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Cooperix
08-03-2020, 04:28 PM
A picture is a secret about a secret, the more it tells you the less you know. Diane Arbus

Look and think before opening the shutter. The heart and mind are the true lens of the camera. Yousuf Karsh

You don’t make a photograph just with a camera. You bring to the act of photography all the pictures you have seen, the books you have read, the music you have heard, the people you have loved. Ansel Adams

And from our old friend: Creativity is our birthright. It is an integral part of being human, as basic as walking, talking and thinking. John Daido Loori

Then there is this comment on photography by Baudelaire in 1859: It is useless and tedious to represent what exits because nothing that exists satisfies me…I prefer the monsters of my fantasy to what is positively trivial.



This Baudelaire statement had a huge influence on poets and artists for decades after his death. It occurs to me that it may be the beginning of the philosophical discussion about photography not being an art form. But in my mind, this is a ‘trivial’ discussion! It is like the useless discussion art v. craft. Any thoughts on this?

Photography is. And it seems now everyone is a photographer. Our cell phones have very fine cameras and because we can take unlimited pictures, not wait for the dark room processing, we all can find at least one in a dozen images that are exceptional. We have amazing images everywhere to show for this digital revolution. There are many very fine photographers here at Treeleaf. I’ve seen your images and many of them on the art circle posts as well as on Instagram. I suspect many videographers are here as well. Please, now is your time again to share your talents.

Just some examples...here’s a friend’s website, Holly is well known for her work painting photo images: https://hollyrobertsstudio.com/ Another from a friend who takes extraordinary pictures: http://maryzaremba.net/botanicals%202.html

Please post your photos, videos, photo art projects. With the shutdown many artists have found time to focus (pun intended) on their art making. Maybe you have used this strange, scary, unique time to make art using your cameras.

Kirk has a Zen photography thread going on the art circle forum. Check that out here… https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/showthread.php?17934-Zen-photography

Photo arts offer so many directions and ways to express our creativity.

Please share.

Meitou's prompt. She is a wonderful photographer; I defer to her to be the expert.


Hello everyone, and welcome to this latest in the series Expressing Creativity.

After Anne's wonderful post, a prompt is hardly needed, so I shall keep it simple and suggest that you only follow this prompt if you are stuck for ideas on how to express yourselves via photography. I personally believe we all bring something creative to the camera lens, even if we aren't conscious of doing so, just through the process of looking, seeing and pressing the button.

What I would like to suggest is that you consider and reflect on the first three quotes above, and using JDL's statement in the fourth quote, explore those ideas with your camera, whether it's a digital camera or a phone, makes no difference here. This prompt is about creativity; feel free to work with your photos using whatever means you like, filters, layers, image distortions etc. You might like to set boundaries, you might like to capture whatever appears and appeals, you might prefer black and white, you might not – that's fine, it's all good!
Trust your instincts, stay authentic, don't compare your work with that of other people and/or feel intimidated, don't worry about 'rules', anything goes here.

Experiment, and above all, have fun.


Gassho
Anne and Meitou

we both sat today

Jishin
08-03-2020, 05:06 PM
Lion portrait. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200803/93cf7d1e68c1d21b5c37acb8d824b26c.jpg

Gassho, Jishin, __/stlah\__

Jishin
08-03-2020, 05:50 PM
Just a fly.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200803/0c2e8661eddcfc6c9c62fda2c8df1574.jpg

Gassho, Jishin, __/stlah\__

Jishin
08-03-2020, 06:17 PM
Another fly.


https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200803/de3f98c8e0571d031d35fc0a73cb58e9.jpg

Gassho, Jishin, __/stlah\__

Jishin
08-03-2020, 06:39 PM
Man with a white beard.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200803/fbc3057e0b58e8ddc7acb681a3f15dcd.jpg

Gassho, Jishin, __/stlah\__

Jishin
08-03-2020, 07:50 PM
And another big cat.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200803/d4274936702beef310bf8153f6ac2d19.jpg

Gassho, Jishin, __/stlah\__

Shokai
08-03-2020, 08:24 PM
I have to wonder if the male lion dyed his mane :D. The touched up selfie is awesome and the Lioness looks very wise. Great photos as always.
gassho, Shokai

Jishin
08-03-2020, 08:43 PM
Thank you!

Gassho, Jishin, __/stlah\__

Cooperix
08-03-2020, 09:15 PM
Alright! Jishin's Zoo...
Amazing images as always Jishin...starting with the punk lion~
Thanks for sharing.

bows
Anne

~lahst~

Jishin
08-03-2020, 10:38 PM
Thank you Anne!

It's been hard to go anywhere to get pictures because of the current situation so I am having to go back and try to find images I did not like at first. This one for example:https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200803/c8b84e6d0bada87868e13d5c3a11cd2b.jpg

It was ok, nothing special about it, an even number of subjects making the image less interesting. It forced me to think about how I could use it and this is what it came out to be. A one and one half bird. :)

Gassho, Jishin, __/stlah\__

Kyoshin
08-03-2020, 11:08 PM
A scene from Da Lat, Vietnam.

Gassho
Kyōshin
Satlahhttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200803/daeeb56e07535f7b10422e55638ba1d2.jpg

Sent from my moto g(7) power using Tapatalk

Jishin
08-03-2020, 11:11 PM
Very nice Kyoshin.

Gassho, Jishin, __/stlah\__

Kyoshin
08-03-2020, 11:14 PM
Very nice Kyoshin.

Gassho, Jishin, __/stlah\__Thanks. It's funny you didn't like the one and half birds at first. It's my favorite of what you've posted here.

Gassho
Kyōshin
Satlah

Sent from my moto g(7) power using Tapatalk

Jishin
08-03-2020, 11:19 PM
Thanks. It's funny you didn't like the one and half birds at first. It's my favorite of what you've posted here.

Gassho
Kyōshin
Satlah

Sent from my moto g(7) power using TapatalkThank you Kyoshin. This is what the picture looked like initially:https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200803/3eb05351455a8f06587f6e512e47208a.jpg

And after:
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200803/791849b2e0b652a44a9eabd7ef16ef70.jpg

I like it better after editing it.

Gassho, Jishin, __/stlah\__

Jishin
08-05-2020, 05:56 PM
San Antonio river walkhttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200805/023ab6c78d97a15060bb2eda559c9b06.jpg

Gassho, Jishin, __/stlah\__

Jishin
08-05-2020, 06:26 PM
Waterfall.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200805/615f92d399bc6b3c6f53a80bdf79b110.jpg
Gassho, Jishin, __/stlah\__

Cooperix
08-05-2020, 06:30 PM
Nice Jishin and Kyoshin!
Wow, Texas and Viet Nam...
I agree with Kyoshin. I love that bird image.

bows
Anne

~lahst~

Jishin
08-06-2020, 12:17 PM
Sunrise West Texas this AM.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200806/e00e399159da18e018e9b2d5df3705eb.jpg

Gassho, Jishin, __/stlah\__

Kyoshin
08-06-2020, 12:49 PM
Sunrise West Texas this AM.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200806/e00e399159da18e018e9b2d5df3705eb.jpg

Gassho, Jishin, __/stlah\__Whereabouts in West Texas?

Gassho
Kyōshin
Satlah

Sent from my moto g(7) power using Tapatalk

Jishin
08-06-2020, 01:00 PM
This is the view from my back yard near Lubbock. I am not a cotton farmer but that is what they farm around here. West Texas is very flat and there is not much vegetation because of the heat (desert like) but the sunsets and sunrises are beautiful. :)

The picture was taken with a Samsung Ultra smart phone at 30x mag with minimal editing.

Gassho, Jishin, __/stlah\__

Kyoshin
08-06-2020, 02:00 PM
This is the view from my back yard near Lubbock. I am not a cotton farmer but that is what they farm around here. West Texas is very flat and there is not much vegetation because of the heat (desert like) but the sunsets and sunrises are beautiful. :)

The picture was taken with a Samsung Ultra smart phone at 30x mag with minimal editing.

Gassho, Jishin, __/stlah\__

I'm very familiar with the heat and flatness of West Texas. I grew up in Midland, and have even been to Lubbock once or twice. If you add petroleum fumes to the dust in the air it makes sunsets even better. [emoji16]

Gassho
Kyōshin
Satlah

Sent from my moto g(7) power using Tapatalk

Jishin
08-06-2020, 02:25 PM
I'm very familiar with the heat and flatness of West Texas. I grew up in Midland, and have even been to Lubbock once or twice. If you add petroleum fumes to the dust in the air it makes sunsets even better. [emoji16]

Gassho
Kyōshin
Satlah

Sent from my moto g(7) power using Tapatalk

Wow, grew up in Midland and now in Vietnam? How did that happen?

Someone told me that unemployment in Midland/Odessa is close to 50% due to the oil crash but I don't believe its that high. Had to be careful about lighting a match in Midland/Odessa due to the oil boom prior to the crash.

Gassho, Jishin, ST

Cooperix
08-06-2020, 05:07 PM
HI Guys,
I grew up in Houston, but know those dusty plains of west texas well. (Almost got in a road accident in a dust storm outside Lubbock a few years ago.)
And Jishin, that sunrise image is amazing.
From Midland to Vietnam! I bet there's a good story there, Kyoshin.

bows
Anne

~lahst~

Kyoshin
08-07-2020, 10:39 PM
The story is not so exciting. My wife applied for teaching jobs overseas and got hired. She was nice enough to let me come with her.

Gassho
Kyōshin
Satlah

Sent from my moto g(7) power using Tapatalk

Jishin
08-08-2020, 12:49 AM
This is a good friend of mine who was kind enough to allow me to make a portrait photo on IPhone. I did some editing in Lightroom. He is Buddhist and in his former life he was an attorney.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200808/376bb8ffed49b4211a3db69c07cc7413.jpg

Gassho, Jishin, __/stlah\__

Jishin
08-08-2020, 12:51 AM
The story is not so exciting. My wife applied for teaching jobs overseas and got hired. She was nice enough to let me come with her.

Gassho
Kyōshin
Satlah

Sent from my moto g(7) power using Tapatalk

Nice wife. :)

Gassho, Jishin, __/stlah\__

Meitou
08-08-2020, 10:10 AM
A picture is a secret about a secret, the more it tells you the less you know. Diane Arbus

These are some snaps I made during our lockdown; unlike many countries our government put our safety first and imposed strict rules - no going out for 'exercise', only for absolute necessities, no mingling with others, masks to be worn while out, a physical distance of one metre from others at all times. Only essential shops stayed open and these rigourously adhered and enforced the rules, for all our sakes. Instead of causing division, this knowledge that we were all in the same boat united us a country in the most beautiful ways. Ingenious solutions were found for going to church, for meeting up with friends, for entertaining others.
These snapshots were taken viewing the outside from inside, but what secrets do they hold, what story do they tell? Was I feeling frightened or safe, trapped or liberated, lonely and isolated or connected to others? What do they say to me now?

6606

6607

6608

6609

6610

Gassho
Meitou
sattoday lah

Jishin
08-08-2020, 12:39 PM
Love the images Meitou. Don't know how to put what I like about them into words.

Gassho, Jishin, __/stlah\__

Cooperix
08-08-2020, 03:23 PM
Jishin! Your friend...no words, only this ...what a shockingly beautiful face!

Meitou, thank you for posting those remarkable covid19 lockdown images. I had seen them on instagram and hoped you'd put them up here for the sangha to enjoy.
There is a quiet ambiguity, almost a mysterious longing that they express: the melancholy of aloneness, silence even expressed in the subdued light. Really exactly reflecting Diane Arbus' quote. Wonderful images

Anyone else willing to post images from this unique time?

Gassho
Anne

~lahst~

Meitou
08-08-2020, 04:16 PM
Love the images Meitou. Don't know how to put what I like about them into words.

Gassho, Jishin, __/stlah\__

Thank you Anne!
Jishin thank you. There's no need for words and that's a beautiful thing, the feeling of connection beyond anything that can be said. Your work is always fine, but I think with this portrait and the recent ones of your sons, you've excelled.
Thank you everyone for what you are posting, Vietnam, Texas, Sardinia, deserts, mountains and seas, quiet rooms and hidden spaces - all worlds different and the same, connected mysteriously under the same knowing sky.
Gassho
Meitou
Sattoday lah

Jishin
08-08-2020, 04:46 PM
[emoji120]

Koutoku
08-08-2020, 05:06 PM
A foggy afternoon.
6611

Gassho,
Judy Juan

Jishin
08-08-2020, 05:07 PM
Great shot Juan!

Gassho, Jishin, __/stlah\__

Koutoku
08-09-2020, 12:48 PM
Thanks. My oil painting.


Gassho,
Judy

Meitou
08-09-2020, 02:59 PM
A foggy afternoon.
6611

Gassho,
Judy Juan

Judy, that's so beautiful ; intense and poetic. Thank you.
Gassho
Meitou
Sattoday lah

Cooperix
08-09-2020, 06:17 PM
Judy, it looks like a painting. Mysterious. Just beautiful.

bows.
Anne

~lahst~

Koutoku
08-09-2020, 07:13 PM
Thank you with all my heart.


Gassho

Judy

Sekishi
08-09-2020, 08:33 PM
The past year I’ve been taking lots of photos that look across the valley from our home towards Paris Mountain. So many are essentially the same framing but the clouds and mountain are always walking and changing.

Thunderstorm last night:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200809/edfc623ced4fd805a69649614ec55b9a.jpg

Storm through an infrared filter:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200809/642ee00adf281b84674465bc4f31b20c.jpg

Clouds in the valley:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200809/03078a1e12fa1ef0e8d2e7b2605ad136.jpg

Morning clouds:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200809/565cd196c5ae55b07414785f9fd940bc.jpg

Gassho,
Sekishi
#sat


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Sekishi
08-09-2020, 08:42 PM
The past year I’ve been taking lots of photos that look across the valley from our home towards Paris Mountain. So many are essentially the same framing but the clouds and mountain are always walking and changing.


Here is a timelapse from earlier this month.


https://youtu.be/xqmImcBgkkk

And one from last year:

https://youtu.be/WiqCTZ_abjk

When we shift timescales, it is easier to see dharmas as interlinked processes. [happy]

Gassho,
Sekishi
#sat

Jishin
08-09-2020, 10:09 PM
Great shots Sekishi! My favorite is the black and white one.

Gassho, Jishin, __/stlah\__

Doshin
08-10-2020, 03:08 PM
Aware of Iron Zazen

6614

Doshin
St not far from Iron Zazen

Jishin
08-10-2020, 03:13 PM
Awesome photo Doshin!

Gassho, Jishin, __/stlah\__

Cooperix
08-10-2020, 03:54 PM
Sekishi, I love your photos. And the time lapse cloud/Paris mountain, so evocative of the moist, softness of your place in the world. Living in the arid southwest, which certainly has its great beauty, I do miss lush!

And Doshin, Jishin's right, that is an awesome image! Thank you both for sharing.

Gassho
Anne

~lahst~

Kotei
08-10-2020, 05:47 PM
Wonderful pictures, everyone.
Personally, I found the portrait of Jishin's friend and Meitou's pictures especially touching.


Running through the fields at 6am during the current heatwave:

6615

6616

Gassho,
Kotei sat/lah today.

Jishin
08-10-2020, 06:29 PM
Awesome pictures a Kotei. My favorite is the first one.

Gassho, Jishin, __/stlah\__

Jishin
08-10-2020, 06:29 PM
Scary vulture.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200810/f848fcefd4e32bfbeee9b14adce22898.jpg

Gassho, Jishin, __/stlah\__

Jishin
08-10-2020, 07:09 PM
Blue bird.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200810/aad90a7ada19338871569e92722c139a.jpg

Gassho, Jishin, __/stlah\__

Shugen
08-10-2020, 07:22 PM
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200810/df63ed8ad54a4c427560addd7eddf7ce.jpg

Looking north, Trinidad California

A little self care trip

Gassho,

Shugen


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Doshin
08-10-2020, 07:47 PM
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200810/df63ed8ad54a4c427560addd7eddf7ce.jpg

Looking north, Trinidad California

A little self care trip


Gassho,

Shugen


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk


Makes me homesick for the North Coast

Doshin

Doshin
08-10-2020, 07:49 PM
All fun to see the world through your eyes

Doshin

Geika
08-11-2020, 06:21 AM
Aw, I used to live near there as a child. :) and my Dad worked a crab fishing boat there.

Gassho
Sat today, lah

Jishin
08-11-2020, 03:36 PM
Pink. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200811/d800d0ef1bcfd5c89ebfe894fee450d9.jpg

Jishin
08-11-2020, 04:35 PM
Owl. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200811/0418469ded5b3f418d219393cc4cbd12.jpg

Doshin
08-11-2020, 06:13 PM
Jishin,

Great animal shots

Doshin
St

Jishin
08-11-2020, 07:05 PM
Thank you Doshin!

Another bird.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200811/8a490b30e6ba997da3b460e286a2592c.jpg

Onka
08-12-2020, 01:04 AM
That flower is breathtaking Jishin.
Gassho
Onka
ST

Jishin
08-12-2020, 01:32 AM
Thank you Onka!

Gassho, Jishin, __/stlah\__

Jishin
08-12-2020, 02:37 PM
Pollinating bee.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200812/8d773a2c33c0e3753a76250fe138c1f3.jpg

Cooperix
08-12-2020, 03:47 PM
Ah Jishin, I knew you could cheer me up this morning! birds and the bees...
And I can see the dinosaur in that buzzard.
Thanks to everyone participating. Beautiful seascapes, animals....
Keep posting please.

Bows,
Anne

~st~

Jishin
08-12-2020, 04:27 PM
:)

Jishin
08-13-2020, 01:48 PM
To bee or not to bee.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200813/e576460b2743487d7365fb97663ed69c.jpg

Jishin
08-13-2020, 05:03 PM
Lilly. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200813/2a231523eee8ba6f1e0ef2db201149b4.jpg

Seikan
08-13-2020, 06:18 PM
Jishin,

Such amazing photos! Thank you for sharing.

I used to create more conceptual photos, but I have been focusing on other creative outlets these past couple of years, so perhaps I can muster up the courage to share a few older pieces here in the coming days... :)

Gassho,
Rob

-st-


Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

Cooperix
08-13-2020, 08:18 PM
I used to create more conceptual photos, but I have been focusing on other creative outlets these past couple of years, so perhaps I can muster up the courage to share a few older pieces here in the coming days...


Rod,
YES, please!

Gassho
Anne

~st~

Risho
08-13-2020, 08:34 PM
Jishin - you have a talent

Gassho

Rish
-stlah

Jishin
08-13-2020, 08:36 PM
[emoji120][emoji120][emoji120]

Jishin
08-14-2020, 12:24 AM
Water Lilly.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200814/537612a3e417abe53e6edb0ba5586fe9.jpg

Jishin
08-14-2020, 01:51 AM
Green and yellow flower.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200814/7917b5c30730b4e14dc82af1bfdd5e10.jpg

Seikan
08-14-2020, 04:28 AM
Ok Anne, you twisted my arm... :) I'll share some older work starting with this simple self-portrait (entitled "Chaos").

Gassho,
Rob

-st-

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200814/88e503f3e84e5fca3d286727d44f3505.jpg

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

Jishin
08-14-2020, 06:36 AM
Fantastic photo Rob!

Gassho, Jishin, __/stlah\__

Meitou
08-14-2020, 06:59 AM
Wow, again such amazing work being posted here, please keep it coming, you're an inspiring bunch of folk! Yay Rob, more please, we're an appreciative audience.
Thanks to the great response here I've been moved to start a new series of snapshots which I'll be posting shortly.
Thank you all again.
Gassho
Meitou
Sattoday lah

PS If any of you have ideas for future themes in our group Anne and I are always open to suggestions, just pm one of us.

Ryumon
08-14-2020, 09:11 AM
I had the pleasure of speaking with Michael Kenna once again on my podcast PhotoActive, this time about his new book Buddha, which features photos of Buddha statues from around the world, with some landscape photos interspersed. He discusses how Covid is preventing him from doing what he's used to doing, but also had it incited him to go back through his archives and find photos that he had more or less forgotten.

It's really a lovely book; it's out in the UK already, but won't be out for another couple of weeks in the US.

https://www.photoactive.co/home/episode-74-kenna

Gassho,

Kirk

sat

Kotei
08-14-2020, 09:23 AM
I like the flowers, Jishin.
We have such an owl (Uhu in german) in the garden. In late winter, when the moon is out and the sky clear, it sits on the highest tree and shouts it's "UUUHH ---- HUUUU" into the night.


Metta:
6623

Gassho,
Kotei sat/lah today.

Jishin
08-14-2020, 01:03 PM
Good eye and great photo Kotei.

Gassho, Jishin, __/stlah\__

Meitou
08-14-2020, 04:18 PM
I had the pleasure of speaking with Michael Kenna once again on my podcast PhotoActive, this time about his new book Buddha, which features photos of Buddha statues from around the world, with some landscape photos interspersed. He discusses how Covid is preventing him from doing what he's used to doing, but also had it incited him to go back through his archives and find photos that he had more or less forgotten.

It's really a lovely book; it's out in the UK already, but won't be out for another couple of weeks in the US.

https://www.photoactive.co/home/episode-74-kenna

Gassho,

Kirk

sat

I'll be listening to this later. Might have to treat myself to that book, I love his work. Thanks Kirk.
Gassho
Meitou
Sattoday lah

Doshin
08-14-2020, 04:28 PM
6624

Patterns in scales

Doshin
St

Jishin
08-14-2020, 05:15 PM
Scary patterns. [emoji33]

Gassho, Jishin, __/stlah\__

Cooperix
08-14-2020, 05:55 PM
I need to figure out how to put all these images up on a one page 'gallery' post, so we can see them all at once. Anyone have any idea how to accomplish that?
Amazing images.
Rod, your photo CHAOS is wonderful, the sharp geometric angles and b & W contrasts... just wonderful.
And Doshin, yours has that same geometry but with texture and soft angles. lovely. They were meant to be together in a yin/yang sort of way!
And Kirk thanks for the head's up. Looks to be a fine book...and an interesting podcast.

bows to you all!

Anne

~lahst~

Doshin
08-14-2020, 09:27 PM
6626

More scales in honor of World Lizard Day

Risho
08-14-2020, 09:31 PM
Doshin- I didn't know World Lizard Day was a thing; that is awesome :)

Gassho

Risho
-stlah

Meitou
08-14-2020, 10:24 PM
I need to figure out how to put all these images up on a one page 'gallery' post, so we can see them all at once. Anyone have any idea how to accomplish that?
Amazing images.
Rod, your photo CHAOS is wonderful, the sharp geometric angles and b & W contrasts... just wonderful.
And Doshin, yours has that same geometry but with texture and soft angles. lovely. They were meant to be together in a yin/yang sort of way!
And Kirk thanks for the head's up. Looks to be a fine book...and an interesting podcast.

bows to you all!

Anne

~lahst~

Anne it would be great if we could somehow do this. Perhaps one of our tech team can help with that, I've never seen it here or on any forum of this type so it would be interesting to investigate further. If all else fails, collage in a photo app would be possible, let's see what we can find out.
Gassho
Meitou
sattoday lah

Meitou
08-14-2020, 10:26 PM
Doshin- I didn't know World Lizard Day was a thing; that is awesome :)

Gassho

Risho
-stlah

Me neither, beautiful creatures!
Gassho
Meitou
sattoday lah

Meitou
08-14-2020, 10:28 PM
Water Lilly.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200814/537612a3e417abe53e6edb0ba5586fe9.jpg

Jishin, all your shots are great, and this is stunning.
Gassho
Meitou
sattoday lah

Jishin
08-15-2020, 01:52 AM
[emoji120][emoji120][emoji120]

Seikan
08-15-2020, 04:21 AM
I'm glad folks liked my photo—thank you! :)

I'll post a few more from that same (and other) series, but I'm trying to be mindful of what I post here as some of my older work is conceptually very dark, and I don't want to cross any lines regarding what might be appropriate for this forum.

This one, entitled "Sacrament", is from the same series and is a not-so-subtle nod to my favorite photographer, Duane Michals.

Gassho,
Rob

-st-
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200815/25cb354d9ec08f94c921e26917338e5e.jpg

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

Meitou
08-15-2020, 07:34 AM
I'm glad folks liked my photo—thank you! :)

I'll post a few more from that same (and other) series, but I'm trying to be mindful of what I post here as some of my older work is conceptually very dark, and I don't want to cross any lines regarding what might be appropriate for this forum.

This one, entitled "Sacrament", is from the same series and is a not-so-subtle nod to my favorite photographer, Duane Michals.

Gassho,
Rob

-st-
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200815/25cb354d9ec08f94c921e26917338e5e.jpg

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

And of course I really want to see them now! I don't think 'dark' would cross any lines, unless they are offensive in terms of discrimination or promote violence in any form against sentient beings. Comments anyone on what might be considered inappropriate?
Trust us with one or two maybe Rob.
Gassho
Meitou
Sattoday lah

Mattg
08-15-2020, 05:51 PM
Ok Anne, you twisted my arm... :) I'll share some older work starting with this simple self-portrait (entitled "Chaos").

Gassho,
Rob

-st-

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200814/88e503f3e84e5fca3d286727d44f3505.jpg

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using TapatalkLove the contrast.

Reminds me of how our thoughts can feel like a square peg going into our round mind.

S/T

Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk

Doshin
08-16-2020, 09:17 PM
Nature Zenhttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200816/b4ab3f85bac38d60dadee73a28b5b7ea.jpg

Sent from my moto x4 using Tapatalk

Jishin
08-17-2020, 03:55 PM
Equilibrium. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200817/71398d87ac240fd93027ea4cdd03c039.jpg

Doshin
08-17-2020, 04:00 PM
Equilibrium. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200817/71398d87ac240fd93027ea4cdd03c039.jpg

Any minute now :)

Doshin
St

Doshin
08-17-2020, 04:16 PM
As you notice almost all my photos capture biodiversity (occasional family and friends) and I view them as documentation of what I see from my aesthetic perspective. I have not really thought of it as art so I have not experimented with changing what I captured. However seeing the efforts here I took a small step outside my comfort zone

.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200817/5d9df271d08c2453639113f8213acae4.jpg

Sent from my moto x4 using Tapatalk

Jishin
08-17-2020, 04:31 PM
As you notice almost all my photos capture biodiversity (occasional family and friends) and I view them as documentation of what I see from my aesthetic perspective. I have not really thought of it as art so I have not experimented with changing what I captured. However seeing the efforts here I took a small step outside my comfort zone

.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200817/5d9df271d08c2453639113f8213acae4.jpg

Sent from my moto x4 using TapatalkThis looks great Doshin!

Gassho, Jishin, __/stlah\__

Cooperix
08-17-2020, 04:58 PM
Ah Doshin, Quintessential New Mexico. A stunning image!

Thank you all.

bows
Anne

~lahst~

Sekishi
08-17-2020, 05:02 PM
I have not really thought of it as art so I have not experimented with changing what I captured. However seeing the efforts here I took a small step outside my comfort zone

.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200817/5d9df271d08c2453639113f8213acae4.jpg



Ooh! May you spend more time outside of your comfort zone my friend, I love this!

Gassho,
Sekishi
#sat


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Sekishi
08-17-2020, 05:07 PM
I posted the following to Instagram today. It is a digital sketch over a macro photograph of a maple leaf. I was thinking about some of the recent forum discussion while I worked on it.

Caption: Is a leaf a thing, a jeweled palace, the earth meeting the sun, an information system, an endless process, a mental map, time itself, the face of God, Buddha-nature? Yes and no, I reckon. [happy]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200817/3817b0896185f5f85601a9a9273c6eed.jpg

Gassho,
Sekishi
#sat #doodles


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Bion
08-17-2020, 05:44 PM
I posted the following to Instagram today. It is a digital sketch over a macro photograph of a maple leaf. I was thinking about some of the recent forum discussion while I worked on it.

Caption: Is a leaf a thing, a jeweled palace, the earth meeting the sun, an information system, an endless process, a mental map, time itself, the face of God, Buddha-nature? Yes and no, I reckon. [happy]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200817/3817b0896185f5f85601a9a9273c6eed.jpg

Gassho,
Sekishi
#sat #doodles


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

I would’ve never guessed it was a leaf! Seemed like a satellite map type of an image. Really cool!!! Got many likes on IG on this one? [emoji3526]

SatToday

Tai Shi
08-17-2020, 06:45 PM
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200817/8a3ab38a7c65fc64951810f886d2b6c5.jpg
My honey, Marjorie “Be just a guy.”
Gassho
Sat/ lah
Taishi


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Tai Shi
08-17-2020, 06:55 PM
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200817/9f69efad6f6ae67f71b39c19c34280e6.jpg
One of our many parks in our area. By the way, I want to dedicate my Ango to the family I thought I’d never have. I’m just a guy.
Gassho
sat/ lah
Taishi


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Sekishi
08-17-2020, 07:18 PM
I would’ve never guessed it was a leaf! Seemed like a satellite map type of an image.

All a matter of perspective I guess. :D

Photograph the illustration was based on:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200817/5a245647ae118361a330585ecd6fd1fc.jpg

Gassho,
Sekishi
#sat #doodled


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Bion
08-17-2020, 07:20 PM
All a matter of perspective I guess. :D

Photograph the illustration was based on:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200817/5a245647ae118361a330585ecd6fd1fc.jpg

Gassho,
Sekishi
#sat #doodled


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Heatmap of an area [emoji1] PERSPECTIVE Just shared an awesome video on IG too, but I’m not sure if videos can be shared here

SatToday lah

Sekishi
08-17-2020, 07:21 PM
One of our many parks in our area.

Love the daylilies! In our house we call them “UOLs” - short for Ubiquitous Orange Lillies. Erin and I made a number of drives out into the hills early this summer to look for the first openings. Such a friendly flower. [emoji3526]

Gassho,
Sekishi


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Bion
08-17-2020, 08:50 PM
All a matter of perspective I guess. :D

Photograph the illustration was based on:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200817/5a245647ae118361a330585ecd6fd1fc.jpg

Gassho,
Sekishi
#sat #doodled


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

BTW .. I tried to PM you just now and your inbox is full [emoji1] Just giving you a heads up!

SatToday lah

Seikan
08-18-2020, 12:50 AM
So many great images here. Wonderful work Jishin, Doshin, Tai Shi, and Sekishi!

Keep 'em coming! :)

Gassho,
Rob

-st-


Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

Jishin
08-18-2020, 12:25 PM
This morning. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200818/c84ca7fab118be7da42d12fcd93f9999.jpg

Jishin
08-18-2020, 03:41 PM
Orange flower. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200818/65c35d41f20920650a201b69de2cf3ef.jpg

Jishin
08-18-2020, 07:08 PM
Another orange flower.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200818/3584aeba2ea27e981122c18c25d7dc56.jpg

Jishin
08-18-2020, 09:12 PM
And a white one!

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200818/5cd3bd1c47f659ebab38b032dbaa77f7.jpg

Seikan
08-18-2020, 10:23 PM
Jishin,

Such lovely flower images! :)

You've inspired me to share something more colorful as opposed to the grainy B&W work that I usually focus on. Here is a lotus flower from a garden walk that my family and I went on this past weekend.

Gassho,
Rob

-st-

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200818/5201269f55a696e122fc252bb30aa9f7.jpg

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

Jishin
08-18-2020, 10:33 PM
Beautiful flower Rob!

Gassho, Jishin, __/stlah\__

Doshin
08-18-2020, 10:58 PM
Jishin,

Nice bouquet in aggregate

Doshin
St

Jishin
08-19-2020, 03:45 PM
Yellow. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200819/fb93de58fd5e35a95ef8769cd3ba9c2a.jpg

Meitou
08-19-2020, 08:25 PM
A picture is a secret about a secret, the more it tells you the less you know. Diane Arbus

Going back to this original quote, I took some snaps of our ripostiglio, which I think all Italian homes have in one form or another - anything from a glorified broom cupboard, to a large storage space. We live in a very small apartment so our ripostiglio is of the broom cupboard variety. From the start my husband appropriated the space for his 'stuff' and he has a certain way of storing his tools etc which is very particular to him. Every one of these photos is a narrative, steeped in his story, his character, his creative touches. To me they represent his secret life, his inner self. This tiny space has no window and no lighting, just a bulb rigged up from a source in the corridor, hence the rather muddy tone and slightly out of focus images which I felt contributed to the sense of intimacy,

I would like to thank everyone who is contributing to this thread and making it such a joy to look through.
Gassho
Meitou
sattoday lah

6627

6628

6629

6630

Jishin
08-19-2020, 08:31 PM
Great photos Meitou!

Gassho, Jishin, __/stlah\__

Doshin
08-19-2020, 10:21 PM
Meitou nice black and white, it takes me home for some reason

Jishin I am naive about editing photos besides cropping and adding light. What tool do you use to darken the background but focus on the color of the flower?

Doshin
St

Jishin
08-19-2020, 10:49 PM
Jishin I am naive about editing photos besides cropping and adding light. What tool do you use to darken the background but focus on the color of the flower?

Doshin
St

I like Lightroom but you can get some of the same effects by playing with the exposure, contrast, highlights, shadows, whites and black sliders of any free editor available. It also helps if prior to snapping the shot you have a dark background to begin with. The perfect situation would be a studio with a black background. Very little editing would be needed then. One technique is to look for shade and place your subject with the shade as the background and the part of your subject that you want illuminated not in the shade. An example would be to place your subject in the door of a dark room as your background with the light outside the room illuminating your subject (works well with people). Not every photo is a candidate. Only a few are. If you use Lightroom then expect to pay $10 per month. The service is worth it because it also catalogs your photos and changes to photos are reversible unlike Photoshop.

Gassho, Jishin, __/stlah\__

Cooperix
08-20-2020, 12:10 AM
Meitou, those images are so evocative. I imagine them shown in a grid. Stunning.
So many good photos here..

Doshin you can download a program called Gimp, it's a free software program that is very similar to photoshop. Can't beat the price. Fun to play around with it.

Gassho
A. ~ST~

Jishin
08-20-2020, 02:03 AM
Got to love flowers.

Fort Worth botanical garden, San Antonio botanical garden and just a flower.



https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200820/17f5aaa8991b515bd5581581e527d9db.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200820/dd44999cc22bbb1c19f1a517b4a49ee8.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200820/4b240c77ef1bf286a5cb97843a2f1cff.jpg

Gassho, Jishin, ST

Sekishi
08-20-2020, 02:04 AM
Doshin you can download a program called Gimp, it's a free software program that is very similar to photoshop. Can't beat the price. Fun to play around with it.


I second this. It is cross-platform (Windows/Mac/Linux) and is free and open source. I use it nearly every day for work and play.

To darken the background more than what came out of the camera, I would use "layer masks". This essentially takes elements of the scene and puts them into separate "layers" so each can be manipulated individually (this technique can be used in Gimp, Photoshop, etc.).

Here is a contrived example to darken the woods and stream behind my Mattie and then to turn them into an alien planet:

1. Take a photo and duplicate it into background and foreground layers (I always put an invisible "original" layer in too so I can A/B test my changes and make sure they haven't lost the spirit of the original).

2. Hide the foreground layer and manipulate the background layer as needed. Example - using the curves tool to darken the background:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/83ozqilee1h6g1j/1-mattie-bg%2Bfg-2020-08-19-21-27-50.png?dl=0

3. Show the foreground layer again, add a "layer mask" to is, and initialize it so that everything in the foreground is transparent. Example - adding a mask to the foreground and initializing it to "full transparency":
https://www.dropbox.com/s/d75h7ewf47550vf/2-mattie-adding-foreground-mask-2020-08-19-21-28-47.png?dl=0

4. Now you can use the paintbrush, pencil, and airbrush tools to paint in a "mask" for the foreground layer to make part of it visible. Black will be transparent (allowing the background to show through), white will be opaque (showing only the foreground), and greys will be somewhere in the middle. I usually only use black and white and alter the "opacity" of the brush to mix and match as needed. I start with a large fully white brush and do a rough blobby area that I want to be the foreground. Then I switch back and forth between black and white using ever smaller and more opaque brushes to get the details right. Unless you are doing some radical edits, most of the time you do not need to get too detailed. Example - Mattie has been masked out in the foreground layer, and I turned off the background layer entirely so you can see what is transparent and what is not. The mask is not perfect - I spent about 60 seconds on it. You'll notice that some rocks and other details are still visible. This is OK.:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/teytmagvownur7c/3-mattie-masked-out-fg-2020-08-19-21-36-19.png?dl=0

5. Now you can manipulate the foreground layer too. Example - using the curves too to lighten Mattie a little:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/rd4drxir5irzapg/4-mattie-foreground-lighten-2020-08-19-21-30-30.png?dl=0

Most of the time, this will be plenty for lightening an area of the scene.

Ok, I said "alien planet", so lets go a step further:

6. Even though my mask is pretty quick and messy for the foreground / Mattie, it is still detailed enough that I can edit the hue and chroma to create pink and purple rocks and yellow foliage but still have a beautiful golden pupper (notice that I did not mask out her leash though -- oops):
https://www.dropbox.com/s/dp09wv4mqn1wqbw/5-mattie-background-crazychroma-2020-08-19-21-37-04.png?dl=0

I often use a technique like this to darken skies a little and lighten the ground a little. Sky layer, ground layer. Darken the sky, lighten the ground. Put a layer mask on one and use the gradient tool to make a nice transition from one to the other (sort of like using a neutral gradient filter over the lens - except that you can edit the mask a little to make sure foliage, trees, etc. are included in the "ground" layer instead of the sky).

That is prolly way more than anyone wanted to know. But this IS the art-circle afterall. Maybe someone will find it useful! [happy]

Gassho,
Sekishi
#sat #layermasked

Jishin
08-20-2020, 02:16 AM
[emoji2]

Jishin
08-20-2020, 10:27 AM
Jishin I am naive about editing photos besides cropping and adding light. What tool do you use to darken the background but focus on the color of the flower?

Doshin
St

Here is an example of what I talked about with Lightroom:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200820/76c589a23b874dca9fbb538f49f97b29.jpg

When I took this picture I knew I wanted a black background so I tried to find something that was a little dark in the background.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200820/4401b4a0c01d83e87561d5c1a8663a2e.jpg

Then I used a paint brush to darken the background (I don’t know how to use Photoshop very well and I never can get the layers right with it so I prefer Lightroom. With Lightroom I can also go back to specific changes made to a photo from the end result not having to recreate the entire photo as in Photoshop).

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200820/9e5b805710a392ee57be433a397e4c16.jpg

Pictures 2 and 3 are the end result. :)

Gassho, Jishin, __/stlah\__

Jishin
08-20-2020, 10:35 AM
Jishin I am naive about editing photos besides cropping and adding light. What tool do you use to darken the background but focus on the color of the flower?

Doshin
St

Here is another example where I found shade for the background and light from the sun to illuminate my German Shepherd. It was very easy to make the background go away with a paint brush in this case.

Before:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200820/3d0a9b4102bcc2213c3429b86dd113e7.jpg

After:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200820/ed70eada3bd95586afdac133a752f22c.jpg

A professional photographer would have the benefit of a studio and would have a much easier time with black backgrounds (if I could support my family taking pictures I would :) ).

Gassho, Jishin, __/stlah\__

Jishin
08-20-2020, 11:38 AM
Jishin I am naive about editing photos besides cropping and adding light. What tool do you use to darken the background but focus on the color of the flower?

Doshin
St

One of the most powerful ways to make changes to your whole picture is using the curve tool. It is not a brush but it can accentuate lights and darks so things pop. It's tricky at first but after you get the hang of it you can ditch the dark and white sliders. Most of the editors have this feature.

Gassho, Jishin, __/stlah\__

Seikan
08-20-2020, 11:43 AM
Jishin,

I'm right there with you about Lightroom. I originally trained in film photography, and I feel that Lightroom best mimics the printing process I used to employ in the darkroom, albeit digitally.

I only ever use Photoshop if I absolutely need to composite images, but otherwise I avoid it as much as possible (too complicated).

Gassho,
Rob

-st-


Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

Meitou
08-20-2020, 12:45 PM
Here is an example of what I talked about with Lightroom:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200820/76c589a23b874dca9fbb538f49f97b29.jpg

When I took this picture I knew I wanted a black background so I tried to find something that was a little dark in the background.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200820/4401b4a0c01d83e87561d5c1a8663a2e.jpg

Then I used a paint brush to darken the background (I don’t know how to use Photoshop very well and I never can get the layers right with it so I prefer Lightroom. With Lightroom I can also go back to specific changes made to a photo from the end result not having to recreate the entire photo as in Photoshop).

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200820/9e5b805710a392ee57be433a397e4c16.jpg

Pictures 2 and 3 are the end result. :)

Gassho, Jishin, __/stlah\__

Fantastic work and thanks for explaining the process, I might have to try this out now.
I'm loving this thread, great photos and lots of info exchange, brilliant!
Gassho
Meitou
Sattoday lah

Jishin
08-20-2020, 01:09 PM
[emoji2][emoji120]

Cooperix
08-20-2020, 03:33 PM
WoW!
A tutorial! Thanks all. Incredible work.

Bows
Anne

~lahst~

Cooperix
08-20-2020, 03:43 PM
The world in a horse's eye!

6631

bows...
Anne

~lahst~

Jishin
08-20-2020, 04:00 PM
Love the image Anne. Is that you and another horse in the reflection?

Gassho, Jishin, __/stlah\__

Cooperix
08-20-2020, 04:13 PM
Love the image Anne. Is that you and another horse in the reflection?

Gassho, Jishin, __/stlah\__

Thanks Jishin.
That's me, the side of the stable, his own shadow and the NM blue sky reflected in his eye.

Gassho
A.

~lahst~

Jishin
08-20-2020, 04:14 PM
Super cool Anne.

Gassho, Jishin, __/stlah\__

Jishin
08-20-2020, 04:20 PM
This is an attempt to capture moving car lights at night by me. I don't have a lot of experience with this type of picture but it works better with a tripod to avoid camera shake. The speed of camera has to be slowed down so it captures a longer period of light. This was in Vegas right before Covid and I was on an overpass.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200820/be770dc8724d406f5fccb025b432435e.jpg

Doshin
08-20-2020, 05:22 PM
Great photos all...

With all this knowledge shared and good works I am going to ponder my next artistic attempt. :)

Doshin
St

Onka
08-20-2020, 07:03 PM
Diane Arbus

Going back to this original quote, I took some snaps of our ripostiglio, which I think all Italian homes have in one form or another - anything from a glorified broom cupboard, to a large storage space. We live in a very small apartment so our ripostiglio is of the broom cupboard variety. From the start my husband appropriated the space for his 'stuff' and he has a certain way of storing his tools etc which is very particular to him. Every one of these photos is a narrative, steeped in his story, his character, his creative touches. To me they represent his secret life, his inner self. This tiny space has no window and no lighting, just a bulb rigged up from a source in the corridor, hence the rather muddy tone and slightly out of focus images which I felt contributed to the sense of intimacy,

I would like to thank everyone who is contributing to this thread and making it such a joy to look through.
Gassho
Meitou
sattoday lah

6627

6628

6629

6630

LOVE LOVE LOVE these Meitou!
I find so much beauty in the every day.
Gassho Onka
ST

Onka
08-20-2020, 07:05 PM
The world in a horse's eye!

6631

bows...
Anne

~lahst~

This is perfect Anne
My partner has a close up of our horse's nose as her screen background. There's so much within her photo that it could be anything if you didn't know.
Gassho Onka
ST

Onka
08-20-2020, 07:07 PM
This is an attempt to capture moving car lights at night by me. I don't have a lot of experience with this type of picture but it works better with a tripod to avoid camera shake. The speed of camera has to be slowed down so it captures a longer period of light. This was in Vegas right before Covid and I was on an overpass.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200820/be770dc8724d406f5fccb025b432435e.jpg

What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. I think you captured what you wanted to.
Gassho Onka
ST

Onka
08-21-2020, 01:35 AM
Our driveway is 150m long and I tend to walk it barefoot between 3 and 6km per day for medical reasons. My pace is slow short steps a bit faster than kinhin yet just as perfect. Today is very windy but a beautiful winter day.
Gassho
Onka
Sat todayhttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200821/28c17095a73de5e8f2563466b5d88fa0.jpg

Sent from my SM-A205YN using Tapatalk

Jishin
08-21-2020, 02:14 AM
Good photo and a beautiful driveway.

Gassho, Jishin, __/stlah\__

Onka
08-21-2020, 05:00 AM
Thanks Jishin.
Gassho
Onka
ST

Jishin
08-22-2020, 09:05 PM
Eye of the tiger (teenager).

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200822/99679f79b118e173c0b75b63891e57c5.jpg

Cooperix
08-23-2020, 12:28 AM
Onka, I love road images and this one is beautiful. And I like visualizing your daily walk. Lovely..
And Jishin! The world in a teen's eye! I love it..

Bows
Anne

~lahst~

Doshin
08-23-2020, 03:30 AM
Jishin, I see you in the eye of the tiger

Doshin
St

Jishin
08-25-2020, 10:25 AM
Jishin, I see you in the eye of the tiger

Doshin
StYes, either in the reflection of my son's eye or my DNA staring at me (the universe staring at itself or awareness aware of itself). [emoji2]

Gassho, Jishin, __/stlah\__

Tomás ESP
08-25-2020, 11:08 AM
Some pictures I took in the "Pirineos", at the northern border between Spain and France. I am not into photography and have no idea how to use photoshop or other programs, but lately I enjoy taking simple pictures and sharing them [happy].

Nice rocks I found. Reminded me of Zazen: https://ibb.co/HdWyy6T

Small green friend (low quality due to amount of zoom): https://ibb.co/82KJY3n

Dandelion, reminded me of impermanence: https://imgur.com/a/UNojuzg

Gassho, Tomás

Sat (went over 3 sentences, oops!)

Margherita
08-25-2020, 12:10 PM
Some pictures I took in the "Pirineos", at the northern border between Spain and France. I am not into photography and have no idea how to use photoshop or other programs, but lately I enjoy taking simple pictures and sharing them [happy].

Nice rocks I found. Reminded me of Zazen: https://ibb.co/HdWyy6T

Small green friend (low quality due to amount of zoom): https://ibb.co/82KJY3n

Dandelion, reminded me of impermanence: https://imgur.com/a/UNojuzg

Gassho, Tomás

Sat (went over 3 sentences, oops!)The little green friend doesn't seem so little, but it's cute. Thanks for sharing, the pics cheered me up in this cold and wet Scottish day.

Gassho,
Mags
ST

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Cooperix
08-25-2020, 02:19 PM
Tomas,

That cairn photo is spectacular! I love them all but that image is so iconic.
Thanks for sharing.

Bows
Anne

~st~

Jishin
08-25-2020, 07:28 PM
Some pictures I took in the "Pirineos", at the northern border between Spain and France. I am not into photography and have no idea how to use photoshop or other programs, but lately I enjoy taking simple pictures and sharing them [happy].

Nice rocks I found. Reminded me of Zazen: https://ibb.co/HdWyy6T

Small green friend (low quality due to amount of zoom): https://ibb.co/82KJY3n

Dandelion, reminded me of impermanence: https://imgur.com/a/UNojuzg

Gassho, Tomás

Sat (went over 3 sentences, oops!)Fantastic photos! Post more.

Gassho, Jishin, __/stlah\__

Jinyo
08-27-2020, 08:59 AM
I think I must have been sleeping the past few months to have not visited this wonderful thread- so impressed with the images and wealth of knowledge on photography being shared.

We should definitely put a gallery together!

I hope it wasn't outside group etiquette that I posted a new thread on the photographer Hiroshi Sugimoto. Apologies if so. His work seems to have woken me out of my lock-down
slumber and I'm now regretting not bringing my camera away with me (have been on a coastal retreat for six weeks now). Will try with my mobile phone camera.

Thanks again for sharing such inspiring images.

Gassho

Jinyo

sat today

Meitou
08-28-2020, 06:53 AM
I think I must have been sleeping the past few months to have not visited this wonderful thread- so impressed with the images and wealth of knowledge on photography being shared.

We should definitely put a gallery together!

I hope it wasn't outside group etiquette that I posted a new thread on the photographer Hiroshi Sugimoto. Apologies if so. His work seems to have woken me out of my lock-down
slumber and I'm now regretting not bringing my camera away with me (have been on a coastal retreat for six weeks now). Will try with my mobile phone camera.

Thanks again for sharing such inspiring images.

Gassho

Jinyo

sat today

Thank you for this Jinyo, HS is one of my favourite photographers, his sea images have inspired and influenced my own humble attempts.
Gassho with gratitude
Meitou
Sattoday lah

Jinyo
08-28-2020, 03:28 PM
Thank you Meitou,

I have replied on the other thread.

gassho2

Jinyo

Sat Today

Tai Shi
08-28-2020, 03:30 PM
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200828/4c4113d08d4b051fd60598025ef8ee23.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200828/848ef60a03fd86380de9e52ea8a3a87d.jpg


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Tai Shi
08-28-2020, 03:31 PM
Tia Shi gassho
Check out my biography. Still current, it’s still tells all YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ME. Open to friendship.

Gassho sat lah
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Jishin
08-28-2020, 03:52 PM
Very nice roses Tai Chi.

Gassho, Jishin, __/stlah\__

Tai Shi
08-28-2020, 07:42 PM
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200828/7c07812d6ff2a04e6a995654514fdb51.jpg


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Tai Shi
08-28-2020, 07:43 PM
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200828/51113ab43752286b4e80b637e4f15344.jpg


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Tai Shi
08-28-2020, 07:43 PM
Gassho
sat
Gassho


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Tai Shi
08-28-2020, 07:46 PM
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200828/b874717f8be1f840dee5beb156ab8e15.jpg
My sweetie. We’ve been together more than 40 years.
Gassho

sat
lah


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Jishin
08-28-2020, 09:24 PM
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200828/51113ab43752286b4e80b637e4f15344.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkWonderful flowers Tai Shi.

Gassho, Jishin, __/stlah\__

Cooperix
08-29-2020, 01:17 AM
Thanks Tai Shi for your photos. A beautiful park for you and your 'sweetie'.

Bows
Anne

~lahst~

Tai Shi
08-29-2020, 02:23 AM
Thank you Jishin I did not grow the roses, but I took the picture. Thank you Anne, my sweetie and I have been in going to MacKennen Park for years and she has never let me photograph her up close. One more photo.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200829/7e077170bb0b6636c460ed8c2c16a431.jpg

Gassho
sat
Tai Shi lah


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Sekishi
08-29-2020, 07:54 PM
I periodically really get into creating collage images from photos and digital sketches (mostly using the ProCreate mobile app). This summer I found it therapeutic to work with the darker feelings and emotions that arise during a global pandemic, ongoing repression, and unhealthy political / social discourse in my country. I mostly work on these images at the end of the day while taking a bath - wash away the fears and mental habits along with the dust of the day.

Here are a few of my favorites with the captions I used on instagram - which reflect my thinking at the time.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200829/6673ffe31dd54feef8f77732026be081.jpg
For the time-being: blue mountains.


https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200829/e8f4b494c13310c8085ec5ce8d6d6da3.jpg
This world of composite entities without essence, can we take it seriously without taking it literally?


https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200829/20c70e01c847576aba46eed106fea9a1.jpg
This is my brain on Doomscrolling.


https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200829/970e86d743f60e0026d37e05beb515b9.jpg
Self and other are like the inside and outside of this skinbag - arbitrary distinctions of the mind. Can we set aside our precious suffering and allow all boundaries to crumble? We are each the whole universe made manifest.


Gassho,
Sekishi
#sat #doodled



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Tai Shi
08-29-2020, 08:06 PM
Powerful, my old-friend Sekieshi did I spell your name right? And, I too have dabbled in my countries disillusion and blackest Black time it is coming soon a time when our skin in minority will as old men topple. This is to my liking as long as I am not killed. Treeleaf offers hope and as we seek middle path let us not be hinderance and still help as you have done. Thank you. Gassho, deep bows sat Tai Shi.


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Tai Shi
08-29-2020, 08:31 PM
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200829/79382fab192e043191c6aff725e7c31a.jpg
Books to live by. The one to the left the on-ramp going to the right, the one in the ones in the middle seeking what I have seen lived in Treeleaf women and men, now to included old and disabled soon to see become skin of relief!
Gassho
sat/ lah
Gassho


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Kokuu
08-29-2020, 08:54 PM
Wow, those images are amazing, Sekishi! Such great work!

I have been playing with textiles and Sashiko/Boro work. This is an abstract piece: https://postimg.cc/9z1x3kLy

Gassho
Kokuu
-sattoday/lah-

Jishin
08-29-2020, 09:09 PM
Awesome images Sekishi and Kokuu.


Gassho, Jishin, __/stlah\__

Jishin
08-30-2020, 03:40 PM
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200830/ffd4fde80517bbb67e558d510a433b33.jpg

Gassho, Jishin, __/stlah\__

Tai Shi
08-30-2020, 04:05 PM
Such tat tat tat no info is is monied into more as some have nothing nothing comes of nothing ride Shakespeare into death of poetry, knives exhaustion in lite strat pins into bosom of dolls averaged this is poetry


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Tai Shi
08-30-2020, 04:12 PM
Country strides toward destiny death by ballot. Falsified voice of people voting demigod into office. President every pumping bloody wound of facilitating recovering nothing US has denied liberty to So many into peaceful submits no infrastructure all gone. No commerce if dead do die.


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Tai Shi
08-30-2020, 04:26 PM
We rise again into perhaps old White men will not survive their own power pad ripped from under then giving women of Color into freedom like lights swift and sudden believe we needn’t differ as old Men sweep themselves into now they become out damned spot of blood count three senate Supreme Court falsified finally nothing governed as poor, disabled, people rise to the occasion of our birth many beloved voices reckoning fair and democratic electors who collegial raise hands to be voted normal all everyone together above tyrant of willfulness again peace reigns in the now. Gassho Gassho Gassho deeply, more sitting into regular intuition without time now Calm Poetry always helping, helping, helping.


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Tai Shi
08-30-2020, 04:28 PM
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200830/c07c1347050c33e97ac3e149d4b53705.jpg
Gassho/ sitting/ lah/ Taishi


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Tai Shi
08-30-2020, 04:42 PM
Irate word is wood all word up to tongues of flame dove descends of olive branch of mouth like above love is the unfamiliar name as Er not vision man wrapped in nothingness the flesh Buddha chest into age 80 preached compassion how can fire sermon dismount as eighty married elder man of power thee peaceful Buddha, Dharma, Sangha, water from flesh, then no spirit thought mindfulness all real tangible not som figure standing in red over current I ave this is not crossing then they become Enlightened and calm Gassho, Gassho, Gassho now sitting for others, long sentence and for other compassion with touch so pure,!Tai Shi


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Tai Shi
08-30-2020, 04:45 PM
Irate word is wood all word up to tongues of flame dove descends of olive branch of mouth like above love is the unfamiliar name as Er not vision man wrapped in nothingness the flesh Buddha chest into age 80 preached compassion how can fire sermon dismount as eighty married elder man of power thee peaceful Buddha, Dharma, Sangha, water from flesh, then no spirit thought mindfulness all real tangible not som figure standing in red over current I ave this is not crossing then they become Enlightened and calm Gassho, Gassho, Gassho now sitting for others, long sentence and for other compassion with touch so pure,!Tai Shi


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https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200830/a84dbe97354231c80790cb364721c803.jpg


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Tai Shi
08-30-2020, 04:54 PM
This no History

Stand befor you
Upon fire
Water cool
On Earth
No senses
All senses
Nothing written
Into sand
Nothing with
Current wash
With more
More, less
Less, nothing
Something.
Gautama
Tatagatha
Give us man
Previous precept
Breathing
Sitting
Nothin
All is real
Now like fleshy
Trees wood
Carried now
Path of rocky
Rubble
Mor strength
Found compassion.
Gassho three times
Built upon burgundy!
Seat
Tai Shi


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Jishin
08-30-2020, 04:56 PM
Such tat tat tat no info is is monied into more as some have nothing nothing comes of nothing ride Shakespeare into death of poetry, knives exhaustion in lite strat pins into bosom of dolls averaged this is poetry


Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkHi Tai Shi,

I wish I knew more about poetry to appreciate what you write but I don't. I can tell you are passionate about it but that is where my understanding ends. Thank you for sharing your passion with us.

Gassho, Jishin, __/stlah\__

Tai Shi
08-30-2020, 05:03 PM
Hi Tai Shi,

I wish I knew more about poetry to appreciate what you write but I don't. I can tell you are passionate about it but that is where my understanding ends. Thank you for sharing your passion with us.

Gassho, Jishin, __/stlah\__

Then all rise in peace
Found finally compassion
For humankind all peace,
Peace, peace, peace, Shante
Shante, Shante
And,!tongued into the crowned
Knot of fire three times,
This for my dear friend
What does Jishin
Mean,!tree times three?
Now now, he sits, Calmest Poetry


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Tai Shi
08-30-2020, 05:06 PM
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200830/3815db39144ee89550753759c9db39d2.jpg
Imprisonments gone in imperfection
Now burgany chair sit, Calm poempicture!


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Tai Shi
08-30-2020, 05:14 PM
These are interwoven lines of poetry from two plays of poetry by William Shakespeare, then Two poems of TS Eliot, then myself all attempted in the by UNITARIAN now bin of death out of every word is the now of peace and compassion. This explains the meaning, within are sound devices because all good poetry
Is read aloud. This is strait forward explanation Jishin. By the way. Jundo has asked that words be in “the now.” So I’ve tried to do this. I’m afraid Free Verse is mostly more than 3 lines, nevertheless in the now.


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Tai Shi
08-30-2020, 05:24 PM
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200830/96cd216e5935bf7367e2f9c9c1724c65.jpg


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Tai Shi
08-30-2020, 05:25 PM
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200830/332f6fed189668525d08eac624297118.jpg


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Tai Shi
08-30-2020, 05:28 PM
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200830/ee260c7378736cd33a612f2f319caefb.jpg
Like writing about writing
This is picture about picture. Sound about sound.


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Jishin
08-30-2020, 05:28 PM
These are interwoven lines of poetry from two plays of poetry by William Shakespeare, then Two poems of TS Eliot, then myself all attempted in the by UNITARIAN now bin of death out of every word is the now of peace and compassion. This explains the meaning, within are sound devices because all good poetry
Is read aloud. This is strait forward explanation Jishin. By the way. Jundo has asked that words be in “the now.” So I’ve tried to do this. I’m afraid Free Verse is mostly more than 3 lines, nevertheless in the now.


Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkI can understand this. Thank you. Nice pictures.

Gassho, Jishin, __/stlah\__

Cooperix
08-30-2020, 05:29 PM
I periodically really get into creating collage images from photos and digital sketches (mostly using the ProCreate mobile app). This summer I found it therapeutic to work with the darker feelings and emotions that arise during a global pandemic, ongoing repression, and unhealthy political / social discourse in my country. I mostly work on these images at the end of the day while taking a bath - wash away the fears and mental habits along with the dust of the day.

Here are a few of my favorites with the captions I used on instagram - which reflect my thinking at the time.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200829/6673ffe31dd54feef8f77732026be081.jpg
For the time-being: blue mountains.


https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200829/e8f4b494c13310c8085ec5ce8d6d6da3.jpg
This world of composite entities without essence, can we take it seriously without taking it literally?


https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200829/20c70e01c847576aba46eed106fea9a1.jpg
This is my brain on Doomscrolling.


https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200829/970e86d743f60e0026d37e05beb515b9.jpg
Self and other are like the inside and outside of this skinbag - arbitrary distinctions of the mind. Can we set aside our precious suffering and allow all boundaries to crumble? We are each the whole universe made manifest.


Gassho,
Sekishi
#sat #doodled



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Sekishi,
I have seen these images on Instagram and they are so beautiful and other-worldly. I especially love the blue mountain image. And yes, a good practice for these sad and scary times - making beauty. Thank you for posting here. We have quite a collection of images on this thread (and now poetry! thank you Tai Shi.) As I mentioned in an earlier post it would be fun to put the images all on some sort of 'gallery' page to see the wide and fine scope of talent in our sangha. Any suggestions or offer of help on how to accomplish that would be appreciated.

We will leave this thread current for a while longer as long as it is pulling in such wonderful responses.

Gassho

Anne

~st~

Tai Shi
08-30-2020, 05:31 PM
Thank you Jishin.Younare my friend I have gratitude to know you thank you.


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Tai Shi
08-30-2020, 05:36 PM
Your pictures are beautiful Jishin I wouldn’t know how to do them. Thank you I like you as a friend. You are artistic


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Sekishi
08-30-2020, 05:46 PM
I have seen these images on Instagram and they are so beautiful and other-worldly. I especially love the blue mountain image.


Funny when they are driven by Dukkha in this world. I had not given it much thought until now, but how wonderful it is that we humans are so often driven by negative feelings to express beauty in its place. Sentient beings as alchemists. gassho2



We have quite a collection of images on this thread (and now poetry! thank you Tai Shi.) As I mentioned in an earlier post it would be fun to put the images all on some sort of 'gallery' page to see the wide and fine scope of talent in our sangha. Any suggestions or offer of help on how to accomplish that would be appreciated.


I think this is a wonderful idea that I would like to revisit in a few months when we are settled in with the new forum software and website. Can we figure out a way to showcase some of the art, poetry, photography, music, textile creations, jewelry, etc. that are created by our Sangha members?

Thank you to all who share your expressions of the the human experience.

Gassho,
Sekishi
#sat #lah

Tai Shi
08-30-2020, 06:01 PM
Sekishi I think too much but not in my pictures most around our neighborhood and even Marge says they are beautiful this is a rare composition. Of compliment. Marge. Hopppppy praised photography of your art and mine natural thank you for sharing AtireYes Tai Shi


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Tomás ESP
08-30-2020, 07:00 PM
Incredible pictures, thank you all for sharing them gassho2gassho2gassho2.

Here are two of my recent ones (I am aware that in the one doing Zazen my knees should be touching the ground, but it wasn't going to happen with those pants!).

https://imgur.com/a/TfADMhB

https://imgur.com/a/ak5Q1pB

Gassho, Tomás
Sat

Cooperix
08-30-2020, 09:58 PM
Wow, those images are amazing, Sekishi! Such great work!

I have been playing with textiles and Sashiko/Boro work. This is an abstract piece: https://postimg.cc/9z1x3kLy

Gassho
Kokuu
-sattoday/lah-

Kokuu, Wonderful collage/ stitchery work. I love this piece...

And Tomas, thank you!

Sekishi, yes thank you for offering to help. I do think it might be fun to have gallery page for the art circle.

Bows
Anne

~lahst~

Jundo
08-30-2020, 11:54 PM
Country strides toward destiny death by ballot. Falsified voice of people voting demigod into office. President every pumping bloody wound of facilitating recovering nothing US has denied liberty to So many into peaceful submits no infrastructure all gone. No commerce if dead do die.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Hi,

I will leave this for now, because the Art section, where a bit more freedom of expression ...

However, actually, I would ask that we leave the politics at the door even here.

Gassho, Jundo

STLah

Jundo
08-31-2020, 12:56 AM
I am going to split the discussion of "leave politics at the Zendo door" into a separate thread, if I may.

Gassho, J

STLah

Meitou
08-31-2020, 05:56 AM
Hi,

I will leave this for now, because the Art section, where a bit more freedom of expression ...

However, actually, I would ask that we leave the politics at the door even here.

Gassho, Jundo

STLah

Actually, I would prefer that the same respect to Sangha guidelines is shown here in the Art section as it is elsewhere; my fear is that otherwise this section will be seen as an area of the forum where people can say and do as they wish, and I don't want to see that happen.
I think we are already very flexible around what answers the briefs /prompts, so please let's also maintain respect for our Sangha guidelines within that flexibility.
Gassho
Meitou
Sattoday lah

Meitou
08-31-2020, 06:12 AM
Kokuu, I love your abstract piece, that's my favourite so far and really is inspiring. Even the darkest clouds have some silver lining, and now that our dear Pepe has left this floating world, I may be able to pick up my sewing/knitting etc again.
Sekishi, fabulous images, thought provoking titles.
TaiShi your photo contributions are much appreciated as a reflection of your everyday life, I love that. Perhaps we will later have a thread about Expressing Creativity through words, where your poetry and free verse will be much appreciated.
Gassho
Meitou
Sattoday lah

Onka
08-31-2020, 07:16 AM
Respectfully, Art has always been political in the Feminist sense that the personal is political. Every Artist is making a statement or offering a commentary on something bigger than the piece itself and I include interpretations by others too.
For example I see Sekishi's compositions above as hugely political without reading his own commentary on the pieces.
Yes, words are powerful and yes political rants that I specialise in should be left at the Zendo door but words as Art should be just as valued as visual Art and as such not be censored. I use the word censored incredibly reluctantly because I know that some will automatically get defensive but I don't believe Art should be censored. Fear not Sisters, Brothers and Others I won't use the Art and craft area of the forum to share my Poetry collection as it is an intersection of ugly life and radical politics haha. Fun Fact: some of my Poetry has found its way into private collections and added to an anthology of Poetry collected in the nearest city to us. In one series I wrote my Poetry in pencil on used envelopes and leave them in random spaces. They were a commentary on impermanence years before I found Zen.
Gassho
Onka
Sat today
I.apologise for throwing the 3 sentence guideline at the wall with this post. I always endeavour to do and be better.

Jundo
08-31-2020, 09:38 AM
Hello Onka,

Although this is the art center, it is still our Zen Buddhist art center here at Treeleaf. So, we will keep the same policy here, and leave politics and politicians outside the door, as Meitou said.

Gassho, Jundo

Stlah

Tai Shi
08-31-2020, 10:56 AM
Yes politics at the door, Jundo, I would not be offended at what you delete. More than anything I was playing within word and image. I understand some might be offended! Gasho Tai Shi sat


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Meitou
08-31-2020, 11:38 AM
Yes politics at the door, Jundo, I would not be offended at what you delete. More than anything I was playing within word and image. I understand some might be offended! Gasho Tai Shi sat


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No-one is offended TaiShi and you're not being censored.
Tranquillo amico
Gassho
Meitou
Sattoday lah

Cooperix
08-31-2020, 03:17 PM
Although I agree with Onka in general: artwork is political, the art circle threads offer a place of respite from the storm that is our world. And I am deeply grateful to all who have contributed their images to make this place so full of beauty and creative energy.
Amazing creativity in our sangha...

Gassho
Anne

~lahst~

Kokuu
08-31-2020, 03:56 PM
Art is a free expression and cannot be censored. However, individual institutions and organisations can decide what is appropriate for them and what isn't.

You are unlikely to get a racial feminist piece of art into the National Portrait Gallery.

However, that of course begs questions of representation and who and what are being chosen to hang in galleries and public spaces and how they are chosen. My art historian friend Aruna has written extensively about this in respect of the representation of gender and ethnicity and who is doing the choosing.

Here are Treeleaf we make no exclusion based on gender, ethnicity or physical or mental disability or otherwise. There are, however, limits as befits a place of Buddhist practice and those limits, among others, include use of Right Speech and topics which we have found not conducive to peaceful practice, such as party politics.

Apologies for using a few sentences more.

Gassho
Kokuu
-sattoday/lah-

Onka
08-31-2020, 07:25 PM
Art is a free expression and cannot be censored. However, individual institutions and organisations can decide what is appropriate for them and what isn't.

You are unlikely to get a racial feminist piece of art into the National Portrait Gallery.

However, that of course begs questions of representation and who and what are being chosen to hang in galleries and public spaces and how they are chosen. My art historian friend Aruna has written extensively about this in respect of the representation of gender and ethnicity and who is doing the choosing.

Here are Treeleaf we make no exclusion based on gender, ethnicity or physical or mental disability or otherwise. There are, however, limits as befits a place of Buddhist practice and those limits, among others, include use of Right Speech and topics which we have found not conducive to peaceful practice, such as party politics.

Apologies for using a few sentences more.

Gassho
Kokuu
-sattoday/lah-

This clarifies things for me in relation to the Art circle Kokuu. Thank you. I still believe that Tai Shi's Poetry is beautifully opaque and playful enough to not be deemed party political.
Gassho
Onka
ST

Onka
08-31-2020, 07:26 PM
Although I agree with Onka in general: artwork is political, the art circle threads offer a place of respite from the storm that is our world. And I am deeply grateful to all who have contributed their images to make this place so full of beauty and creative energy.
Amazing creativity in our sangha...

Gassho
Anne

~lahst~

Gassho
Onka
ST

Meitou
09-02-2020, 11:14 PM
So returning to the original purpose of this thread, I found another quote by Ansel Adams that I like very much ..

“When words become unclear, I shall focus with photographs. When images become inadequate, I shall be content with silence.”

These two groups of photos contain some of what that quote from Ansel Adams is suggesting. They were inspired by these words from the lovely book 'ikegana and other Japanese words to live by', by Mari Fujimoto, and attempt to merge ikebana with photography, rather than a simple representation of a flower arrangement.

"Ikebana.. means 'giving life to flowers'.With the aim of capturing a beautiful and natural asymmetry, ikebana creates a space in which the delicate transience of the seasons can be visually acknowledged and appreciated.The constellation of flowers figures birth, growth, decay and reincarnation."

6640

6641

Gassho
Meitou
sattoday lah

Tai Shi
09-02-2020, 11:27 PM
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200902/97d89b44c28809fa823efff91a7ff8a1.jpg
Gassho
sat / lah
Tai Shi


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Tai Shi
09-02-2020, 11:29 PM
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200902/4e6fd40a4badb2a09672515dab8c249d.jpg
Gassho
sat / lah
Tai Shi


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Jishin
09-03-2020, 10:39 AM
So returning to the original purpose of this thread, I found another quote by Ansel Adams that I like very much ..

“When words become unclear, I shall focus with photographs. When images become inadequate, I shall be content with silence.”

These two groups of photos contain some of what that quote from Ansel Adams is suggesting. They were inspired by these words from the lovely book 'ikegana and other Japanese words to live by', by Mari Fujimoto, and attempt to merge ikebana with photography, rather than a simple representation of a flower arrangement.

"Ikebana.. means 'giving life to flowers'.With the aim of capturing a beautiful and natural asymmetry, ikebana creates a space in which the delicate transience of the seasons can be visually acknowledged and appreciated.The constellation of flowers figures birth, growth, decay and reincarnation."

6640

6641

Gassho
Meitou
sattoday lah

Beautiful.

Gassho, Jishin, __/stlah\__

Cooperix
09-03-2020, 01:40 PM
So returning to the original purpose of this thread, I found another quote by Ansel Adams that I like very much ..

“When words become unclear, I shall focus with photographs. When images become inadequate, I shall be content with silence.”

These two groups of photos contain some of what that quote from Ansel Adams is suggesting. They were inspired by these words from the lovely book 'ikegana and other Japanese words to live by', by Mari Fujimoto, and attempt to merge ikebana with photography, rather than a simple representation of a flower arrangement.

"Ikebana.. means 'giving life to flowers'.With the aim of capturing a beautiful and natural asymmetry, ikebana creates a space in which the delicate transience of the seasons can be visually acknowledged and appreciated.The constellation of flowers figures birth, growth, decay and reincarnation."

6640

6641

Gassho
Meitou
sattoday lah

Meitou,
Your photos always surprise. And that's why they are so powerful. Thank you.
Deep bows

Anne

~st~

Doshin
09-03-2020, 02:07 PM
Meitou

gassho2

Doshin
St

Jishin
09-04-2020, 06:04 PM
3 miles away from my house.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200904/3cbc4366f970715801eab974538f2715.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200904/077bd4d6d1417dfeb1475d7892b2a92f.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200904/7a82ac1f3b90ba7fa689e861b871d9b5.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200904/bc95d2d8fedb33e48254a78a19cde02d.jpg

Gassho, Jishin, __/stlah\__

Meitou
09-04-2020, 06:35 PM
Thanks Tai Shi and Jishin for these fab photos - Tai Shi, I love these slices of Americana, as someone who has never visited your country, they are fascinating to me. And Jishin, who doesn't absolutely love sunflowers, what an incredible sight.
Thank you all for your kind words about my offerings.
Gassho
Meitou
sattoday lah

Jishin
09-04-2020, 11:42 PM
Nice kitty.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200904/b3b390967184b3ae99175be48612fe15.jpeg

Gassho, Jishin, __/stlah\__

Nanrin
09-05-2020, 05:36 AM
Gassho

Nanrin

Sat todayhttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200905/4a4f9ce7b1c99c7ba3242666207db88e.jpg

Sekishi
09-07-2020, 01:22 AM
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200907/83d63109f976568cda6503e025486bd7.jpg


decades of striving in the darkness of the forest floor
now a hole in the sky
unencumbered sun nourishes ferns, trillium, aster, and myriad beings

- Ango 2020, Day 2


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Jishin
09-18-2020, 03:20 AM
Lion.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200918/e83c26f9803cd71555f54f53f61c113c.jpg

Jishin
09-18-2020, 03:56 AM
Tiger.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200918/851f25542cb2c0535c0b967332350f6d.jpg

Cooperix
09-23-2020, 11:44 PM
Beautiful and spooky!
Thanks Jishin.
Everyone, please keep showing us your photos, videos etc..
This site stays active...

Gassho
Anne

~lahst~

Tai Shi
09-24-2020, 08:56 PM
Powerful, JiShin! Thank you.
Gassho
sat’ lah
Tai Shi


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Tai Shi
09-24-2020, 08:59 PM
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200924/cca153c4c25b824047497935b4d5ddd7.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200924/eec9709a5d028f91f594613b09684ae4.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200924/6e126309f90a4fc78da83fc4a4adbe87.jpg
Gassho
sat lah
Tai Shi


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Tai Shi
09-25-2020, 12:08 AM
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200925/b37943879facce26d431077ea0fbda23.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200925/112e2ab644f1500cb1cab4cb715ebc39.jpg


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Meitou
09-25-2020, 05:51 AM
Glorious sky Tai Shi!
Gassho
Meitou
Sattoday

Koutoku
09-28-2020, 10:12 PM
6761
I did a quick pastel last week hoping to capture the glittering light on the river.


Gassho,
Judy
Sat

Seikan
09-28-2020, 10:16 PM
6761
I did a quick pastel last week hoping to capture the glittering light on the river.


Gassho,
Judy
SatBeautiful Judy! This reminds me of so many of the Impressionists whose art I just adore. Please share more when you can! [emoji6]

Gassho,
Rob

-stlah-


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Meitou
09-28-2020, 10:23 PM
6761
I did a quick pastel last week hoping to capture the glittering light on the river.


Gassho,
Judy
Sat

Oh I love this Judy, yes more please!
Gassho
Meitou
Sattoday lah

Tai Shi
09-28-2020, 10:25 PM
Meitou how beautiful! I’m better with a camera. This is an iPhone 11 with a great camera, and I have to be careful not to fill up the memory. The camera you are showing your pastel with does a great job of doing justice to a gifted artist thank you for sharin. Here’s a photo made while I was walking today.6762


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Tai Shi
09-28-2020, 10:27 PM
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200928/fa1efb363e56722e1ad2f69df948f15b.jpg
Gassho sat/lah
Tai Shi


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Tai Shi
09-28-2020, 10:28 PM
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200928/ec36b302c6f470b49d36c8d11a65b85d.jpg


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Cooperix
09-28-2020, 11:51 PM
Good to see more fine work on this thread. Keep filling us with your visions....

Gassho
Anne

~lahst~

Koutoku
09-30-2020, 12:45 AM
Thank You RobD and Meitou! My pleasure.


Gassho.
Judy
SAT

Jishin
10-23-2020, 03:14 PM
Bearded man. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201023/9e6715ad4137f2e9393f3e5d4e42ee29.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201023/5f365df86c19c69bbcf931e99a94e1a2.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201023/9326da4c7d586efa9ad6b06dc1ac485d.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201023/b3fe0427832b70ff32ec2cd45b27d981.jpg

Kyotai
10-23-2020, 03:19 PM
Bearded man. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201023/9e6715ad4137f2e9393f3e5d4e42ee29.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201023/5f365df86c19c69bbcf931e99a94e1a2.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201023/9326da4c7d586efa9ad6b06dc1ac485d.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201023/b3fe0427832b70ff32ec2cd45b27d981.jpg

Who is this bearded man Jishin

Gassho, Kyotai
ST

Jishin
10-23-2020, 03:22 PM
Who is this bearded man Jishin

Gassho, Kyotai
ST

He is one of my best friends, a retired attorney and world renowned for his body work. Has been on lots of Tattoo Magazines.

Gassho, Jishin, __/stlah\__

Jishin
10-23-2020, 03:30 PM
More bearded man. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201023/60695d61a74e40da5adfabfb7941f34a.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201023/53c56aebdeb9dfcdecd5b1a054412e53.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201023/9279bca190cd597c53809707d433d7bd.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201023/a061f8be499d778b698410cb3f02416a.jpg

Shokai
10-23-2020, 06:46 PM
That's a lot of ink [scared]

Gassho, Shokai
stlah

Kotei
10-23-2020, 07:48 PM
So powerful images, Jishin.
Wow!

Gassho,
Kotei sat/lah today.

Cooperix
10-23-2020, 08:53 PM
Just lurid curiosity. Is he completely covered with tats?
He's beautiful. Interesting...almost an object.

Bows, Anne ~lahst~

Jishin
10-23-2020, 09:37 PM
Yes. Completely. One time we (my wife and I) were over at his house and we were deciding about a movie to go see. He had to get up and go to the bathroom and had his laptop on the table. The screen was dark and my wife touched the computer to bring up a web page to do a Google search on what movie to go see. She was greeted with a tattoo of a dragon on his most intimate body part. He has 3 dragons total. Lesson learned. Never touch a computer without permission. :)

He had most of his work done by one artist and ran out of space. He wanted his private parts done too and the artist refused. He threatened to go elsewhere and the artist finally agreed.

Gassho, Jishin, __/stlah\__

Jishin
10-23-2020, 10:07 PM
Some more. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201023/bfaf37910867fda1a7719457df477ff0.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201023/25d0ed6c0977e2334a6783fa4f1ea6ee.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201023/b7844a3a8b93e646f2d1a06c939a43ba.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201023/a16c5b601e29803b5baf627c1ae41609.jpg

Jishin
10-23-2020, 10:30 PM
:)https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201023/384494c7d5844a94a1f117ee302d2fd0.jpg

Cooperix
10-23-2020, 11:46 PM
Well damn! The illiustrated guys! Fine fine work. If I were young I'd have tattoos, no question. They don't look so great on sags.

Gassho, A.

Jishin
10-24-2020, 01:00 AM
He is 71 and I am 53. Got mine at age 35. They do change a bit with time. :)

Gassho, Jishin, __/stlah\__

Jundo
10-24-2020, 03:05 AM
Reminds me of the famous book ...


That The Illustrated Man has remained in print since being published in 1951 is fair testimony to the universal appeal of Ray Bradbury's work. ... Bradbury presents himself as a nameless narrator who meets the Illustrated Man--a wanderer whose entire body is a living canvas of exotic tattoos. What's even more remarkable, and increasingly disturbing, is that the illustrations are themselves magically alive, and each proceeds to unfold its own story

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41AEK2jypuL._SX289_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg

Gassho, J

STLah

Kyotai
10-24-2020, 03:15 AM
He is 71 and I am 53. Got mine at age 35. They do change a bit with time. :)

Gassho, Jishin, __/stlah\__

I wouldn't have put you a day over 52.. :)

Gassho, Kyotai
ST

Jishin
10-24-2020, 03:33 AM
:)

Onka
11-07-2020, 12:21 AM
No more tattoos for me I'm afraid or cross legged Zazen come to think of it thanks to now having to be on blood thinners for life. Oh well, at least I can breathe now. Perspective eh...
In other news, not exactly creative but I was shadowed while doing Kinhin this morning. Perhaps he was telling me to get off of his track haha.
Gassho
Onka
ST https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201107/fc041f26a46c4196a6aeb45910d490c2.jpg

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Tai Shi
11-07-2020, 11:23 PM
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201107/709bffc911b8ff68fc1455e1f8722f1e.jpg
The hospital that saved me to save my own life! Hundreds of people work there saving lives!
Gassho
sat / lah
Tai Shi


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Jishin
11-08-2020, 06:28 AM
Went camping this weekend and this was the lake this AM. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201108/9b4fb5a63140a1036697ecd8c52303c7.jpg

Tai Shi
11-08-2020, 10:22 AM
My fall
Has been painful but in so many ways better than any fall in 7 years!https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201108/20ed38c8b19d473c4e0e52a961df6e43.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201108/decc0968d045a5a0fe1ddc7cc83c4c47.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201108/26454631347db4a316b1bafe86524696.jpg


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Onka
11-08-2020, 11:35 PM
My fall
Has been painful but in so many ways better than any fall in 7 years!https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201108/20ed38c8b19d473c4e0e52a961df6e43.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201108/decc0968d045a5a0fe1ddc7cc83c4c47.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201108/26454631347db4a316b1bafe86524696.jpg


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That's a beautiful sculpture Tai Shi. Your photo's show peace in your heart.
Gassho
Onka
ST

gaurdianaq
11-09-2020, 05:00 AM
Here's a picture of my parrot and one of my cats. I call it, Bird out for a Walk.

https://i.imgur.com/OzQTW6P.jpg

gassho1
Evan,
Sat today, lah