Under the Big Top

I didn't take my camera to the actual show but here is a view of the tent from the river. I took the boys to the field to play soccer and frisbee but both fields were full. So, I decided to take a walk along the river and we ended up at the circus. I was going to just go check out what the times were, but it was just about to start, so we went on in. There was some singing and dancing which was quite boring for the boys, but eventually they were able to see some amazing stunts, some clown slapstick humor and a goat walking on a tight-rope (my personal favorite). I guess for me the best part actually was the tent itself. I guess I can share that much with you.

Pot Heaven!

Here is an amazing display of greenware. This is the first layer of the kiln load. The pots will be stacked higher and higher and then they will support the kiln that they are to be fired in. Absolutely amazing...not to mention beautiful!




Here are some real beauties in their natural habitat!





Contrasting bone-drying greenware with the finished pots.





More finished pots...




A broken pot hanging on the outside of a kiln. Photo is a bit washed out. This kiln was still hot from the last firing and as we walked up unto the kiln mound we started sweating. Okay, okay...we were sweating anyways.

Ferry Crossing

Welcome to the ferry crossing? Need I say more?

ARTchitecture

This building was behind a famous sculpture at the Agricultural University. I looked at this massive building as a canvas and was amazed. The sculpture in front made it seem that much more like a huge outdoor museum. The Bangla script reads phonetically as the English word "office". This is another painting waiting to happen; not because it would be better, but because it would be so much fun.

This Bud

I am not a nature photographer...unless of course it "grabs" me in a profound way. This pregnant bud captivated me in just such a way. The flower in the top left corner hints at what will be but I find the real beauty to be in the tension of this moment of "becoming" for the bud. Simple but profound! Most of our time spent at the botanical gardens did not live up to my expectations. There were many, persistent, children beggars whom I find very difficult to deal with, especially when I am accompanied by my own children. What kind of attitudes am I modeling for my sons? What really is best for these kids?

The Front Part of the Boat

I am not a good sailor or pirate. Arghh! Matey! This photo has some issues but I can't quite grasp what they are. I love the textures. The triangular composition grounds the picture. I think the rope is the problem. It looks posed. What is the little white circle? I guess I can use this photo as source material for a watercolor. Ha!

Railroad Bridge

I took this picture on the way up(?)down the river to the Mymensingh Agricultural University to visit the Botanical Gardens there. I am entranced by brick in it's many stages of life. The contrast of the complementary vegetation growing from it became a "happy accident" of a focal point. The curvilinear lines of the "ancient" brick also contrasts with the rectilinear lines of the relatively modern bridge. I don't like the washed out sky but I have a feeling that it could be rectified using the "curves" adjustment in Photoshop. If I get around to fixing it I will post it. On the way back up(?)down river, there were people sitting on the pillar. I think I've found a new getaway.

The Caretaker's Chair

The caretaker has been one of the most helpful people since we have arrived in Mymensingh. He has gotten ricksa's for us, made change for us, hauled furniture for us, and taken care of many details that I am sure are not in his job description. This chair of his is where he spends a lot of his time. This photo was taken right inside the gate to our building. Usually it sits outside on the alley where he can chat with whichever neighbors are passing by. I thought the composition was fascinating with the monochromatic background and the missing slats...sort of haunting in a lonely way.

Up on the Roof

I did not know that Bangladesh could be so cold! Upon moving to Mymensingh, we immediately had about eight straight days of fog and super chilly weather. I was lamenting all of the long sleeves that I didn't bring. The fog created an ethereal atmosphere for our first week, making me wonder if I was really here or if it was a dream after all. Below is a view from our roof.


The photo below was taken on the same morning...

I didn't notice the red on these mostly monochromatic birds until I looked at the photo. Absolutely beautiful! I wonder if they are experiencing new love or if they have weathered many seasons together and are comfortable together in their old age.




I couldn't resist the urge to take a picture of this pot. The blue texture is amazing contrasted with the terracotta orange. I was equally fascinated with the moisture texture on the background wall. It makes me feel like breaking out my watercolors. I just had this brain-storm. What if I would have a shamiana built on top of the roof? What if I would get my own potter's wheel and place it inside? It could serve the dual purpose of creating an outdoor studio and cooling off the apartment below (our apartment). What if my landlord is reading my blog right now? Ha!