Tag Archives: architecture

Lens Artists – Inspiration

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A great theme from Tina Schell at Lens Artists. Inspiration is such an important part of the creative process! We need it like we need oxygen. I find a lot of inspiration in my travels and have been struggling this year, not being able to travel because of Covid-19. But I have a few Muses right here at home. They are always available and I often go to them for inspiration.

The Pacific Ocean is an eternal muse. I’m very inspired by it and, luckily, it’s always there for me, majestic and exciting, calming and inspiring. (ICM photography)

Other constant source of inspiration are my beautiful Agave plants. I have several at home and have been photographing them for years, mostly in abstract form using ICM technique.

Modern Architecture is another constant source of inspiration for me, be it here in L.A. or in my many travels.

Finally, I am always inspired by Color, which I use often on my abstracts. (ICM photography)  

Lens-Artists: Architecture

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National Congress, Brasilia, Brazil. Architect: Oscar Niemeyer

The National Museum of African American History and Culture, Washington D.C. Collaboratively designed by Freelon Group, Adjaye Associates and Davis Brody Bond.

Chicago Architecture.

National Gallery of Art, East Building Atrium. Architect: I. M. Pei

“Oculus,” the new World Trade Center Transportation Hub, New York City. Architect: Santiago Calatrava

The Broad Museum, Los Angeles, CA. Named for philanthropist Eli Broad, who financed the $140 million building to house his art collections. Architects: Architectural firm Diller Scofidio + Renfro

Walt Disney Concert Hall, home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Los Angeles, CA. Architect: Frank Gehry

The Roman Colosseum, the largest amphitheater ever built. Rome, Italy.

Temple of Jupiter, Pompeii, Italy.

For Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #35: Architecture

Thursday Doors – 10/11/2018

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Some ten days ago we spent a day in Pasadena, a suburb of Los Angeles, visiting a couple of interesting places, including the iconic “Gamble House.” Yes, Gamble as in “Procter & Gamble…”

From Wikipedia: “The David B. Gamble House is an iconic American Craftsman home designed by the architectural firm Greene and Greene. Built in 1908–09 as a winter residence for David and Mary Gamble, the three-story Gamble House is considered America’s Arts and Crafts masterpiece. It is a National Historic Landmark, California Historical Landmark, and museum. Its style shows influence from traditional Japanese aesthetics and Californian way of living. The American Craftsman style architecture was focused on the use of natural materials, attention to detail, aesthetics, and craftsmanship. David and Mary Gamble lived in the house during the winter months until their deaths in 1923 and 1929, respectively. Mary’s younger sister Julia lived in the house until her death in 1943. Cecil Huggins Gamble and his wife Louise Gibbs Gamble lived in the house beginning in 1946 and briefly considered selling it until prospective buyers spoke of painting the interior teak and mahogany woodwork white. In 1966, the Gamble family turned the house over to the city of Pasadena in a joint agreement with the University of Southern California (USC) School of Architecture. The Gamble House was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1977. Today, two 5th-year USC architecture students live in the house full-time; the selected students change annually.”

I loved the place. Would love to live in it. The simple style of the house disguises beautifully customized details that reflect the dedication and care of both owners and architects while designing it. Doors, windows, stairways, furniture, rugs, and beautiful light fixtures, were all designed especially for the house by the Greene brothers. And everything there today is still original. The house is quite dark inside so photographing some areas was a challenge. Not to mention a guided tour that didn’t give us time and freedom to roam around and photograph leisurely.

Front view of Gamble House
Entrance steps and doors
Side view of the house
Front door
Detail of front door
Front door stained-glass viewed from inside
Living room
The Gambles
Dining room
Internal door
Kitchen/Stove
Guest room
The Gamble Boys’ Room
Partial view of Mr.And Mrs. Gamble’s bedroom
Light fixture with Japanese symbols
One of many doors to the outside
The Greene brothers, architects
Door to the patio
The garage is now used as the bookshop
Detail of garage door
Door from the bookshop to the grade
View from the third floor of the house
Partial view of the garden
Historic Site Plaque

For Norm’s Thursday Doors

Fleeing

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I shot this photograph on the day Hawaiians woke up to a false alarm about an incoming ballistic missile. Although it was a false alarm, it took the state authorities 40 minutes to tell the population to disregard it, so panic ensued. When reviewing my photos, I thought this scene looked like panicked parents rushing their children to safety. Thus the title…