerging artists," says Mark Garner, Chief Operating Office of the Downtown Yonge BIA.
About the Artists
The three artists participating in the CF Toronto Eaton Centre Art Corridor are Faculty of Design students from OCAD U. Aligned with CF's purpose, the Faculty encourages students to create designs that nurture community and empower individuals.
Raquel Da Silva - Raquel is a Toronto-based artist and designer, working primarily in painting and sculptural objects. Her work is focused on creating abstract environments with two and three-dimensional forms and shapes. Raquel's pieces created for 'Imagine Together' are meant to evoke the cultural vibrancy of the city and reflect the energy that it creates to inform, inspire and regenerate.
Jason Zante - Jason is a Filipino Canadian multidisciplinary artist. He infuses vibrant colours in his compositions that depict stillness in time, Philippine culture, and ethereal landscapes. Jason's pieces created for 'Imagine Together' emphasize how art and design influence social change and have the potential to create conversations that matter through captivating visuals.
Daria Joyce - Daria is an illustration artist, creating work that is inclusive, playful, and vibrant, as she aspires to create art that connects and illuminates. Her pieces created for 'Imagine Together' reflect the power of CF Toronto Eaton Centre as the heart of Toronto, a destination that brings people together in a visually inspiring environment, creating an emotionally enriching and communal experience.
Excerpt from www.k11musea.com/about-k11-musea/:
Located at Victoria Dockside, K11 Art and Cultural District of Tsim Sha Tsui, K11 MUSEA is Hong Kong’s pioneering cultural-retail landmark. Inspired by ‘A Muse by the Sea’, K11 MUSEA is designed to enrich the new consumer’s daily life through the power of creativity, culture and innovation.
A destination 10 years in the making, K11 MUSEA was crafted by renowned entrepreneur Adrian Cheng together with 100 Creative Powers, a roster of more than 100 international architects, artists and designers who sought to create the ultimate space for all to embark on a “journey of imagination”. Since opening its doors in 2019, the museum-worthy landmark has ushered in a new era of cultural retail which speaks to the growing consumer demand for immersive experiences in art, culture, nature and commerce.
K11 Group was founded by renowned entrepreneur Adrian Cheng in 2008 with a social mission to incubate talent and propagate culture. In creating Victoria Dockside, K11 Art and Cultural District — K11 Group’s most ambitious project to date — Cheng’s vision is to inspire global millennials through establishing K11 MUSEA as the Silicon Valley of Culture, while facilitating a broader discussion on the interconnectedness of creativity, culture and innovation.
K11 MUSEA is located at the heart of Victoria Dockside,K11 Art and Cultural District. The art and design district is built on a historic site formerly known as Holt’s Wharf, a freight and logistics hub that transformed Hong Kong into one of the busiest ports in the world. Paying tribute to Hong Kong’s unique history and cultural cosmopolitanism, K11 MUSEA is committed to incubating the local cultural scene with a world-class rotation of art events, collaborations, experiences, and workshops throughout the year.
The architecture of K11 MUSEA was designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox and James Corner Field Operations in collaboration with 100 Creative Powers, including Rotterdam-based OMA and Hong Kong-based architecture studios LAAB and AB Concept.
Once a forest, now a windbreak? Tall and thin, these trees have always had a beauty to me, that called out to me and made me photograph them often. Why the loggers left these few tall trees is a mystery; the wind is sure to blow them down eventually. Sentinels of sky, valley and mountains , showing the flowing fog line or cloud that caught my eye in an earlier pic....... they will be etched upon my memory long after they are gone. Should I outlive them. I am a logger's daughter...........but now I know that trees are essential to all life, as the lungs of the earth. Maybe that is why these trees call to me. Loggers have killed all their neighbours, and they cannot survive long without that support. Yet they still stand proud and vital, stretching up to the warmth of the sun, as I love to feel the warmth of the sun. We are all neighbours on this beautiful blue planet..........all life forms. We are all connected. I pray mankind will come to understand this interconnectedness before it is too late.
btw.........no textures were added to this shot..........the clouds themselves provided all that texture in the sky.
© All rights reserved.
Excerpt from www.k11musea.com/about-k11-musea/:
Located at Victoria Dockside, K11 Art and Cultural District of Tsim Sha Tsui, K11 MUSEA is Hong Kong’s pioneering cultural-retail landmark. Inspired by ‘A Muse by the Sea’, K11 MUSEA is designed to enrich the new consumer’s daily life through the power of creativity, culture and innovation.
A destination 10 years in the making, K11 MUSEA was crafted by renowned entrepreneur Adrian Cheng together with 100 Creative Powers, a roster of more than 100 international architects, artists and designers who sought to create the ultimate space for all to embark on a “journey of imagination”. Since opening its doors in 2019, the museum-worthy landmark has ushered in a new era of cultural retail which speaks to the growing consumer demand for immersive experiences in art, culture, nature and commerce.
K11 Group was founded by renowned entrepreneur Adrian Cheng in 2008 with a social mission to incubate talent and propagate culture. In creating Victoria Dockside, K11 Art and Cultural District — K11 Group’s most ambitious project to date — Cheng’s vision is to inspire global millennials through establishing K11 MUSEA as the Silicon Valley of Culture, while facilitating a broader discussion on the interconnectedness of creativity, culture and innovation.
K11 MUSEA is located at the heart of Victoria Dockside,K11 Art and Cultural District. The art and design district is built on a historic site formerly known as Holt’s Wharf, a freight and logistics hub that transformed Hong Kong into one of the busiest ports in the world. Paying tribute to Hong Kong’s unique history and cultural cosmopolitanism, K11 MUSEA is committed to incubating the local cultural scene with a world-class rotation of art events, collaborations, experiences, and workshops throughout the year.
The architecture of K11 MUSEA was designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox and James Corner Field Operations in collaboration with 100 Creative Powers, including Rotterdam-based OMA and Hong Kong-based architecture studios LAAB and AB Concept.
Slightly Twisted: Choices
maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Slightly%20Twisted/92/170/24
I think "Slightly Twisted" delivers a compelling message regarding the choices we face between life and death. This scene portrayed within the digital narrative is particularly poignant, capturing the essence of this existential dilemma. It serves as an excellent commentary on the dire consequences stemming from environmental degradation. The virtual space effectively reminds us of the interconnectedness of all life on our planet, emphasizing the importance of collective responsibility.
"The Torch of Friendship"
This 65-foot orange lollipop of a monument is an abstract sculpture located the center of a traffic circle in Downtown San Antonio, Texas. It's yet another creation of Sebastian, the Mexican sculptor of UNAMITA . The tall form is quite striking. I enjoyed viewing it from many angles, although this view offered the best lighting at the time of my visit.
The bold artwork was presented as a gift from the Mexican government to the City of San Antonio in 2002. It is a symbol of cooperation and shared cultures. See how there are two lines that rise and become connected? I've read that the traffic circle where this was planted was formerly a location where prisoners, captured during the Battle of the Alamo, were executed.
America and Mexico share a complicated history, and a partnership story that is still unfolding though no less complex. I appreciate this big bold statement in a prominent urban landscape that testifies to our interconnectedness, or interconexión, as it is in Spanish.
Tree of Life
Digital Abstract, Gregory Scott
In a storm of movement and color, The Tree of Life rises from chaos, its form at once rooted and wildly alive. Swirls of emerald, gold, and obsidian coalesce into a towering presence—part tree, part spirit, part force of nature. What first appears as abstraction resolves into an unmistakable structure: a trunk, limbs, and leaves contorted by time, weather, and will.
This is no passive tree. It pulses with the energy of becoming. Each twist suggests growth through adversity, the branching out of fate, and the eternal push upward despite gravity’s grip. Black veins thread through luminous greens, hinting at decay and rebirth, suffering and resilience—interwoven, inseparable.
Like the mythic symbol it references, The Tree of Life speaks to interconnectedness: of past and future, life and death, self and cosmos. It asks not to be deciphered, but to be felt—as a mirror of our own striving, rooted deep and reaching still.
---GSP
The transient beauty of the coast is intricately intertwined with the captivating patterns that emerge in the sand, crafted by the relentless forces of wind and wave. These natural sculptors shape the shoreline, leaving behind ephemeral masterpieces.
As the tides ebb and flow, they orchestrate a delicate dance with the sand. With each advancing wave, the water gently caresses the shore, carrying particles of sand along its journey. As the wave recedes, it relinquishes its cargo, depositing the grains in a meticulous arrangement. This cyclical process, repeated countless times, creates intricate patterns that stretch along the coastline.
The patterns left behind by the retreating tide mimic the ebb and flow of life itself. Swirling ripples, reminiscent of a miniature desert landscape, emerge as the water recedes, their graceful curves and undulating lines transforming the beach into a living work of art. The patterns are at once orderly and chaotic, with intricate geometrical formations intermingling with whimsical curves and asymmetrical shapes.
The wind, a silent artist in its own right, adds its touch to the sculpting process. As it sweeps across the coast, it whispers secrets to the sand, coaxing it to dance in its invisible embrace. The wind's gentle touch lifts fine particles from the beach, carrying them aloft in an intricate ballet. It sculpts the sand into delicate ripples, resembling the soft undulations of fabric.
The interplay between the wind and the tide results in an ever-changing landscape. The patterns shift and evolve, shaped by the combined forces of these elemental sculptors. Ripples become miniature mountains, rising and falling in a transient topography that mirrors the larger contours of the surrounding coast. Each gust of wind and every advancing or receding wave leaves its mark, etching new patterns and erasing old ones, in an eternal cycle of creation and destruction.
These ephemeral patterns serve as a reminder of the impermanence of existence and the transient nature of beauty, as each passing moment alters the landscape, erasing what once was and creating something new. The sands become a canvas for the symphony of time, a tangible reflection of the ever-changing nature of our lives.
The beauty of these fleeting patterns lies not only in their visual allure but also in the emotions they evoke. They inspire a sense of wonder and awe, inviting us to pause and appreciate the intricate designs that nature creates with such effortless grace. The patterns speak of the interconnectedness of all things, the harmonious interplay between the elements, and the constant flux that defines our existence.
In these patterns of nature, we find a profound lesson: that life, like the shifting sands, is ever-changing, and that true beauty lies not in permanence but in the appreciation of the fleeting moments that grace our journey.
© all rights reserved by B℮n
The Netherlands is a small country of 16 million people, but it boasts a quarter of a million competitive speedskaters, and millions more who skate for fun. What's the story? Natural ice in the Netherlands is a rare occurrence. In fact, some winters there's no natural ice at all. Maybe that explains why the Dutch love to skate outdoors. They hardly ever get the chance! But when a cold wave hits, and the interconnected maze of canals, rivers and lakes freeze over, it's a spontaneous celebration, a national holiday. Infinite sea of ice is perfect for ice skating journeys. Ice skating is not only a Dutch sport, it also underwrites the history, art and culture of the Netherlands. Perhaps most importantly a good freeze provides the Dutch a chance to discover the wilderness and an outdoor challenge within their own landscape. The Netherlands are a long distance skater's dream. Hundreds of kilometres of potential routes can carry the skater to the heart of a wild landscape. Today after 4 years we went ice skating on the Ankeveense Plassen.
The Ankeveense Plassen is a real skater’s paradise. As temperatures plunge across Europe, many are cursing the cold. But not in the Netherlands. Many are hoping for further frigid conditions. Photo taken of Dutch people on the lakes of Ankeveen. A first time skating in 2017 is such a rare occurrence. Skating myself when I took this photo. Have a look at this great skating video taken with a drone: youtu.be/jjydi6dWc_M
Schaatsen op natuurijs is het leukste wat er is. Warm inpakken, muts op, handschoenen, schaatsen geslepen, slee mee en gaan. Helaas is het in Nederland niet zo vaak zo koud dat we echt kunnen schaatsen. Veel mensen grijpen vandaag nog even de kans om te schaatsen. Ondanks de waarschuwingen van schaatsbond KNSB om weg te blijven van meren, sloten en kanalen. Het ijs is op veel plekken niet dik genoeg. Daar lieten veel schaatsliefhebbers zich dus niet door weerhouden.. Op 26 januari 2017 verzamelden meerdere mensen op de Ankeveense plassen. Dat is de plek waar het ijs het sterkst was. Vaak wordt er aangehouden dat het ijs een centimeter of 10 dik moet zijn om veilig op te kunnen schaatsen, en het ijs op de Ankeveense plassen is op het dikste gedeelte maar een centimeter of vijf dik, maar dat weerhield tientallen mensen er niet van om toch even het ijs op te gaan. In Ankeveen was de meest gehoorde reactie: “het is dun, maar het kan wel…”. En dat leverde mooie plaatjes op. Mensen van alle leeftijden op schaatsen, kinderen die een buikschuiver willen maken, mensen die voorzichtig even willen voelen hoe het is om op het ijs te staan. De aantrekkingskracht van het ijs is enorm. Opvallend veel Amsterdammers zoeken hun toevlucht in Ankeveen. ,,Hier kan het al, bij ons op de grachten nog lang niet”, grijnst een meneer. ,,Het is windstil, lekker zonnetje, het is ijs is goed. Wat wil je nog meer?” ,,Natuurlijk kan je door het ijs zakken, maar het leven is niet zonder risico's. Je kan ook onder een auto komen, of er kan een vliegtuig op je huis neerstorten.”