There’s nothing more likely to find representational concepts in abstract form than the human mind. The Yoga Tree is a fine example of this!
A Proper Asana
Yes, in essence, she is a mere tree, whose form has been shaped by years of growth in a climate and environment, for which the current shape was an optimal adaptation. Being on a farm, she had to deal with growing around a discarded oil tank, which almost certainly contributed to the curvature.
To our human mind, she presents an intriguing shape that we look to interpret; as she presents this shape, we see arms stretching to the sky in a pose that might remind us of a yoga asana: the Yoga Tree is born!
During the Summer, when she is ensconced in a fine set of foliage, there are other shapes to discover. I’ll be sure to touch upon these in a future post!
My question to you: what did you see first time you laid eyes on this tree?
Technical Details
This image was captured with an iPhone 5S using the standard Camera app and enhanced using the Instagram app.
A Fresh Perspective
Photography is more than just a vehicle for capturing the world around me; it provides me with a palette and a set of brushes, with which I paint not only what I see, but also look to express the emotions that are evoked by the scene in front of me in that moment.
Growing up in the Netherlands exposed me to a wide cross-section of visual arts that laid the foundation of my photographic view of all that surrounds me. Early influences were the Dutch Masters of the 17th century, to whom I was introduced by my grandfather during museum explorations; favorites among them are the scenes of quotidian life depicted by Jan Steen and Frans Hals and the vivid landscapes of Jacob van Ruisdael.
My classical high school education was supplemented by the Boijmans Van Beuningen museum, where I spent many a lunch hour exploring its great collection. Here I was introduced to surrealism with a particular love for the approach taken by Salvador Dali; Dali also rekindled my appreciation for the work of Hieronymus Bosch, who often showed the folly of us mortals.
Universal Connections
My approach to any photographic subject is to look for understanding first; in this I look to establish either a connection between the viewer and the subject or capture the connection of the subject with its surroundings. The captured image then aims to portray this connection from a perspective that is part of my personal interpretation.
This interpretation is often a form of externalized introspection, which may alternately display the connection of isolated beings and items with their environment or highlight the whimsy of the profound world, in which we find ourselves. The universe is full of connections, many of which are waiting to be discovered; part of my journey as a photographer is to document these connections.
Any assignment, be it an event, a product shoot or a portrait session is always approached through communication with the client; this is where the first connection is established. Ideas are exchanged and a collaborative plan of action forms, ultimately resulting in a set of images that aim to exceed the expectations of each client.
And, lest we forget, it is important to have fun while practicing the serious business of photography!
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12 thoughts on “WPC – Representational Abstractism”
I can relate this to one of the yoga poses!
Thank you for reading the post. Yes, I agree, as I see the elegance and stillness of the pose too.
As its curved, its delicacy and elegance can be visualised!
I see a lady doing a back arch. The Yoga Tree is aptly named! In my view, no tree is a ‘mere’ tree. 🙂
Thank you for your thoughts! I agree with no tree being a ‘mere’ tree, as they are vital to our living on this planet!
I love these images of the Yoga Tree! I totally see it with it’s own Coffee Table Book!
Hmmm….I think you’re on to something 🙂 Thank you so much!!
Of course! If I had a coffee table….
Any table, on which you spill coffee is a coffee table 🙂
Touche`!
I see one of those circus contortionists doing a headstand with legs going back…and back…and back…
Definitely agree with that, as she does reach way back and up to the sky! 🙂