I have always been a big fan of mother nature: she’s creative, she’s in control, and she’s one hell of a multi-tasker. I think what I most respect is her design sensibility. Maybe I’ve just had my head in the clouds lately, but it seems to me that she’s taking special care with the sky these days. Using clouds as a design feature, she’s revitalizing already-vibrant vistas, and creating some seriously scintillating scenery. This was especially evident during a recent trip to the beautiful state of Florida.
I like how Mother Nature has the confidence to put the clouds right there, front and center, in our path:
And how she pairs them with palm trees:
She even knows how to make power lines look good:
Sometimes she bunches lots of them together to make these compelling clusters:
Every once in a while she even tinges them pink:
She creates a romantic look by using the sun as under-lighting:
As you can see, clouds are extremely versatile. And while Mother Nature certainly has a special knack for cloud stylings, she’s not the only one.
For example, I admire how The Simpsons have been harnessing the power of clouds for over 23 years:
Artist Bob Staake created this cloud-centric cover for this week’s The New Yorker. (Imagine my delight when it arrived in my mailbox yesterday, since I was sneaking up on a post about clouds.):
And check this out: Jill Vegas, professional stager and author of Speed Decorating, recently created this fabulous cloud light fixture for a dining room makeover that aired on NBC’s Open House NYC:
Here’s a charming little piece of cloud pottery from JD Wolfe Pottery, on Etsy. It’s officially a teaspoon rest, but I can imagine it as a ring holder, a little dessert plate, or I can see whole collection of them hanging on the wall:
And finally, here is my own attempt at cloud control. I painted this cardboard frame a long time ago, and it has held a photo of my brother and I at ages 1 and 6 ever since:
Thank you, Mother Nature, for inspiring all of us.
Have you mastered the art of cloud control?
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Categories: Design
Preeeetty.
I have FL to thank, a new-ish camera, and of course good ol’ Mother Nature. There are some pretty nice clouds up above Nyack today, me thinks. 🙂
http://io9.com/5892356/artist-suspends-real-clouds-in-the-middle-of-the-room
Artist suspends real clouds in the middle of the room!
What!? That is incredible cool. And quite unbelievable. Thanks for the link!
I love that!
Wonderful! I wrote a post on clouds, too, because I love them.
You win for the Simpsons reference 🙂
What is the link? Yup, gotta love the Simpsons 🙂
http://megustasi.wordpress.com/2012/02/19/clouds/
In the comments, a friend has posted a link to the Cloud Appreciation Society, something I didn’t know existed. It seems we’re not the only ones who love clouds!
Oh wow, nice post! Those are some amazing cloud photos – I also really like that “mackerel sky”! That cloud appreciation society excellent and I have to say…I heart that they have a cloud shop, ha! http://cloudappreciationsociety.org/shop/
Thanks so much for sharing Leslie!
I enjoy seeing the world through the lens of JJC!
Thanks xtine! I guess, for all of us, it’s just a matter of turning the lens in the right direction…yes?
Mother Nature and Father Time, hmmmm, I wonder what that really says about us? I loved your photos and story. While at Croton Point Park just yesterday I was remarking to my dad on the fabulous cloud formations(yes, I am a proud cloud watcher). I also appreciate the words that describe the clouds too. Fuffy, puffy, soft, bulbous, buoyant and bold.
Yes, clouds are fascinating! (And maybe just a little less pleasing when they are throwing lightening bolts and spewing rain!)
The six year old in that photograph appears to be particularly intelligent & good looking. You must be thrilled to have such a sibling.
Yes, in fact, he WAS both of those things back then. I’m not sure what happened…
Bee-u-tiful clouds. Where were you in Florida?
Hey, we were in Tampa/Clearwater visiting my friend Ann-Marie…we researched how far it was from your neck of the woods, but turns out FL is kind of big!
Thanks for including the cloud lamp! I love the cloud pics and especially adore the last pic of you and bro — awwwwdorable!
Of course! That lamp is very cool! That pic was taken in my parents white 1970 Caddy 🙂
Those sneaky palm trees are always trying to get in the spotlight. 😉 I commend you for not giving in and making this a palm tree post!
Hope you had a great trip – sounds so nice right about now! 🙂
Yes, those palm trees are pretty special. But they don’t shape-shift as much as clouds. (Well, I guess until the wind kicks up!)