fine art Celtic owl

This ornament has intrigued me as long as I can remember. As a child, I saw an owl's face in it, and the complex twists at the top turned my mind upside down. Later I learned that these were derived from Celtic ornaments. This is actually the grip of of a (hand-made) teaspoon that my parents used and which I own now. Last year I photographed it with a Russian bellows (of which Tatiana has a beautiful photo in her portfolio) and since then I enjoy it even more, being able to see the intricate details that my naked eyes can't see anymore. It somehow seemed appropriate to shoot this very old object with vintage equipment (apart from the camera of course). Your comments are very welcome.

A charming object, story and picture, Vincent! Good light, color, texture, detail, harmonious shapes and lines ... I like your experiments with ancient collectibles! You gave me the idea for a macro. Beautifully captured! Bravo! Sincerely, Tatiana

Hi Tatiana,

 

thank you so much for these wonderful comments! I am glad you like the image, but epecially the thought I gave you the idea for a macro makes me happy. Kind regards, Vincent

Vincent you have proposed a very nice image well composed and full of details, with an interesting description of the object. Despite the Russian bellows being long standing, it still works very well in your expert hands , ciao Giangiorgio

Vincent, revisiting your childhood has paid off, as this image does. It portrays the spoon's grip elegantly and simply, I as would expect from a piece of fine art. The minute, subdued, detail brings its surface to life. Simply extraordinary . . . My best always, michael

Hi Giangiorgio,

 

thank you for your friendly comments! Itis the combination of bellows and lens (also vintage) that enabled me to make this extreme close-up. It was a joy to be able to photograph this tiny subject with equipment others have discarded. Kind regards, Vincent

Hi Michael,

 

thank you for your beautiful comments! You are right; revisiting one's childhood does often pay off, as there's always a certain level of involvement that can make a difference, even in the photographic choices you make. Kind regards, Vincent

I am constantly inspired not only by your photos but also by the accompanying commentary. You are obviously a man with a deep appreciation of the world around you.

Hi Jack,

 

it is a pleasure to read your comments and I'm genuinely happy with the way you describe my attitude towards the world around me. In this case, it's absolutely true I was fascinated by the beauty of this tiny ornament. I must say over the years some of the childlike amazement has gone, some of it remained. Thank you Jack! Kind regards, Vincent

Great image and story to boot Vincent! That owl is definitely coming through to me. Regards, Patrick

Hi Patrick,

 

thank you so much for your comments! It's nice to see that you understand these emotions of my youth so well. Kind regards, Vincent