Tuesday, December 02, 2008

Steinbeck’s Drapes Of Wrath?

No, It’s Just The Fabric Of Society

Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHON


There is much to be said for taking a detour. Two days ago, on a whim, I decided to walk down a different street – and I was rewarded with the sight of this beautiful fabric in the window of an Indian store.


I had to work my options on these shots, because there was a lot of reflection and sun-haze on the glass, from the early-morning sun in a flawless blue sky. Because of that, I had to opt for close compositions rather than getting the big picture of the entire window display.


The striking colours and the velvety look of the fabric made the job a lot easier. And of course, when I saw these strings of beads, I was drawn to photographing them.

Little things like that always string me along.


Visit the creative team behind That's MyWorld Tuesday.


37 comments:

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

David: That must have reminded you of your roots in India.

French Fancy... said...

What beautiful colours those fabrics are. Had to groan at the title though :)

Cheffie-Mom said...

Beautiful as always. I love how you SEE things!

Anonymous said...

You're just a material boy,sorry; can't help myself.
Strange, isn't it, how those beautiful bright colours are so beloved of those who live in hot, exotic countries, while we lily livered Nordics cover our bodies in bck and biege?

Lee said...

David, I always love the way colors in your shots jump out and grab you. My favorites are the first and last pictures.

Happy Holiday!

Hilary said...

Detours almost never let me down for similar reasons. There's always something new to see and photograph. Great shots.. and your puns always add that "curtain je ne sais quoi." ;)

Merisi said...

Work with what you got,
you couldn't find a finer example.
Those colours do reflect India,
in my humble opinion, at least in the India of my imagination.

Dolly said...

Thanks for dropping by my blog! I love seeing your photos with material colors...I'm always looking for fabric and textures too :)

Charles Gramlich said...

You always do great puns. I'm amazed that you keep coming up with them.

Leslie: said...

There's something about Indian fabric and fashion that I love! They are not afraid to be really - and I mean REALLY - colourful. Great shots!

Tardevil said...

Just came by to say "thanks" for stopping by my blog today. I remember coming over here before. You're the 1st Australian that has left a comment for me, so I'm excited! I had something else to say, but I have to back out & look back at your blog! Think that means I'm getting old.

Tardevil said...

Ok, I know...the Chinese taxicab w/ the karaoke machine is hilarious! Happy holidays!

® ♫ The Brit ♪ ® said...

These are such wonderful colours David!
And that first photo reminded me very much of the film "Brick Lane" as the colours are exactly the same as the two sisters sari's in the film when they were children. Those colours are shown a lot throughout the film... you have to see this film, it's really wonderful!

Maggie May said...

I absolutely love those colours and the photos are very appealing.
While you are talking about "sun haze" I am shivering in a freezing bedroom typing this!

cheshire wife said...

The colours are wonderful. So rich and vibrant. You have a good eye for a colourful photograph.

Daryl said...

Shade of awning, Authorman, dont get hung up on the rod


:-Daryl

wingsimm ..

Anonymous said...

I like going to Indian clothing stores (there's plenty around here) but I hadn't gotten up the nerve to go in and start photographing.

Those are bright bold colors, very appealing.

imac said...

Looks like a string of pearls David.

Sandi McBride said...

Indian fabrics are the richest colors in my opinion...they touch the senses in every way, you can smell them when you touch them the colors enter your skin so that you feel them and almost taste them and yes you can even hear them...they sound like harp strings.
Sandi

Sylvia K said...

Beautiful, different, vivid, intriguing as always! Have to admit I always enjoy a chuckle at the puns -- you're good -- at both, you do know that don't you???

Thanks, as always, David!

Arija said...

Where, oh where is this little gem of an Aladdin's cave? Great shots and so punny.

Cape Cod Rambling Rose said...

Stunning colors and a cheerful selection of photos!

(Had to change my blog, David - it is I, Beachy.) =)

Corey~living and loving said...

such beauty in everyday things. :)

Fireblossom said...

So, you decided to drape yourself in the mantel of photographer for this material? Nothing chintzy about that. To miss the beauty of these colors, one would have to be (venetian) blind.

Har har. :-)

Anonymous said...

Those fabrics are so beautiful and it must have been a pleasant surprise to see them when you took a different street. Great shots.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful colors, and you did a great job with the photography under difficult conditions.

Guy D said...

Wow those are great perspectives. The first shot I thought I was looking at the curtains in the LA Lakers lockeroom..lol.

Cheers
Regina In Pictures

Queen-Size funny bone said...

Defintely worth the walk on the wild side. Undiscovered territory is the best.

♥♥ Willa ♥♥ said...

what a lovely bright colors!
MWT#3: Water Park

SandyCarlson said...

I love the title but even more, the photos. What a find. You have quite the eye, David.

Carrie and Troy Keiser said...

Some cultures are just naturally more colorful than others! Beautiful bright colors!

The Good Life in Virginia said...

interesting post. like all the beautiful colors of the silks.
have a wonderful week.

Unknown said...

Wonderful pictures David, I have always loved Indian fabric stores for their colour

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Love the vivid colors! Wonderful!

Sheila

San said...

Shimmering colors.

Indrani said...

Nice to see India through your eyes from your country. :)

Anonymous said...

I love Indian fabric shops. My man has to drag me away from them kicking and screaming, so I knew what the photo was before I read the text