Wednesday, March 10, 2010

iPhone Wednesday #5 - Bark

Not, like, as in "woof." Although it's high time for another Boz post.

This is a close-up of a tree (what kind?) shedding its bark in Washington Park.

I've downloaded a bunch of photography apps on the iPhone but I never use them. I'm sure I will sooner or later, but I'm not into messing with photos too much. I like the act of capturing the thing I see. I think "capture" is a good word for it because I see something interesting and I want to take it with me. The photo is a method of doing that inside of the law.

The colors in this bark were intense, but I think the camera gave it some oomph.

18 comments:

Jilly said...

I wonder if anyone has ever made a photography book of bark. it would be fabulous, wouldn't it? This could be the first, Petrea - a new project for you! It's absolutely beautiful, almost impressionistic in its feel. And I love your definition of the word capture. Beautiful and right.

Katie said...

Very interesting bark; I like that you took the photo close up. Looks almost like sap running down the trunk. Are you sure this isn't a Vermont Sugar Maple? I know what you mean about not messing with photos. Maybe if I had cool apps or photoshop I might enjoy doctoring my photos, but I too like keeping things the way I saw them. Or maybe I'm just lazy.

Bellis said...

If this was in a frame, it could be hanging in MOMA. The tree could be a kind of eucalyptus - I've heard that the bark they shed ignites easily and fuels forest fires (in Australia). That way, the eucalypts, which are fire-resistant, get rid of their competitors. I love it when all the bark is off and the trees look smooth and naked - they even seem to have wrinkles of flesh under the armpits.

John Sandel said...

All photography books are made of bark. Now ask me about coffee-table books.

Petrea Burchard said...

Jilly, you remind me of a book I bought, thinking it would make a nice gift. I've never parted with it, it's still in its wrapping. The blank pages are of paper but the cover is made of leaves.

Katie I don't think you're lazy, I think you're busy.

Bellis, it may be a Eucalyptus. We have several in the area that shed and go naked. It's a big one, though. Hasn't burned in the last 80 years or so.

Okay, J, tell us about coffee table books.

Virginia said...

Bark if you love this capture! And oui, it's high time for a Bozoreno post.

John Sandel said...

Coffee-table books are made from the bark of coffee trees. Now ask me about phone books.

Chuck Pefley said...

All phone books are phony, of course -:)

Nice image, Petrea.

Petrea Burchard said...

Virginia, you talked me into it. See how easy that was?

Thanks, Chuck. And I like your explanation. Go ahead, J, let's hear yours.

Ms M said...

Fascinating photo. Mother Nature presents us with amazing things.

Rosie said...

As someone who has a little bark shrine in my house (recovered after it had fallen from a tree in my front yard), I really appreciate this photo! I love to trip out on the colors and patterns in bark - this photo inspires me to be even more on the lookout for nature's "photoshopping". Thanks.

pasadenapio said...

The photo reminds me of some of the walls of Carlsbad Caverns. What a wondrous place! How remarkable that a tree trunk and a cavern can have such a similar palette.

Petrea Burchard said...

Hello, Rosie! Welcome. Someone who has a bark shrine is my kind of person. We have twigs on our mantelpiece and a stick hanging on the wall. And I love your phrase, "nature's photoshopping."

That she does, Ms. M. And aren't we lucky.

That makes me want to visit Carlsbad, PIO.

John Sandel said...

Phone books are made from old telephone poles. Now ask me about cookbooks.

Petrea Burchard said...

Okay. We're waiting. Take your time.

A Good Moroccan said...

Super imaage.

Dina said...

You are barking up the right tree.

Amy said...

I agree wtih Jilly, there should be a photo book of bark. The texture and color of this tree is striking.