I used the DAP (Dynamic Auto Painter) filter to recreate the look. You can learn more about this filter and many others in my “Guide to Creative Filters and Effects”
Noreen Buckley and I recently visited the Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton NJ which is located mid-way between New York City and Philadelphia. Grounds For Sculpture exhibits works by well-known and emerging contemporary sculptors. Aside from the many sculptures the park boasts an award winning restaurant which has been designed to make visitors feel as though they have stepped back in time to an era reminiscent of French impressionists.
A muster of peafowl inhabit the area at GFS. We were quite fortunate to see a couple of young ones. At one point we were able to get really close to them since they are so use to people. I wish I had brought my 100-400mm lens but we had no idea our detour would take us to GFS. It would have been a good idea to bring my macro lens also, the Lotus Blossoms and pods were abundant. Lots of other plants and flowers were there including; Water Lily, Roses, Elephant Ears, Hosta, Bamboo, asst. grasses etc..
The images below show a good example of how we as photographers can express our feelings about a subject or scene. One way to do that is using different angles. When we first saw this statue I immediately saw the mans face through the pitchfork. I felt it portrayed him as being a stern, hard-working man, by emphasizing his grip on the pitchfork and his wife looking to him. I also felt that by placing the pitchfork at the height I did and in between his face it represented his heavy burden. I also liked the shadowing on her face and felt it helped to convey my thoughts that she is in his shadow. At least those were my thoughts about the image.
Noreen saw the statue in a different way and came up to me while I was shooting it and explained that by placing the pitchfork around the woman’s face (the second image) it showed her as being controlled or “jailed”. Also she appears to be more behind him in this view, adding to the feeling that she is not his equal. She made a great point and it really made me think twice about the statue. I decided to try to show the image from both view points. What are your thoughts? I’d love to hear them.
One thing I’d like to mention. These sculpture photographs are to demonstrate a point of view and are not intended for sale.
Wow, you guys had a great day. The opening image is my fave–very painterly indeed.
Extremely fascinating points. Totally different emotional impact upon viewing the pitchfork images, even without reading what you wrote about. The one with the woman’s face showing through the pitchfork is actually disturbing and startling to me…. like the man “lay’s down the law” and she submits. With the man’s face showing through the fork, it’s more like he works hard, and she supports him. Both cases leave the woman with nothing that is truly her own.
Wow, I saw the second image totally differently. I see it as a man holding a tool that he needs for work to provide for his family, but also that can be used to protect his family. I see the woman in the second photo standing behind the man for protection, not in submission.
The 2 perspectives on The man and woman sculpture is fascinating. You’re so right that as photographers we can interpret scenes in very different ways depending on our point of view. All the photos are great but I love the look of the first one.
Very nice images Denise and well stated Denise and Mary. You just opened up a new perspective for me. Thanks!
Thanks everyone for sharing your thoughts. Funny how we all see something different. I will consider different angles more carefully after this.
Denise, these are all incredible. Love the first one very much, but my absolute favorite is the Lotus bud – awesome work!!!
Thanks Andrew, I like the bud too!
That first image is amazing! You did a great job in making it look Impressionistic.
I’m glad to know of this garden.
Both images of the farmers work for me. Thanks for describing the thought process behind each. I prefer the closer up image, but the second one does relegate the woman to an ever more inferior position than the first. The sculpture is disturbing in itself, as it makes the woman subservient by her position behind the man and by her looking at him sideways.
Thanks Anita, It’s a lovely place and there are so many things to see!
Fascinating as always, Denise! My favorite was the tree-lined road, what adventure beckons? The bud is lovely and the “Monet”, fabulous!
Deb, Thanks for dropping by. The place was great. I may be going back-soon!