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by Usky

Old ruins, a bit like me…

7 July, 2011 in Places

The second most important/interesting site on the island of Thassos, archaeologically speaking, is Aliki. There’s nothing there now except two beautiful beaches, three or four tavernas, a very small ‘supermarket’ and a tiny hamlet of holiday homes, but back in the mists of time Aliki was a vibrant port and a centre of the marble exporting industry.

Looking around the site it is easy to see where rock has been worked locally, although marble of much higher quality was transported to Aliki from inland before being shipped. Amazingly, huge blocks of rough cut marble still lay alongside what was once the quay.

Should you make the trip to Thassos be sure to spend a little time at Aliki; you won’t be disappointed if you do, believe me.

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by Usky

The art of the silhouette

17 May, 2011 in Places

I haven’t visited the Montmartre district of Paris in years and wonder whether the artist’s quarter is still as vibrant as it used to be? I’m sure it must be… it would certainly be a tragedy if it weren’t… there was something very special about the way you could just stroll among the various pieces on display… view the works in progress…  mingle with the crowds and just appreciate.

I’d like to think I’m fairly open minded where art is concerned, although I will admit I prefer the subject to look like what it is supposed to be; in saying that I’m admitting that my eye/brain cannot appreciate anything in the random blobs of paint others see some much in, but hey that’s just me.

Silhouette

Silhouette

As a photographer who has embraced the modern age I’ve come to love the ‘instant’ art of digital photography. I also love the equivalent in ‘real’ artistic terms; the silhouette. Sitting watching silhouette artists at work has always fascinated me… so is there any wonder I try to recreate the silhouette in camera, so to speak? Here’s one of the ruined abbey at Whitby.

As usual clicking the image will offer an enlarged view.

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by Usky

An exercise in self-satisfaction

25 April, 2011 in Art, Photoshop

Over Exposed

Over Exposed

Sometimes I feel the need to take a totally over exposed image so I can later play around with layers of colour to see what can be rescued… it’s a kind of exercise in stretching my Photoshop knowledge… a chance to see what I know/don’t know if you will… and believe me it can be quite satisfying when it comes together. I know… I’m just blowing my own trumpet… but I don’t care!
Conceited

So anyway the next time someone tells you it’s wrong to play with yourself, think on… it’s an art form… you could be turning this…

…into this.

West Tower

West Tower - click to enlarge

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by Usky

The ‘Secret Smile’

24 April, 2011 in People, Places

Secret Smile

Secret Smile - click to enlarge

Often when I am exploring Britain’s ancient ruins I find myself wondering whether others see those things that excite me. Do they transport themselves mentally, as do I, to past times? Do they imagine the comings and goings of those who held such influence over the lives of others? Can they, too, transport themselves through the ages to the sights and smells from history?

Just occasionally I observe a fellow visitor and know they share my joy. While visiting Carreg Cennen castle I spotted such a visitor; the secret smile on this lady’s face speaks volumes to me… perhaps you too can guess at her private thoughts?

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by Usky

And the walls came tumbling down…

23 April, 2011 in Places

Carreg Cennan

Carreg Cennan - click to enlarge

I have a sneaky feeling someone’s been blowing his horn around here, but I don’t think it was Joshua somehow because the job never got finished. Of course I could well be wrong… I’m frequently told that I am! :roll:

This is Carreg Cennan castle, a once mighty stronghold… but you won’t have seen it looking quite like this before. ;)

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by Usky

Whitby Abbey

11 April, 2011 in Places

I took time out recently to visit the North Yorkshire seaside town of Whitby; Whitby Abbey is one of those places I’ve always wanted to photograph. Of course being me I didn’t stop to consider there may be restrictions in place with regards the opening times of one of England’s most famous national monuments… no, I just booked a B&B, got in the car and headed north… mistake!

In truth I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Whitby despite arriving at a time of year when the abbey was closed to visitors half the week… and of course on the days I was there.

Whitby in early morning light

Whitby in early morning light

I did manage to get a few images though and have promised myself a return trip at some stage in the future.

The abbey is an imposing presence above the town, especially in the half-light of early morning when it appears in silhouette.

Fortunately at least part of the abbey is visible above the perimeter wall. Really looking forward to being able to explore the ruin one of these days.

Please click the images for larger views.

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