Ballard Locks in Seattle – Photo Wednesday


Last weekend, I joined a dozen Canadians who went to Seattle, to attend the Surface Design Association Symposium, “Surface Matters“. It was a wonderful weekend, very inspiring.

On Sunday, the Symposium planners held an exhibition and studio tour at the Ballard Works studios and area. It was a wonderful chance to explore the Ballard area on foot.

Public art, sculpture at Ballard/Crittenden Locks, Seattle, WA


While wandering in the neighbourhood, I came to the Ballard Locks and Dam. Above, a sculpture located above the fish ladder (click here for the video of salmon swimming through) which is built in the dam. Below, a street shot of the nearby café, which serves many treats, including very decent fish and chips. I really like Seattle!
Café near the Ballard/Crittenden Locks - Seattle, WA

Life is a Blurr – Photo Wednesday

Blue sky, tall green trees… Running around with my dog in the meadow.

Life is a blurr.
Grab it by the balls
and enjoy while you can.

Blurred photo a sky and trees

Bright Sun! – Photo Wednesday

First day of real sun in a week. Time to get out of the house!

Went for a walk and little treasures are coming up right in the front lawn.

 

Crocus in bloom

Artefact – Photo Wednesday

I dug into my pictures and came up with this: beach flotsam of an industrial sort. This is a close up of a massive log, which had been in use, perhaps for log booms. This metal insert has a 6 inch diameter. It is large. And all bent back by incredible forces.

Detail of log with metal insert

 

 

 

Sword Fern – Photo Wednesday

End of the winter on the Southern Gulf Islands of BC…

Here is a shot of the Western Sword Fern (Polystichum munitym), all dried up and curled up, in winter mode. New fronds are issuing form the ground.  According to traditional teachings, in the spring, when no other food source was availalbe, its roots were a food item for various First nations tribes of the West Coast of North America. Roasted and peeled, the roots were eaten… like potatoes, I guess.

I like its elegant lines.

Sword fern (Polystichum munitum), end of winter and dried up