Edgy Wall Art – Weekly Photo Challenge

“If you aren’t living on the edge you’re taking up too much room.”

Pamela Eglinski

JUMP ON THE CHANGE TRAIN

This week Ben invited us to share examples of photos that illustrate an “edge” or an interesting point of view. I chose the photo above, which I captured during our recent trip to Asheville NC, because I loved the perspective that combined the message of the graffiti and the concept of people on the train moving through it. (And trust me, I had to wait quite a while for that train to come by!) The wall art in this example was quite tame compared to some of the “edgier” examples nearby. Beyond a strict interpretation to his edge challenge in the opening capture, I’ve chosen to include wall art that illustrates “on the edge” in an entirely different way.

THE BIRDMAN

“We all have an edge. We all are floating our psyche on top with a great ocean underneath.”

Brad Dourif

I was amazed at the number of clever examples of wall art within a small section of Asheville known as The River Arts District. The example above was one of the most interesting, inviting the viewer to interpret the meaning of the artist’s message. In addition to outdoor examples like this one and that of the bicyclist below, the area is filled with talented artisans of all kinds – photography, painting, pottery, jewelry, glass blowing and much more. The artists open their  workshops to visitors, and many of their creations are available for purchase.

THE CYCLIST

“A photographer can sit at the edge of paradise and may only see unframeable beauty.”

Ryan Learoyd

There were so many examples of “edgy” art it’s difficult to choose from those I captured that day. I was a bit like a kid in a candy store shooting to my heart’s content. I found myself wondering about the various graffiti artists and how they would feel to know how much I (and I’m sure many others) admired their creativity.

MARS AND VENUS

“It’s hard learning to live with vivid mental images of scenes I cared for and failed to photograph. It is the edgy existence within me of the unmade images that is the only assurance that the best photographs are yet to be made.”

Sam Abell

The captures above and below were two of my favorites. “Mars and Venus” seemed to take a serious look at what goes on in the minds of people with different perspectives, while the artist of “Three Ladies”  took a slightly more sardonic approach to the world and its inhabitants 😊.

THREE LADIES

“When one jumps over the edge, one is bound to land somewhere.”

D.H. Lawrence

Most of the art is located in a small area off the beaten path filled with abandoned warehouses and surrounded by dirt, gravel and sometimes a bit of broken glass. It is not immediately visible to the those passing by on their way to the Arts District, but to those of us on the lookout for something interesting or unusual, it’s well worth a stop or a side trip. If you’re ever in town, be sure to check it out.  Wishing everyone a great week.

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Tags: Asheville, graffiti, River Arts District, wall art

• September 10, 2016
• Photography
• 76 Comments