Talking about good use of space ...

The Highline is a very interesting walk you can do. It used to be an above-ground rail but has been converted into a garden space.

One of the interesting things about it was that the plantings had been designed to look like some of the self-sewn areas that had developed, it is much less controlled than other planted areas in New York (Central Park excepted, of course).

There was also an interesting juxtaposition of natural shapes and the man-made, geometric shapes.

And I couldn't resist taking this photo from the walk - another example of using all the space available.

Lots more patterns!

I am home again and have taken over 1300 photos!  Luckily for you, I am not going to post all of them.

But I will put up some of them. I was so taken by all the lines, curls, circles, etc. New York is soooo geometric. And so contained - by this I mean that there are a lot (!) of buildings, windows, doorways, etc. They make lines all around you.

So here are a few more pictures that I hope will inspire me to produce some work, sometime.

I loved the way the roots of the tree were moving along the spaces between the stones. 

This was a small design along the edge of a flower bed. Even the flower beds were very regulated, the bushes appeared to have been grown in pots till they were flowering and then planted in very regulated rows. Unfortunately, I didn't find them inspiring enough to take photos. 

 New York makes good use of all the space, so you are often under constructions, where there are yet more patterns and lines.

I can't see your comments.

A friend has told me that she has commented on my recent post but I can't see it. I am using The Blogger app and it doesn't seem to have the capability. 

You'll have to wait till I return for commenting. Sorry.

However, it was a beautiful day today and I took lots (!!) of pictures while walking across the Brooklyn Bridge. I was very taken with the cables and the designs they made. It seems as if my recent design course has had a lasting impact. 

          

          

          

          

More Geometric Patterns

Moving around the city, I continue to see many geometric shapes and repeat patterns. 

               

                  

As you walk around, you don't see some of the really interesting architecture because it is high up but also near, so you have to actually look up deliberately. This can be tricky in a busy city!

Seeing Patterns

I have been visiting friends in New York and  having a lovely time wandering about. One thing I have noticed is the very geometric background everywhere you look.

Another theme is the repeated patterns that are everywhere.

I am constantly reminded of doodles and similar repeated patterns. Now all I have to do is use some of these observations for inspiration.

Paper Flower Making Workshop

We had a lot of fun today, making paper flowers. One of the members of the Alcove Art Shop ran the session. The idea was to learn a new skill (for most of us) and to have a social gathering.

I'm not sure I will go into business making paper flowers but I certainly had a lot of fun.

                                  

                                      

                                  

I am not sure I have much use for paper skills. One of the participants suggested making flowers and decorations for wrapping presents. That seems a lot of work that will most likely be ripped off and thrown away!

I think I will stick to textiles and see if I can adapt any of today's ideas to fabric. But don't hold your breath waiting for me to come up with something brilliant.

     

 

     

    

Still fluffing around

I still haven't come up with something to work on. I am going on a long trip and want some handwork but can't come up with a design I like - not that I'm trying that hard.

So today I walked around the garden and took pictures of the lovely spring flowers, in the hopes that something will inspire me.

Silver beet, through the branches of the apple tree. 

My current favourite, eucalyptus blossom. Silver princess, I think.

Love the shadows from this one. 

Nothing so far, I would have to actually draw, or use the photos, but it was a lovely spring day and I enjoyed the garden.