Temple Bell by auntietk
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No AI - This artwork was created entirely by hand or with traditional digital tools.
Description
From the Japanese Garden at MooseRidge ...
You'll undoubtedly notice I've returned to my old ways after yesterday's flagrant jaunt into the realm of "the whole thing!"
I could show you the whole bell, and as a matter of fact, I have a shot that I'll probably post later on that shows the entire bell, including the ring it hangs from! (But no shot of the whole gate where the bell lives ... I have to draw the line SOMEwhere!)
Showing you the whole bell would distract from what I really want you to see.
Look at the rust, the patina, the shiny bits, the contrasts. See how the light interacts with each different part? How it picks out the edges of the kanji-shaped hole? See how the metal surface changes from smooth to ridged to rusty to clean to pitted? Look at the difference between the striker and the surface of the bell. See how dark it is inside the bell ... but not completely dark.
You only need a hint of foliage and sunlight to know this bell hangs outdoors. Think about how the bell would look if it were lit by flourescent or incandescent or candle light rather than natural daylight.
BE the bell, grasshopper. :P
Can you hear it ring?

Comments (40)
I like what you have done here.
Detail shots are fine (I use them for my aircraft...) The rust shows up well... Is that good? lol. Whole Gate? try an angle shot of the whole gate.... Thought... lol. Speaks a person who knows VERY little of photography! Rob.
I really love that picture !
Love the detail of the texture Tara!
WOW! amazing capture! Tara, you do have a way with words! Excellent job!
The photo is special for sure but the narrative is unbelievably mind blowing. Dana
you already know how much I like this shot, and your description tells just how much life there is in every inch of the thing. The shine, the rust, the textures, etc. are all caught beautifully in this crop, and no, you don't need more to tell of its immense visual life. This is masterful to me, a real capture of light & texture & age (real or apparent), and the central place of the Japanese character as well (tian, in Chinese—I believe that's what this is—which means "heaven," which is perfect for the purpose of the bell, ie, to conjure peace & heaven in the mind of the worshiper). The only thing missing from your words and the visual is the sound itself. Beautiful. I couldn't stop looking at it the minute I saw it the first time...
I'm looking and staring and it gradually becomes a metaphor for the human soul. Old, weathered, but still possessing inherent strength and beauty. Composition, lighting and color - all superior. A definite fav!
Marvelous! Personally, as an aspiring martial artist, the title and image makes me think of the Shotokan karate kata "Jion" which translates as "Temple Bells". :)
Beautiful, excellent capture!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!