Bathroom photography, Hudson Hotel, New York City
A hotel room provides a welcome refuge from chaos when you're otherwise running from event to event in a place that's completely alien and very far from the people who usually bring you comfort. In the relatively few free moments that I have when I'm attending a conference or similar event, I often use that blessedly quiet time to (unsuccessfully) calm myself down from the stress of the trip.
Sleep doesn't come easily in these places, which leaves me ample late-night free time to observe. I found this somewhat odd scene in, of all places, the bathroom. I liked the simple white-tile-and-chrome mood of the place. Nice and stark, with just enough ethereal backlighting to complete the scene.
Your turn: In your opinion, why am I obsessed with minute details of architecture? And what's with my sudden obsession with monochrome?
Your blog makes me happy, Carmi. Your photos are so cool and your words are always inspirational or humorous or thought-provoking.
ReplyDeleteI was here two minutes ago and this post wasn't up, so it's very, very fresh, just like those towels!!
As for your question, well, I'm just not sure, but I think you have a thoughtful eye and that's a great quality to have. You notice things others don't. I like to think I have that same quality.
Have a great night, Carmi.
I never noticed it was an obsession, Carmi, just that you are appreciative of the fine details of architecture and design, and like to share them.
ReplyDeleteMonochrome cuts things down to their essence, I think. We are distracted by bright color, and in monochrome, we can focus on details that might be lost behind the intensity of colors.
Michele sent me back.
Gosh, Carmi, your "obsession" with monochrome is fascinating. I've seen lots of monochromatic art in museums all over the world and much of it is way less interesting and artistic than your photos. Seriously!
ReplyDeleteMichele sent me your way again. Thanks for stopping by earlier.
Don't all bloggers have a streak of obsessiveness about them...otherwise there would not be regular posts. Obsession is not a dirty word...it is, as Kenju puts it, a talent to notice the small things...keep on noticing please Carmi, in colour or monochrome!
ReplyDeleteMichele sent me your way.
It is a wise observer that pays attention to detail, even to its minimalist state. The mere mortal usually doesn't spend their time looking up at architechture, but down at their feet.
ReplyDeleteThe world runs too fast and we miss the finer details of our surroundings.
You are a gifted observer and an artist, in written word and photgraphic style.
Jeremy
Why obsessed with monochrome. I'll take a shot in the dark...a desire for simplicity, a pared down palette of choices in a hectic life? Alternatively, an internalization of honing in on principles of good and pleasing design?
ReplyDeleteMichele sent me, though you may have already tucked into bed by now.
i agree with erin... always fresh and happy feeling when i come here... your pix are wonderful and you asking for our thoughts is great! especially when what you ask is not what i was thinking as i was reading the post...
ReplyDeletei think the monochrome's are easier to take and usually have the most depth...
you're not obsessed... you appreciate the finer (and smaller) things in life... nothing wrong with that.
this pix is awesome... what is the source of all the backlight? at first i thought it was sunlight.. .but it must have been the bathroom light somehow...
Hmmmm... *scribble, scribble~
ReplyDelete"... Your turn: In your opinion, why am I obsessed with minute details of architecture? And what's with my sudden obsession with monochrome? ..."
-Want my impressions?
Perhaps you're compulsively oggling tiny nuances of building structure as a result of early-childhood-developmental wall-observation. You're mother may've often left you facing blank-walls as a helpless, immoble infant... !
Monochrome equals simple form n beauty.
Nice pics up here, btw-
...
Nice to meet ya! Finally I've found time to wander over to visit due to everyone's lack of recent postings on my day off, n read below already. I've previously seen your commentz in a few other places.
I think you're end-questions are pretty nifty!
Hi Carmi,
ReplyDeleteYour photos are always great to look at. Monochromatic yet diverse and oh so interesting all the time.
The monochrome is due to the fact that you are missing the colorful, sparkly elements of your life right now :) I know you're ready to be with your family agaian! :)
ReplyDeleteDetails become more clear in monochrome. For example: Was there really a window in the bathroom or was it a flourescent light? And is that writing on a page in the background? If so what did it say?
ReplyDeleteSee more questions than answers.
It's not an obsession of architecture...it's just attention to detail. Are you anal-retentive in your life?
ReplyDeleteI often take pictures of the small and otherwise mundane things in life. I like unusual angles and colors...or lack thereof. Monochrome is soothing...everything in the same shades. But it's also easy to miss small things in monochrome. Your photos FIND these things.
It is an appreciation for the essence of a thing, an object's most basic shape and texture. Sometimes colour can interfere with that.
ReplyDeleteLol, LOL.. I have no idea, except. Here is what I think: It's the Artist in you Carmi!
ReplyDeleteAnd speaking of Artist..do stop by my blog..I have posted some of my paintings...and would love for you to see them...
Monochrome leaves a lot to the imagination. You can be creative, with the picture only telling part of the story. I think it makes the person viewing the picture more creative.
ReplyDeletePlus, they are pleasing to the senses, calm, collected, quiet even. Nothing flashy or busy.
Long time lurker here...
ReplyDeleteYOur photos and comments usually refresh me and the photos are usually artistic, too. I like bw photos, because they leave more for the imagination and are less agressive than colored ones. Monochrome photos give you refreshment, they soothe and calm. When you are excited or nervous by the outer world, monochrome offers you a rest. If you are not in need a rest, monochrome feels boring.