12 October 2012
Lens:
1. “Me,” Outdoor Sculpture, UD Campus, Nikon DSLR, August 2012; © Sally W. Donatello and Lens and Pens by Sally, 2012
2. Mustard Seeds, iPhone 4s, August 2012; © Sally W. Donatello and Lens and Pens by Sally, 2012
Let me know which is your favorite.
Pens:
The two photographs in the Lens section are my interpretation of WordPress’ Weekly Challenge: Big. Photograph one is the quintessential commentary on the human ego. A large outdoor sculpture puffs up the two letters “Me” with such pizzazz that we cringe and smile at the implications. Photograph two is an experiment with my iPhone. I was taking close-ups of seeds. Mustard seeds are teeny tiny bursts of expansive flavor, and I was astonished at their range of color.
Both of my photographs are exemplary of the theme. Each image captivates the notion of big from different viewpoints: 1. the big that explodes and exploits the notion of the self; and, 2. the small that can be seen in its larger version: an illusion of big.
Note: As always I welcome comments about this post or any part of my blog.
Lens and Pens by Sally 
My first thought was not mustard seeds but lychee nuts, perhaps the legacy of many a childhood visit to the local Chinese restaurant.
Steve, we are often fooled by our memories–selected or not. Thanks.
Thanks for the photo and post . . . I must say – you are great with your phone!!!!!! What an artist!
It’s definitely a challenge to learn how to use the iPhone as part of my photographic tools. Many thanks.
Love that ME sign. 😉
It certainly drew me into its charm. Thanks.
VERY WELL DONE – THANK YOU. I ESPECIALLY LIKE THE HOLE YOU CAUGHT IN YOUR PHOTO OF THE “ME” SIGN!!!! HOWEVER!~!!!! THE GREATNESS OF THE HUMBLE MUSTARD SEED CANNOT BE DENIED!!! THANK YOU!!!
You’re the first to mention that someone (I presume the artist did not do it intentionally) threw something at the sculpture, which in itself makes a bold commentary. Thanks.
I can’t believe you took that picture of the mustard seeds with your phone. That’s awesome!
Yes, it takes practice and persistence. Thanks for your comment.
Like them both but my favorite is “ME” of course. Ha, ha, ha. We all need to feel like this from within “big and confident” of who we are and what we do. Great post.
I like your interpretation. This public sculpture forces the viewer to look within, and therefore try to learn and express that inner core. But it also can be seen as a huge ego boasting about “ME.” Of course, this ambivalence about what the artist intended is part of why art is vital to humanity: it stirs the heart, mind and spirit; it pushes the edges of our thinking. Thanks.
I like ME of course, I like you too for posting ME
Thanks, I was so struck by the sculpture’s power–it seemed to cry out against the pristine sky. Thanks, your comment made me smile.
Terrific examples of BIG. Nice work. Do you think the ME artist was an “ego maniac?” I’m just joking. I can not fathom what the artist might be trying to convey but it is interesting.
Yvonne, I am not sure about the ego of the artist, but it is a curious choice of subjects for a sculpture. But it does make a bold statement about the human condition. Thanks.
great entry for the theme of the week!
Thanks, it’s wonderful to view everyone’s interpretation. That’s one of the reasons these challenges are so much fun.
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That sign is my favourite…though I do like the texture of the seeds.
Thank you, I appreciate the comment.
I also like the seeds.
They astonished me as I saw them close up. Thanks.
Loving the human ego shot! Nicely big. 🙂
It’s so large that it almost dwarfs its surrounding, but it sure makes a statement. Thanks.
Wow, love the texture and colour of the seeds.
Thanks, one of the beauties of macros are the surprises that are revealed. Thanks.
I like the first one 🙂
This sculpture is displayed behind the art department’s studio building at the University of Delaware. It grabs your attention, and you just smile with curiosity about the artist’s intentions. Thanks.