Friday, June 06, 2008

Looking up

While we were waiting for the train to Seattle earlier this week I was admiring the interior of the Portland Amtrak Station. I looked up and noticed for the first time, the beautiful ceiling, especially the pattern of cast and painted plaster flowers. I zoomed in on one for a closer look.



Later, as we walked around Victoria, I reminded myself to keep looking up. You miss a lot when you keep your eyes on the ground.

Like the Canadian flag, flying from a stately tower.

Or a brightly painted Victorian cornice on an old building.

Angels in the coffee shop.

And sometimes mythic figures looking back at you.

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4 comments:

  1. Judy7:50 AM

    Great pics!
    Looking up is a good thing, until you walk into something and stub your toe! LOL

    xo

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  2. Anonymous10:30 AM

    When I was going to school at the University of Washington I happened to look up one day and discovered the most wonderful world of gargoyles all over the campus. They are everywhere! Mythic beasts, angels, and one building has occupations. Go here for a sampling: http://library.wustl.edu/units/spec/archives/gargoyle/
    I understand that many old campuses have them, but UW was my first experience. You are right, though, there is a whole 'nuther world over your head. Don't forget to look up every once in a while.

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  3. suzietee6:42 PM

    They don't make things like they used to. Such beautiful details that are (as you pointed out) in places that so many people miss.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Diana3:29 PM

    I loved your pictures of design details. Why is it that modern design is so bereft of these details?

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