Hypnotized by rhythm
Generally speaking, I don’t really like symmetry all that much. It gets on my nerves most of the time, which could go a long way to explaining why that architecture degree I’ve got never really went anywhere.
But this. I worked hard to get this shot lined up with just a sliver of door on each side, because I rather liked the rhythm that I was seeing. Of course, I was also seeing how those wood slats on the left side of each window were NOT symmetrical. I guess there was just enough asymmetry in play to make me happy with the rest of it.
what’s left of the Days Inn
Lubbock, Texas
photographed 2.22.2019
Posted on March 1, 2019, in Photography and tagged 365 photo project, abandoned buildings, black and white photography, learning to see, Leica, lubbock, lubbock texas, melinda green harvey, monochrome, one day one image, photo a day, photography, postaday, texas, thoughtful seeing. Bookmark the permalink. 13 Comments.
One Day | One Image 
Symmetry, but so much more going on to draw us in!
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There ARE a few things going on here…!
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Oooh, I want to sneak inside!
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It’s easy to get in – all the doors are open and there weren’t any No Trespassing signs.
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So will you be showing any images??
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I didn’t like any of the interior shots I made; maybe if I get back over there I’ll get some I like…
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Oh, please do!
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Of course, I tend to be an absolute freak for symmetry. But perfect symmetry is boring because it lacks tension. Similarly, value is best perceived and evaluated by comparison of disparate qualities. Are you familiar with the Japanese concept Shibumi? https://www.fastcompany.com/1671947/7-design-principles-inspired-by-zen-wisdom
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When I took my first class with Sam Abell, he recommended a book that he thought would speak to me, given my love of photographing things in decline. It’s called Wabi-Sabi for Artists, Designers, Poets & Philosophers (https://amzn.to/2T8B7qj), and it supports the notion of the beauty of imperfection. Which goes along with number 5 of the Shibumi Seven – IMPERFECTION, ASYMMETRY.
See how all things loop around?!
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I always find it interesting that when things are paired for similarity, the differences stand out, like the dark bricks below the right-hand window. Fun.
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Good eye to catch those bricks. I wonder why they a different color. Maybe the air conditioner that used to be there leaked on them enough to stain them?
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You’re an architect and I ask you if you know about Shibumi. That’s like asking a chef if she knows about garlic.
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I’m not *really* an architect – all I have is a degree, but I’m not licensed. And the architecture program when I was in school only went as far, philosophically, as “form follows function” and “less is more.” So don’t feel bad.
Also: I use garlic often in my cooking.
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