I love the little lizard. I have a couple here around my apt. I used to have a problem with ants coming in now and then. Since my little buddies moved in I never see any ants anywhere around my area. And the babies are sooo cute. one managed to zip in the open door one day as I checked the mail box, and me, Yoda and the little lizard had a fun time running around the room trying to catch the baby. Since there was no success in that. I opened the door to see if it would run back outside. Funny thing was, Mommy showed up shortly and came inside to retrieve her baby and they both ran back outside. They still show up now and then and Yoda talks to them through the window. Even when I go outside they never run away. We be kindred Spirits.
The top photo is a beautiful pastoral scene, a leading line into an enticing forest, and one shoud not miss the farm buildings in the left one third line of the photo. For you, great wildlife photography seems to be an effortless passtime.
WOW!! THAT is a awesome photo Kavika. Is that a sunset or sunrise? It sure is beautiful which ever one it is. The reflection on the water is just awesome.
I thought so, but, not knowing which way you were facing when you took the photo it was sort of hard to tell. When looking out over the lake from your backyard, is it more toward the west or the east. That would help to know which direction it is from.
Once a week I have a Zoom with four friends I've known since the 7th grade (one since the 5th grade), which takes us back 56 - 58 years. Last night one of our friends set up a surprise. We had a Zoom to an elephant camp in Thailand where they take care of the elephants. It was so amazing. I tried to take some photos off my computer. They are not the best pictures, but I still think they are pretty great. The elephant's name is Lana and she is 32 years old. Her friend is Zac and he talked to us for about 30 minutes while he followed Lana around with his video on his cell phone camera as she was eating breakfast. It was 8 a.m. in Thailand. Isn't she beautiful!!!
We were in awe. It was so much fun. Zac was from Hong Kong originally and he is a terrific guy. We all had a lot of questions that he happily answered. The funniest moment was when he said Lana threw a clump of brush at him. Maybe she was playing. He was laughing about it. There were two other elephants just a little distance away, but I did not get a picture of them.
It was the best Zoom experience I've had. I loved it, too.
Lana is indeed beautiful, G. Elephants are such great animals. And they are really very intelligent. I have seen some of the pictures done by the painting Elephants. Just awesome. To think they do that with their trunks. Like humans. not all are naturally artistic, but, even some of their dabbling is very pretty.
I wonder what the intention of the painting elephants is.
For the Elephant I think it is just more like something fun to do. Each one seems to have their own ways of 'playing'. But, for the keepers it is a means of earning money to help the preserve by selling them. And from what I have read, people are ready and willing to buy them up, as some of them are truly beautiful. And I may be mistaken, but, I think each Elephant has their own 'signature' they sign their artwork with.
So Elephant paintings is really a rather serious entertainment, for both the Elephants and the people watching.
oooh.....love it Hal. A very nicely blended image, and the purple frame fits very well. I like the grayish shadow around the primary image. It blends very well with the framing. Great image. Well done.
Thanks. It’s a chalkware piece with lots of detail carved into it, so it photographs well up close. I find that a brightly colored thin inner border with a vignette tends to add depth and draw the eye into the image. The eyes came out very piercing, which is cool. Here’s the original.
Oh yeah... you do have a very unique artistic eye. Your treatment of the subject is indeed impressive. And the layering of the framing really does enhance the subject, yet does not overwhelm it. Very nicely done indeed Hal.
This is my daughter. The photo was taken a number of years ago in ''outback'' Australia. She looks nothing like her brother. You would not know that they are related. Hell, she doesn't look like she's related to me either. LOLOL
She is 6'1'' tall and slender and very light-skinned. Her brother is 5'10'' built like a tank, dark skin and straight black hair. Her mom was fairly tall 5' 10'' dark skin and straight black hair. Of course, I'm also much darker and with straight black hair (when I was younger). LOL. The only family member that she looks a bit like is her maternal grandmother.
I'll just sit on that log on the bottom right for a while
Careful Buzz. It looks like someone already sat on it and it cracked. I'd sit closer to one end or the other, just not in the middle where the break is.
Love the reddish touch along the stream, it gives such a cheerful touch to the area. And the sun shining through the trees adds a serenity and happiness. Great shot Mac.
Thanks. I remember that when I originally posted a photo essay from a day at a magnificent park, and the fifth photo was among those, that you said you really liked that photo.
Even a fallen dead tree has beauty in its own way. While creating her artwork on her choice of canvas, planet Earth, she cares not of Mans' laws. She follows her laws of Nature, and in doing so, she creates so much beauty for Man to enjoy.
The last home my parents lived in was on the edge of a forest, and one day in winter I came home to see a deer eating the euonymus vine clinging to the side or our house. I don't know which one of us was more surprised.
Those are all truly beautiful photos G. The last one looks so very peaceful, a great place for meditation and soul searching. Your awesome photo says it all.
I was aware of the history before I visited Nanjing. Nanjing is a beautiful city, and the photos were taken at a very large, very beautiful park donated by the Japanese people in an attempt to atone for the misdeeds of their military. Other than that, there was no reference to Japan, or what happened, that I recall noticing anywhere else in the city.
The photo didn't open for you? Or did you mean where that painting was shown did not open? It's a painting that has much the same feeling and message as Picasso's Guernica.
Yes, thanks Buzz. Sorry to cause you more work, but, I don't have a iPhone or such, so I can't open the ones from you cell phone. And it is not just you, others post from their cell phones as well, and I can't open them either.
Thanks for the extra work to allow me, and perhaps others, see the image. (smile)
My cell phone? LOL My cell phone is not an iPhone, it has no internet, it doesn't show movies, It doesn't have wechat, or the ability to pay for purchases. It's not a smartphone, it's not even a stupid phone. I bought it new for the equivalent of US$40. What kind of phone do you think a person can buy new for US$40? Although it can take pictures and has a few other things like alarm, etc. I use it only for phone calls and text messages. I just copied the picture off the internet on my computer and pasted it here and I had no idea it was a different kind of picture than what I usually get off the internet, until Gsquared told me. Anyway I had to change the format and save it in my picture library then paste it so it can be seen by everyone.
Sorry that I misunderstood the way the image was posted, Buzz. I bought my cellphone new for 39.00 at Sears in 2011. It can take pictures, but, they can only be removed by the Internet, and I have no use for that, as I have a regular Canon camera that I can load the pictures to my hard drive from. Like you, I only use it for a few phone calls in and out when I am away from home.
I have also found that some images I download from the Internet need to have the format changed in order to be opened when posted. Not often, but, one in a while I get one.
Now.....here is one for FRIDAY. Finally found the day I lost..(grin)
Native American Circle Of The Four Seasons:
Top - Wolf - Winter
Right - Eagle - Spring
Bottom - Lion - Summer
Left - Dolphin - Fall
Although, some Circle of the Four Seasons may vary by Tribes. Some may use plants, flowers, or other types of images, but, the meaning is still the same.
Thank you very much, Mac. I am so very glad that you have added this to your FAVORITE list. I like to share some of the Native American culture, and how they artistically designate the four seasons that they live by, sort of a pictorial seasonal calendar.
Thanks Buzz. While I wanted to add the information about the artwork, I also added the explanation of what each area of the image represented so that viewers who are not familiar with the artwork and what it represented could understand what each one meant.
When one knows what the purpose is of the artwork, it is easier for them to realize the importance it is to the people of the Tribes.
Thank you G. I'm very happy that you like it. Since different Tribes can have different languages, the Circle of Four Seasons presented in such an image helps in sharing the information among other Tribes. The Circle of Four Seasons is an important part of life for fishing, hunting, planting, and in some cases, migrating or relocating during those times for the survival of the Tribes.
I had always thought THE LION was IN WINTER but as you said, there are variations. I think of that image as having similarities to the 4-season panels painted by the Chinese, but I don't think they had the same significance as the tribal images.
having similarities to the 4-season panels painted by the Chinese, but I don't think they had the same significance as the tribal images.
Yes, it is very similar. I have seen the four season panels and they are very beautiful.
In doing a bit of research I found the following, which is indeed very similar in purpose as the Native American artwork, using the flowers to indicate each season instead of animals.
the Four Seasons are a group of flowers found in Chinese art and culture which represent the four seasons , consisting of the Orchid in Spring, the Lotus in Summer, the Chrysanthemum in Autumn, and the Plum Blossom in Winter.
That looks like a Fantasy world, Mac, so beautiful and enticing. I could sit there for hours just listening to the animals all around me, and enjoying the sweet song of the stream as it hurries on its way.
Thanks G. I had a hard time thinking of what to do about the framing. The subject was already very busy, so too much framing would likely detract from it. So I decided on simplicity and let it stand on its own.
In todays' political game playing and partisan divisiveness of our Congress, it is a nice relief to see such a very beautiful and relaxing photo. Thank you Buzz.
That is a beautiful image, Raven Wing. Can you tell us what a Shawl Dancer is about. I assume it's not just something generic like someone who dances with a shawl, or am I mistaken? Also, is she holding a torch?
Thanks G. It is actually called a Fancy Shawl Dancer, due to the elaborate Shawls the dancers wear.
The women's Fancy Shawl Dance represents the opening of a cocoon when the Butterfly emerges. The Shawl is usually the most extravagant piece. The fringed Shawls are colorful and flashy, often featuring embroidery or ribbon work. The fringe on the Shawl has a movement that coincides with the dancer.
Each dancer has their own way of telling the story of the Butterfly emerging from the cocoon. The story being the same, but, they way it is being told by the dancer and their own regalia most interesting.
The dancer above is not holding a torch, it is a traditional feather object that the dancers hold while dancing, and the light is hitting the cup the feathers are in, which then makes the bright reflection that you see.
Thank you for the explanation. I guess I have to take it one step further and ask if the emerging butterfly is symbolic for something, or is the dance just performed as a tribute to the butterfly itself?
The dance is not about the Butterfly itself. The dance is a story about the opening of the cocoon as the Butterfly is emerging. Each Tribe may have their own interpretation, but, the story is the same.
Thank you Buzz. The Fancy Shawl Dancers do have very ornate and decorative regalia. Each Dancer has their own regalia and form of telling the story. That is why one would likely not see the same regalia and dance steps, Some may be very similar, yet, in some ways different.
However, no matter how it is presented, the story is the same.
Thanks Buzz, yes you did. There are different things that different people see in the artwork. The main thing for me is that people enjoy it, and that the artwork projects a feeling they can relate to.
Thought you'd like to know; regarding the Egrets in your artwork … the egret symbolism focuses on being at peace with oneself and the world, being in a state of balance and calmness throughout.
I'm big on iconography in images … something I became addicted to years ago when studying the Art of the Italian Renaissance. So many of the paintings and sculpture, even the architecture from that period, could not be fully appreciated without understanding all of the iconography and symbolism.
could not be fully appreciated without understanding all of the iconography and symbolism.
Agreed Mac, and thank you for your very interesting input. To me, birds of most any kind are seen as being very calm, and very family oriented, depending on the species.
The Italian Renaissance was a very interesting period in so many ways. Although I was not able to engage in creating any artwork when I was younger, my interest in art of all kinds was one of my very favorite subjects. I have never been a real expert of the various arts, but, my interest and curiosity has always been a large part of my artistic world. As I became able to create artwork on the computer, I try to employ some of the things I learned over the many years.
Thank you so very much for your information and your own insight about artwork. I truly do appreciate it and learn so much from you that helps me better understand various aspects of the art world.
Thanks Buzz. I am sure they will happily return the favor one day. However, besure to always wear you hat in case the Bird of Paradise flys over your head. (big grin)
Depending on the Tribe and their own customs and traditions, their various ceremonies may differ from others. While some of the traditions and cultures may be somewhat similar, each Tribe has their own way of doing things, including their many various ceremonies.
I have seen a Cherokee healing ceremony when I stayed with the Grandmother and Grandfather of the Cherokee family that lived behind us and the children and I made friends. So I was sort of 'adopted' by the family, and in the summer when school was out we spend most of the summer with the Grandmother and Grandfather who lived on the Cherokee rez near Pawhuska OK.
I was a young girl at the time and really didn't know what was going on, but, I was fascinated by the regalia worn by the Shaman and the ceremony itself.
This was a diorama in the palace in Millenium Park in the ancient Imperial Capital of Kaifeng. Some offenders are pleading their case before the Emperor, and he provides mercy and forgives them.
Be well, stay safe … share your creativity, commentary and good will.
Beautiful photos Mac.
I agree!
I love the little lizard. I have a couple here around my apt. I used to have a problem with ants coming in now and then. Since my little buddies moved in I never see any ants anywhere around my area. And the babies are sooo cute. one managed to zip in the open door one day as I checked the mail box, and me, Yoda and the little lizard had a fun time running around the room trying to catch the baby. Since there was no success in that. I opened the door to see if it would run back outside. Funny thing was, Mommy showed up shortly and came inside to retrieve her baby and they both ran back outside. They still show up now and then and Yoda talks to them through the window. Even when I go outside they never run away. We be kindred Spirits.
The top photo is a beautiful pastoral scene, a leading line into an enticing forest, and one shoud not miss the farm buildings in the left one third line of the photo. For you, great wildlife photography seems to be an effortless passtime.
Bentleyville at the Duluth, MN waterfront in 2018
Great photo EG.
Thanks. This year it's a "drive through" event. I'm taking my mom. Should be horrific... LOL!
That is a great photo.
Beautiful photo EG. A really nice array of colors.
That is a magnificent photo - nightime (nighttime?) photography is just as effective and interesting as daytime.
Sunrise, Stone Creek golf course, Ocala, FL.
Absolutely beautiful. I would love to see a sunrise like that, if I ever got up that early...
WOW!! THAT is a awesome photo Kavika. Is that a sunset or sunrise? It sure is beautiful which ever one it is. The reflection on the water is just awesome.
Sunrise, RW.
I thought so, but, not knowing which way you were facing when you took the photo it was sort of hard to tell. When looking out over the lake from your backyard, is it more toward the west or the east. That would help to know which direction it is from.
That's a sunrise? Fantastic - it makes me think of a J.M.W.Turner sunset.
Once a week I have a Zoom with four friends I've known since the 7th grade (one since the 5th grade), which takes us back 56 - 58 years. Last night one of our friends set up a surprise. We had a Zoom to an elephant camp in Thailand where they take care of the elephants. It was so amazing. I tried to take some photos off my computer. They are not the best pictures, but I still think they are pretty great. The elephant's name is Lana and she is 32 years old. Her friend is Zac and he talked to us for about 30 minutes while he followed Lana around with his video on his cell phone camera as she was eating breakfast. It was 8 a.m. in Thailand. Isn't she beautiful!!!
The website for the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation:
That is just too cool. I love it.
We were in awe. It was so much fun. Zac was from Hong Kong originally and he is a terrific guy. We all had a lot of questions that he happily answered. The funniest moment was when he said Lana threw a clump of brush at him. Maybe she was playing. He was laughing about it. There were two other elephants just a little distance away, but I did not get a picture of them.
It was the best Zoom experience I've had. I loved it, too.
Lana is indeed beautiful, G. Elephants are such great animals. And they are really very intelligent. I have seen some of the pictures done by the painting Elephants. Just awesome. To think they do that with their trunks. Like humans. not all are naturally artistic, but, even some of their dabbling is very pretty.
I wonder what the intention of the painting elephants is. A form of expression? To create art?
Perhaps they use Art as a means of avoiding TRUNK-ation from civilized society.
For the Elephant I think it is just more like something fun to do. Each one seems to have their own ways of 'playing'. But, for the keepers it is a means of earning money to help the preserve by selling them. And from what I have read, people are ready and willing to buy them up, as some of them are truly beautiful. And I may be mistaken, but, I think each Elephant has their own 'signature' they sign their artwork with.
So Elephant paintings is really a rather serious entertainment, for both the Elephants and the people watching.
The baby elephant liked your joke.
That is adorable, G. I have never heard an Elephant laugh before.
I never knew an elephant I didn't like. Of course she's beautiful. Does anyone have the nerve to argue with that?
aahh.....not me. I like my toes just the way they are. (grin)
Another piece of art hanging on my wall, with my own touches applied.
oooh.....love it Hal. A very nicely blended image, and the purple frame fits very well. I like the grayish shadow around the primary image. It blends very well with the framing. Great image. Well done.
Thanks. It’s a chalkware piece with lots of detail carved into it, so it photographs well up close. I find that a brightly colored thin inner border with a vignette tends to add depth and draw the eye into the image. The eyes came out very piercing, which is cool. Here’s the original.
Well displayed. There is no end to the magnificent colleciton of the unusual in your home.
Oh yeah... you do have a very unique artistic eye. Your treatment of the subject is indeed impressive. And the layering of the framing really does enhance the subject, yet does not overwhelm it. Very nicely done indeed Hal.
Lately there's been no end to my dyslexic typing.
Don't worry Buzz, 'typos' is my middle name.
Here's one for Thursday...
The original ''Bird of Paradise''.
That's right Kavika. It is indeed the original 'Bird of Paradise.' The others are called a Fire Bird according to some NA lore.
The Firebird spirit?
No Buzz, this is actually a "Bird of Paradise" as Kavika stated. Here is a picture of a live Bird of Paradise...
Oh, okay.
That is a spectacular image.
Thank you very much G. I'm very glad that you like it.
This is my daughter. The photo was taken a number of years ago in ''outback'' Australia. She looks nothing like her brother. You would not know that they are related. Hell, she doesn't look like she's related to me either. LOLOL
You mean you're not as beautiful as she is? LOL
She is 6'1'' tall and slender and very light-skinned. Her brother is 5'10'' built like a tank, dark skin and straight black hair. Her mom was fairly tall 5' 10'' dark skin and straight black hair. Of course, I'm also much darker and with straight black hair (when I was younger). LOL. The only family member that she looks a bit like is her maternal grandmother.
Genetics are strange.
Wow!! She is a beautiful young lady. The thing that I see that reminds me of you Son, is the eyes. They both have the most beautiful eyes.
Wonderful picture Kavika, thank you for sharing.
Yes, both have quite striking eyes.
Thanks, RW.
That's a wonderful photo, Kavika.
Taking it to Friday … two hours early.
© A. Mac/A.G.
Okay, I'll just sit on that log on the bottom right for a while.
Of course you WOOD.
Careful Buzz. It looks like someone already sat on it and it cracked. I'd sit closer to one end or the other, just not in the middle where the break is.
Maybe I'd better just stand....LOL
Good idea. LOL!!!
Love the reddish touch along the stream, it gives such a cheerful touch to the area. And the sun shining through the trees adds a serenity and happiness. Great shot Mac.
Beautiful photo.
Well..I'll post one to go into Saturday...
For some reason she looks like she doesn't trust us. Please tell her that most of us are friends here.
Well....being an Indian she can't help being a bit suspicious of strangers. (grin)
She looks like she is skeptical of you saying it is Saturday.
Great image.
Indeed she does, and so would I be, and I'm the one who lost the day.
I think that you skipped a day RW. Tomorrow is Friday...LOL
Ugh! I have lost a day. Too bad I can't lose one I rather not deal with.
Thanks for the reminder, Kavika. But, at least I get one more day to play.
There ya go, RW.
Verdant scenes from past years in China....
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Great photo essay, Buzz.
Thanks. I remember that when I originally posted a photo essay from a day at a magnificent park, and the fifth photo was among those, that you said you really liked that photo.
These are all so beautiful Buzz. Such vibrant colors and interesting plants. They truly enhance their surroundings very nicely. Well done.
Merci, madame.
You're welcome. (smile)
Those are awesome photos.
Thanks, my professional colleague.
My Friday LOG in.
After all … it's FALL-en. But, I can get over it.
© A. Mac/A.G.
Is it logical to block a road like that?
Even a fallen dead tree has beauty in its own way. While creating her artwork on her choice of canvas, planet Earth, she cares not of Mans' laws. She follows her laws of Nature, and in doing so, she creates so much beauty for Man to enjoy.
Is it logical to block a road like that?
I'll go out on a LIMB and say, it'a actually a stream bed, mostly dry and covered with autumn leaves. But you decid-uous.
Then it's a bridge too far for me to cross.
Took this just a few hours ago and added the quote.
© A. Mac/A.G.
That is so beautiful, Mac, and the words are so true. Mother Earth can create some truly awesome sights.
You should create a log of your most recent photo posts.
We wood need the password to log on the view them...
(I'm getting almost as bad as you guys...)
yeah....ain't it fun.
There wood always be room for another punner - we won't leaf anyone out.
Nah! It would be too tedious to LEAF through …
As a budding punner I could also branch out to other pursuits.
Go slowly and just pun when the OAK-casion calls for it; that way, you'll remain POPLAR in the Group.
I have to be a ceCEDAR cause there's no comeback FIR that one.
I BIRCH-a it took ASPEN of time for YEW to NEEDLE us with that one.
As HEMLOCK Holmes might have said, "ELM-entary, my dear Watson".
Everyone take the log out of your eye.
One last one from me before I shut this computer off for the weekend.
Aww...how sweet. Looks like she might be a bit pregnant.
The last home my parents lived in was on the edge of a forest, and one day in winter I came home to see a deer eating the euonymus vine clinging to the side or our house. I don't know which one of us was more surprised.
Koi, Zhouzhuang, China
Bridge, Zhouzhuang
Nanjing, China
Nanjing
Those are all truly beautiful photos G. The last one looks so very peaceful, a great place for meditation and soul searching. Your awesome photo says it all.
Thanks, Raven Wing
You were in Nanjing. I guess you learned there why the Chinese peope will NEVER forgive the Japanese.
I was aware of the history before I visited Nanjing. Nanjing is a beautiful city, and the photos were taken at a very large, very beautiful park donated by the Japanese people in an attempt to atone for the misdeeds of their military. Other than that, there was no reference to Japan, or what happened, that I recall noticing anywhere else in the city.
Well, the documentaries, especially those taken by the Japanese military itself, will always be a reminder. Did you go to a gallery?
We went to the Nanjing Museum and we also went to the Presidential Palace, which is a museum. They were both very interesting.
The photo you posted is not open.
The photo didn't open for you? Or did you mean where that painting was shown did not open? It's a painting that has much the same feeling and message as Picasso's Guernica.
I can see it now.
I saw "Guernica" at a Picasso retrospective in 1980 in New York. Very powerful.
Same for me Buzz. None of those type of photos will open for me.
How did you get it to open G. It won't open for me.
It didn't open when I was using my computer earlier. Now I'm using my cell phone and there it is.
Ah....thanks G. That's because it is a cellphone format, not a PC format. I don't have one of those kind of cellphones. (grin)
Did this work?
Yes, thanks Buzz. Sorry to cause you more work, but, I don't have a iPhone or such, so I can't open the ones from you cell phone. And it is not just you, others post from their cell phones as well, and I can't open them either.
Thanks for the extra work to allow me, and perhaps others, see the image. (smile)
My cell phone? LOL My cell phone is not an iPhone, it has no internet, it doesn't show movies, It doesn't have wechat, or the ability to pay for purchases. It's not a smartphone, it's not even a stupid phone. I bought it new for the equivalent of US$40. What kind of phone do you think a person can buy new for US$40? Although it can take pictures and has a few other things like alarm, etc. I use it only for phone calls and text messages. I just copied the picture off the internet on my computer and pasted it here and I had no idea it was a different kind of picture than what I usually get off the internet, until Gsquared told me. Anyway I had to change the format and save it in my picture library then paste it so it can be seen by everyone.
Sorry that I misunderstood the way the image was posted, Buzz. I bought my cellphone new for 39.00 at Sears in 2011. It can take pictures, but, they can only be removed by the Internet, and I have no use for that, as I have a regular Canon camera that I can load the pictures to my hard drive from. Like you, I only use it for a few phone calls in and out when I am away from home.
I have also found that some images I download from the Internet need to have the format changed in order to be opened when posted. Not often, but, one in a while I get one.
Now.....here is one for FRIDAY. Finally found the day I lost..(grin)
Native American Circle Of The Four Seasons:
Top - Wolf - Winter
Right - Eagle - Spring
Bottom - Lion - Summer
Left - Dolphin - Fall
Although, some Circle of the Four Seasons may vary by Tribes. Some may use plants, flowers, or other types of images, but, the meaning is still the same.
I put that one on my "FAVORITE" list, RW!
Thank you very much, Mac. I am so very glad that you have added this to your FAVORITE list. I like to share some of the Native American culture, and how they artistically designate the four seasons that they live by, sort of a pictorial seasonal calendar.
Fully understandable - mine as well.
Thanks Buzz. While I wanted to add the information about the artwork, I also added the explanation of what each area of the image represented so that viewers who are not familiar with the artwork and what it represented could understand what each one meant.
When one knows what the purpose is of the artwork, it is easier for them to realize the importance it is to the people of the Tribes.
I'm very glad you like it.
I love that.
Thank you G. I'm very happy that you like it. Since different Tribes can have different languages, the Circle of Four Seasons presented in such an image helps in sharing the information among other Tribes. The Circle of Four Seasons is an important part of life for fishing, hunting, planting, and in some cases, migrating or relocating during those times for the survival of the Tribes.
I had always thought THE LION was IN WINTER but as you said, there are variations. I think of that image as having similarities to the 4-season panels painted by the Chinese, but I don't think they had the same significance as the tribal images.
Yes, it is very similar. I have seen the four season panels and they are very beautiful.
In doing a bit of research I found the following, which is indeed very similar in purpose as the Native American artwork, using the flowers to indicate each season instead of animals.
Link:
Onward towards Saturday.
© A. Mac/A.G.
Absolutely spectacular!!!
Fabulous colours, and quite reflective.
That looks like a Fantasy world, Mac, so beautiful and enticing. I could sit there for hours just listening to the animals all around me, and enjoying the sweet song of the stream as it hurries on its way.
Very well done.
Here is one to take us into Saturday......for real this time. (grin)
Lovely - Queen of the butterflies.
Thanks Buzz. Her bright outfit seems to have caught the eye of many surrounding Butterflies.
Beautiful image, Raven Wing.
Thanks G. I had a hard time thinking of what to do about the framing. The subject was already very busy, so too much framing would likely detract from it. So I decided on simplicity and let it stand on its own.
Another day, another photo...
Peaceful and serene.
In todays' political game playing and partisan divisiveness of our Congress, it is a nice relief to see such a very beautiful and relaxing photo. Thank you Buzz.
Nice scene.
A little late today, but, here is my contribution for Saturday....
That is incredible. Very nice.
Thank you G. I am happy that you like it.
Moving it forward …
A redundancy … Falls in the Fall
© A. Mac/A.G.
That's great.
One more for Saturday...
A Shawl Dancer
That is a beautiful image, Raven Wing. Can you tell us what a Shawl Dancer is about. I assume it's not just something generic like someone who dances with a shawl, or am I mistaken? Also, is she holding a torch?
Thanks G. It is actually called a Fancy Shawl Dancer, due to the elaborate Shawls the dancers wear.
The women's Fancy Shawl Dance represents the opening of a cocoon when the Butterfly emerges. The Shawl is usually the most extravagant piece. The fringed Shawls are colorful and flashy, often featuring embroidery or ribbon work. The fringe on the Shawl has a movement that coincides with the dancer.
Each dancer has their own way of telling the story of the Butterfly emerging from the cocoon. The story being the same, but, they way it is being told by the dancer and their own regalia most interesting.
The dancer above is not holding a torch, it is a traditional feather object that the dancers hold while dancing, and the light is hitting the cup the feathers are in, which then makes the bright reflection that you see.
Here is another Fancy Shawl Dancer...
Thank you for the explanation. I guess I have to take it one step further and ask if the emerging butterfly is symbolic for something, or is the dance just performed as a tribute to the butterfly itself?
The dance is not about the Butterfly itself. The dance is a story about the opening of the cocoon as the Butterfly is emerging. Each Tribe may have their own interpretation, but, the story is the same.
Two wonderful shawl dance images. Between the two, I prefer the second one - it has more interesting imagery, right down to the moccasins.
Thank you Buzz. The Fancy Shawl Dancers do have very ornate and decorative regalia. Each Dancer has their own regalia and form of telling the story. That is why one would likely not see the same regalia and dance steps, Some may be very similar, yet, in some ways different.
However, no matter how it is presented, the story is the same.
Sunday's contribution.....
That is lovely Buzz, and very interesting. What is the story of the subject of this photo?
I don't know. It's on the campus of the Sichuan Institute if Art, so maybe it was some kind of exercise in design.
Ahh....I thought maybe it was some sort of abandoned Home of some kind. Thanks for the feedback.
Let us reflect on things this Sunday, autumn morning.
©A. Mac/A.G.
That is really beautiful, Mac. So full of robust and yet serene colors mixed with those of the stream. So calming.
Very nice - looks like it was a lovely day.
It's such a warm, sunny day here in So Cal......and here is one for Sunday,
Keeping warm company on a cold Winter day
I still like that image.- I think I once said that it speaks to me of love.
Thanks Buzz, yes you did. There are different things that different people see in the artwork. The main thing for me is that people enjoy it, and that the artwork projects a feeling they can relate to.
Thought you'd like to know; regarding the Egrets in your artwork … the egret symbolism focuses on being at peace with oneself and the world, being in a state of balance and calmness throughout.
I'm big on iconography in images … something I became addicted to years ago when studying the Art of the Italian Renaissance. So many of the paintings and sculpture, even the architecture from that period, could not be fully appreciated without understanding all of the iconography and symbolism.
Agreed Mac, and thank you for your very interesting input. To me, birds of most any kind are seen as being very calm, and very family oriented, depending on the species.
The Italian Renaissance was a very interesting period in so many ways. Although I was not able to engage in creating any artwork when I was younger, my interest in art of all kinds was one of my very favorite subjects. I have never been a real expert of the various arts, but, my interest and curiosity has always been a large part of my artistic world. As I became able to create artwork on the computer, I try to employ some of the things I learned over the many years.
Thank you so very much for your information and your own insight about artwork. I truly do appreciate it and learn so much from you that helps me better understand various aspects of the art world.
Here is one for Monday that's for the Birds.......
Awww. And I thought it was for us humans. Okay here's one for your birds, but I hope they don't get obese.
Thanks Buzz. I am sure they will happily return the favor one day. However, besure to always wear you hat in case the Bird of Paradise flys over your head. (big grin)
Well, in that case I wish I'd never watched that Alfred Hitchcock movie.
LOL!! Alfred was indeed one of a kind.
It must be some kind of magic, but "The Birds" is on TV here now.
LOL!! See...they were listening to you.
I feel like adding one for Tuesday.......
A Tribal Shaman performing a healing ceremony
Although I have watched a smudging ceremony, I've never seen a healing ceremony. Great image, as usual.
Depending on the Tribe and their own customs and traditions, their various ceremonies may differ from others. While some of the traditions and cultures may be somewhat similar, each Tribe has their own way of doing things, including their many various ceremonies.
I have seen a Cherokee healing ceremony when I stayed with the Grandmother and Grandfather of the Cherokee family that lived behind us and the children and I made friends. So I was sort of 'adopted' by the family, and in the summer when school was out we spend most of the summer with the Grandmother and Grandfather who lived on the Cherokee rez near Pawhuska OK.
I was a young girl at the time and really didn't know what was going on, but, I was fascinated by the regalia worn by the Shaman and the ceremony itself.
Just helping to keep this the best non-political, non-religious special interest group on thenewstalkers.
What is happening in this photo, Buzz?
This was a diorama in the palace in Millenium Park in the ancient Imperial Capital of Kaifeng. Some offenders are pleading their case before the Emperor, and he provides mercy and forgives them.
Thanks
Awesome picture Buzz. Lots of reality, color and a beautiful story. Very nice.