PATTERNS AND TONES

"Variegated Norway Maple No. 1" 2016 In uncertain times, I always look to the trees. This lovely variegated Norway Maple pulsated brightly in the Northern Norfolk winter light earlier this year. These pictures are not manipulated in any way. This is how vibrant the tree and it's surrounding environment was after a 6 week storm. The light, harder than I'm used to seeing and more penetrating due to its angle, cast a spotlight on objects below even in broad daylight. I suppose I've been living in a desert for so long that when I see a rain drenched scenery, my eyes and my senses explode. I was grateful to be surrounded by natures grander, even in the simplest tree at a local playground. I hope to never loose this sense of awe and felt compeled to share this beauty with you today, in these times, under a variegated maple tree. With love, Julie Green November 26, 2016 "Variegated Norway Maple No. 2" 2016 "Variegated Norway Maple N...

"Kern County Fair No 1" 2016 I only attended two county fairs in California this year. Their dates and my schedule did not jive. But I did end up shooting the first and last county fairs in the state. The Riverside County Fair and International Date Festival occurred in February. The early date helped fair goers avoid the blistering heat of the desert later in the year. While Kern County ended the fair season at the beginning of October. Although technically it was Autumn, the summer sun was unrelenting and the harsh light was hard to escape. This is the first time I had revisited a specific county fair, as I wanted to round out the collection of images I had captured of the Kern County Fair back in 2013. What captured my eye this time around was the BMX Pros and their tricks on their bikes. They reminded me of all the skaters I used to hand out with in Walnut Creek: fearless, crazy and fun. The little kids were in awe of their theatrics and I enjoyed a new generati...

"Wong Tai Sin Temple No. 1" 2016 Wong Tai Sin, otherwise known as The Great Immortal Wong, is a Chinese Taoist deity who they say has healing powers. In the dark days we find ourselves in after the US election, I felt it was an appropriate time to share images of contemplation, of a people searching for answers and healing. I recently visited the temple dedicated to Wong Tai Sin in the northern region of Kowloon in Hong Kong to catch a glimpse of their customs and rituals. As an atheist, I find it fascinating to observe all forms of religion practicing their faith and witnessing how they pray. I do see how people derive a sense of calm and well being from repeating actions performed with a multitude of others doing the same thing. A sense of belonging must envelope their soul. The ritual of these Taoists lighting incense sticks facinated me and the repetitive action performed by the throngs of people that passed through overwhelmed me. I suppose it with the same a...

"Step Shadows No. 1"  from The Sun Shadow Series I've been exploring the crisp shadows the sun makes down here in Southern California for the last several years and I am still fascinated by the geometric shapes their silhouettes create. Just like seeing objects in the clouds, Sun Shadows (as I refer to them) are as equally fascinating to me. A recent trip to the Natural History Museum rendered these stark contrasting forms on the steps of it's granite steps. A sense of fluidity takes over when these patterns ripple across the horizontal slabs. I can almost hear a song being played in the repetitive spacing. I'm sure John Cage would have appreciated its angular form and space. It is for pure pleasure that I explore these abstract forms cast before me. They are a timeless genre that man has seen since the dawn of time but with harder shapes of granite steps and metal poles which lend a more modern graphic to the eye. Julie Green November 5, 2...