Road Tripping

Last week I drove down to New Plymouth, one of my favourite parts of the country.

I particularly wanted to see the new exterior of the city's Art Gallery, which has a permanent collection featuring the work of Len Lye, a kinetic sculptor and film-maker who was born in New Zealand but died an American citizen.

The exterior is astonishing, brilliant even on a grey day:

It was just as interesting inside, with the light coming in from the reflective panels:

One of the exhibition halls. The filaments all move and change position, creating a play
of sound as well as light.

Dreaming of summer: TP 298

Carmi (he's back!) has chosen 'Summer' for our photographic theme this week.

On this side of the world it's raining wintry rain, the shortest day has just gone, and I'm dreaming of sunny days, beaches, and holidays.

 

 

 

A perfect summer day is when the sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, 

the birds are singing, and the lawn mower is broken. 

~James Dent

Trees and Branches - TP 295

The latest Thematic Photographic theme, Trees and Branches, gives me the chance to share a recent visit to Pukekura Park in Taranaki, where a local artist/sculptor has planted  a 4 metre high golden tree.

I couldn't resist going to take a look. In the cool autumn light it didn't look very golden

Close-up of the foliage

Scale shot

The sun came out and made the gold golder

More natural - native trees along the path a way

And a giant oak looking ethereal

Find other branched and leafy shots at Written.Inc

Some favourite photos from 2013

For Thematic Photographic #275: some times when I was glad I had my camera.

Some kids and their Dad build a new residence on the Petone foreshore, 

Wellington harbour. With seagulls.

The Taranaki coast, one of my favourite bits of the world:

It's one of the best surfing areas in the country -

But it doesn't pay to take it lightly. 18 months ago, two 17-year-old students 

and their Outdoor Education instructor lost their lives when they were swept off the cliffs:

Another beach: Seacliff, in Adelaide, Australia, in the late afternoon light -

For other participants' favourite shots from the year just ended, go to Written.Inc

Sunday Snapshot

For my Sunday Snapshots I look for  pictures I like, 

but which I haven't posted before.

These are from a road-trip in October last year -

a keen dogwalker doesn't let a brisk, cold westerly wind stop her:

 And the kitesurfer makes the most of it...

New Plymouth beach, Taranaki.
(click to enlarge)

Thematic Photographic 187: Watery

Water: my favourite subject!
How to choose? I may have to do a daily post on this theme until it changes.  

(Well, I would if I wasn't teaching full time, and in the throes of moving house...)

Wind-surfing, Taranaki

 

Surfers, Opunake

After the storm, Waihi Beach

More posts on this theme at Written.Inc