Saturday, June 13, 2009

In Lockdown Mode

Forgive Him, He's A Bit Rusty

Photographs copyright: DAVID McMAHON


Sometimes you see the most ordinary of sights and you reach immediately for your camera. This was one of those days. I was with Mrs Authorblog and the Authorbloglets at world-renowned Bondi Beach in Sydney over the Easter weekend this year. I was surrounded by endless sand, a beautiful crescent beach, and a great sky.

But what did I photograph first? A rusty bolt and lock. Yep, that's a fact.

I'm guessing this was once used as a storage area on the way from the car park to the beach. But, judging by the state of the rotten timber, the big hole and the orange coating of rust on the metal, whatever's in there behind the lock hasn't been used in a while.

But I'm glad it's locked. Why am I glad about something so utterly incongruous? Because if it was worth protecting years ago, it probably is worth protecting still. And doesn't that apply to all areas of life?


Visit TNChick's Photo Hunt. Today's theme: "Lock''.

35 comments:

ArtistUnplugged said...

Interesting assessment, it doesn't hurt that there was some amazing color all over that storage place either! Have an awesome weekend David!

Brian Miller said...

intriguing final statement. i wonder are the same things important today as were five years ago...ten...i think mine have changed with passing circumstance, yet the ideals remain constant...or do they?

Cynthia Pittmann said...

Just reflecting on the metaphor here but I don't know about that final statement...sometimes things are just forgotton and not protected. Maybe what is in there needs some tender care and rather than being protected feels imprisoned,isolated and abandoned? <3

Maggie May said...

That was interesting, David. You've got me wondering exactly what IS inside! Guess we will never know!

San said...

David, you know how I feel about oxidized surfaces. When they occur beside paint, there's a found work of art. You found one. And you made us wonder too.

Jinksy said...

Colour and texture in the first shot is good enough to eat...

Eddie Bluelights said...

Open Sesamie - please!

Grace Albaugh said...

You find the most interesting doors to photograph.
I really have to get out into my city and start finding some treasures.

Maternal Tales said...

I love these photos - the colours of the graffiti are beautiful. It reminds me of where we live - in Brighton - by the sea - there are so many beach huts - they're all painted the same colour (turquoise) but they all have different coloured doors (pinks and blues and yellows) and when you photograph them in a line they look stunning. Thanks for that.

Mrs Mac said...

"Authorbloglets"!!! LOL!!!!!!

Sniffles and Smiles said...

Always...very profound, David! I am in total agreement with you!!! ~Janine

cheshire wife said...

It reminds me of the childrens' story 'The Secret Garden'.

Pseudo said...

Very cool and mysterious.

bluntdelivery said...

I'm a new kid on the block. I saw you mentioned over at Suldog, and just wanted to say that I will definitely be coming back here - lots of good stuff going on.

As a fellow photographer, I completely agree with you. It's the very simplest things.

i beati said...

fooled me again Sandy

Hilary said...

I love the colours in these photos..

Sarah Lulu said...

Fantastic.

SandyCarlson said...

I like the graffiti an awful lot, too. Brings some light and joy to the rust!

ArneA said...

Are you applying for membership in the Rusty Girls Club

Sharon Rose said...

Great post. I wouldn't have thought about the lock the way you did. However, it does apply to life.

Ananda girl said...

Yes sir, what was once worth protecting is still worth protecting! That is has been left unmolested for so long is testament to its safety.

I really like this set of photos. The colors, your choice of views... they are very appealing to me visually and emotionally with your query included. Very nice, sir!

My verification word is "encested" hummmmm.... a new verb? Gosh I hope not! lol

marcia@joyismygoal said...

you got that theme all locked up :)

MaR said...

Great find and fantastic shot! Love the old rusty locks.
Mine is up, happy weekend :)

jay said...

Hmm ... we locked up our garden shed for years (till the lock broke) and there's nothing but garbage in there. LOL! Old habits ...

I love the photos though. I think I share your love of rust and doors.

Upcountrysmiles said...

Aloha David,

Very nice!!!

Happy photohunting:)
Cindy O
http://upcountrysmiles.com

Meikah said...

Rusty and color... quite a photographic combination. Good shot!

Mariposa said...

I love your finaly statement. Great shot,too! :)

Mariposa's PhotoHunt

Tara R. said...

Very interesting shot, even more so when you see the the 'big picture.' Makes you want to know the whole story behind this lock, and what's behind the door.

Gemma Wiseman said...

A sense of wild and bright abandonment in the graffiti in contrast to the serious rust of the lock! Intriguing photo!

Vita Stunder said...

Great shots!
Love the colours and textures -
great job on this!

Have a great weekend!
Anna

Carrie and Troy Keiser said...

I like the hole right under the lock.... makes you want to peek in for a closer look.

Anneke (Mudhooks) said...

Love the colour of the lock in conjunction with the colour of the graffiti!

Mine was my usual long-winded submission....

srp said...

The color makes the shot even more interesting indeed! Mine is up here.

Anonymous said...

The grafitti really adds a flare to the photo, and I love how you framed the lock within the grafitti. This is a fun picture...reminds me of your photo of the charcoal sticks.

adrienne trafford said...

graffitti! that's like my second favorite thing in the whole world! thanks for taking that pic instead of a silly old beach.