As a photographer, my lens gravitates toward rust. I can't help but marvel at the accidental artistry that results when weather and oxygen attack metal, turning it a vibrant orange. It was only a matter of time before taking photographs of rust was going to become unsatisfactory and that I would have to have the actual thing in my home. Next time you take a drive through the country or even though a former Industrial area, take notice! Rust is all around you and it need not be meant for the scrapyard.
Shown above the jump, from left to right
1 Rusty bike gears sit atop a pile of found objects along the beach. This kind of collecting is good for both your wallet (it's free) and the beach (it's cleaner).
2 Rust eroding the corrugated metal on the outside of a barn. Not ideal for the farmer, but it's a beautiful sight to people who appreciate the beauty of rust.
3 As a photographer, I seek out rust for the purpose of making fine art. Rust is a great metaphor for nature battling industry and I am consistently dazzled by how beautiful this slow battle can be.
4 A rusty lantern from a market stall in Marrakech, Morocco.
5 Closer to home and available by web order from RE: Found Objects in Corbridge, England are wonderful cut-out shapes and letters from rusted, repurposed metal.
Thanks, Diana!
(Images: Diana Pappas)
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i agree, diana, i don't think too many people realize how beautiful rust can be!
Rust is a wonderful thing - some of my favorite found objects are covered in rust - and I'd not want to see them any other way. I agree with Diana completely - and her photographs are exquisite. Plus the metal England cut-out is super-cool!
Nice work Diana... One of my favorite apartments of my past (back in 1990s Seattle) featured a view of a wall about ten feet away from my window. However, the wall was covered in well aged corrugated steel with the most wonderful rust patterns on it. I loved how it seemed to change appearance with the time of day and/or weather.
I love your battle metaphor and that you've turned industry into something poetic. If I could, I would bathe in the blue-green patina that covers some of these rusted objects, but as it is, bringing these fruits of metal, water, and air into the house is a great way of bringing the outdoors in without all the creepy-crawlies. Oooooh you've got the decorating juices flowing now!
i love rust, too. the cut out in photo #5 is really cool!
Beautiful, Diana. I have to admit that over the past few years, you have single-handedly changed the way I look at decrepit objects in the world. And even after our renovation, your weathered boat photo is still one of my favorite things in our house.
Your work is fantastic. With regard to rust, you bring to light the often silenced value of the aging process. Keep bringing to light the wrinkles of metal! :)