Frightfulness on the North Lawn

Seaview - the wooden sculpture by Salford-based artist Hilary Jack is situated on the North Lawn of Salisbury Cathedral, and is (predictably) causing a stir from the local community.  Described by some as 'a pile of stacked up wood' or 'unlit bonfire', the temporary artwork is drawing criticism from residents of The Close as well as one or two visitors. 

Jack has described the work as a "dramatic visual representation of the sea reclaiming homes from the coastline in Norfolk", and is intended to highlight coastal erosion due to climate change.

Of the few that I spoke to at the time of taking the photos the general consensus was positive, but try telling that to the locals that have to endure this 'eyesore' until October.

© 2024

Blue Caddy

No doubt at one time someone's pride a joy, an ageing blue Cadillac parked on a side road awaits restoration. Exposed to the elements, nature has chosen its own colour scheme.

© 2024

Ephemeral pareidolia

Walking the surf line on the beach has always fascinated me as a photographer, as you never know what you may find. On this bright morning I'm prowling the area with a macro lens, looking for interesting shapes washed up after some rough weather, but I have to work quickly as the tide is beginning to turn.

Here - and using a bit of imagination - I see a green-winged bird (top), and a horseman galloping across the sands. In both instances, and almost immediately after I fire the shutter, the seaweed images were washed away forever by the incoming waves.

© 2024.

 

In the shade of the chine

Smugglers used them; Robert Louis Stevenson's house overlooked one, and Winston Churchill had a near-death experience by falling from a bridge that spans one: the 3 chines of Bournemouth:

The word 'chine' means 'a deep, narrow ravine cut through soft rock by water', and is peculiar to Dorset and the near-by Isle of Wight. The path that leads to Alum Chine (pictured above) features a suspension bridge, and some suggest this is the bridge that Churchill fell from when visiting the area as an 18-year-old.

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The bluebells of King's Wood

The spring bluebells are in full swing at this time of year, carpeting the floor of King's Wood, Challock. Getting the timing right for photography is important; leave it too late and the emerging foliage on the beech trees will get too dense and block sunlight.

The wood lies in the Kent Downs Stour Valley area, and is popular with walkers. Choosing a day and time - in this case early morning, and when most people are on their way to work - will find the forest largely deserted. 

 

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Spring greens

The greens of Spring are different to those of late summer; they're of a lighter tinge as they emerge on the trees and hedgerows. 

April is living up to its reputation for showers and changeable weather, and the north-westerly that has been blowing for the past few days is creating an almost endless stream of light and shade over the landscape.

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Swanage

The weather forecast for next few days shows promise for some good light, and assuming it's correct, I don't intend to waste any of it. 

Taken from the heights of Ballard Down on the Isle of Purbeck, the small seaside resort of Swanage on the Dorset coast basks in the spring sunlight.

© 2024