Author Archives: Bri Duncan

Ferrari on the Streets of Austin, TX

Posted on June 11th, 2015 by

Random Super Cars

Today is for fun! I was walking with Pamela down the street in Austin, TX during one SXSWi when I came across this random Ferrari on the Streets of Austin! I don’t know who can afford such things, but one day I hope to drive a few of these super cars and hopefully in the process learn how to properly drive them!

Ferrari on the Streets of Austin, TX
Ferrari on the Streets of Austin, TX

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Rose Window of Sainte Chapelle, Paris, France

Posted on June 8th, 2015 by

The Unseen Beauty of Form

More frequently these days I find myself finding a deeper and deeper appreciating for black and white photography. Below is the Rose Window of Sainte-Chapelle, a small Cathedral, but one of the most grand I have ever seen. Grand not in its scale, but in the overwhelming way the artisans surround you with light (they might have said the light or the word of God perhaps). The colors are invigorating, but it wasn’t until I stripped away that layer of beauty, did I see its heart. The form of the window is a masterpiece all by itself. Removed of the distraction of color, you begin to see this other beauty, not less or more, but a beauty all its own.

Rose Window of Sainte Chapelle, Paris, France
Rose Window of Sainte Chapelle, Paris, France

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A Window of The Artist’s Cottage at Jardin Majorelle

Posted on June 4th, 2015 by

Art Deco Cottage

Today’s photo is of the art deco Artist’s Cottage at Jardin Majorelle in Marakesh Morocco. The blue is so famous, they named it Majorelle Blue (indigo, basically). The studio has been converted to a museum focusing on Yves Saint Laurant’s collection of Berber costumes and jewelry. It is a WONDERFUL collection, but I was hoping to see the art deco interior of the cottage as it would have appeared when Jacques Majorelle would have used it. Perhaps it was originally boring inside (though I cant imagine that given the exterior), or perhaps they didn’t want competition for the Berber exhibit.

A Window of The Artist’s Cottage at Jardin Majorelle
A Window of The Artist’s Cottage at Jardin Majorelle

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Tokyo Sunrise

Posted on June 1st, 2015 by

Big, Big City

The sunrise endlessly is interesting to me, it’s just SO incredibly difficult for me to get up for. There are two problems. First, I am not a morning person, though this is frequently aided by jet-lag. Hawaii is a great example…I am usually awake by 3 or 4 am easy. The second problem is breakfast. If you want to eat at the hotel (one of my economizing tips) you have a problem. Generally there is not a pre-dawn buffet and if you get out, it’s often difficult to make it back in time to partake of the (in my case) free food! Sure this gives you a great opportunity to sample cafe’s, but I tend to like to save that for an economical lunch (free breakfast, econimical lunch, then a dinner wow). This sunrise was captured from the hotel breakfast! Since I was on a really high floor, it was the perfect compromise!

Tokyo Sunrise
Tokyo Sunrise

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Chinese Garden of Friendship in Sydney Australia

Posted on May 28th, 2015 by

Unexpected Gardens

The last thing I thought I would find in the heart of Sydney, Australia was a Chinese Garden! Sure enough there it was. Given the close proximity to China, I guess I shouldn’t be suprised to find a thriving Chinese community in Sydney, but often the things I think I am going to find turn out to be completely wrong! The Chinese Garden of Friendship was not as fantastic as Yuyun Gardens in Shanghai, but it is a wonderful calm place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city!

Chinese Garden of Friendship in Sydney Australia
Chinese Garden of Friendship in Sydney Australia

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Early Spring Flower at the Imperial Palace, Tokyo Japan

Posted on May 25th, 2015 by

Gardens of the Imperial Palace

I had not visited the grounds of the Imperial Palace on my previous trips to Tokyo. The Palace is not a site you can just visit. There are a limited number of tickets and you have to plan in advance which is not exactly my strong suit. I tend to like to go with the flow on trips and when you have an appointment for a site at 10am, you HAVE to be somewhere despite what wonders you find along the way. The East Garden is completely open to the public, but given that I couldn’t see the palace, I never bothered. After my visit, I am sorry this was only my first visit to the gardens. The site is a huge green-space and though I was too early for the cherry blossoms, other flowers were blooming. This flower was perhaps a bee’s paradise!

Early Spring Flower at the Imperial Palace, Tokyo Japan
Early Spring Flower at the Imperial Palace, Tokyo Japan

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Red Ribbon Store Display in Sydney Australia

Posted on May 21st, 2015 by

Red Ribbons

The wall of Camper Shoes in the Queen Victoria Building in Sydney, Australia struck me from outside. Both the color of HIV/AIDS awareness and Heart Health Awareness I was immediately drawn in. I asked the store clerks if it was cool to take a few photos and they seemed to be amused. I hope the photo will help anyone working on a campaign for either charity! For non-commercial work I release everything Creative Commons Attribution so please feel free to use this photo in your campaigns (please give me a link back), and be sure if you are in Sydney to stop in and buy some Camper Shoes!

Red Ribbon Store Display in Sydney Australia
Red Ribbon Store Display in Sydney Australia

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Tile and Courtyard of the Museum of Marrakech

Posted on May 18th, 2015 by

The Red City of Art

I didn’t think I would find myself so taken with the artwork of Marrakech, but it’s so omnipresent its hard to not be impressed. Perhaps it’s the stark backdrop of the desert, it frames everything. Everywhere I looked seemed to be contrasts. The Red City is rust red with bland buildings, but everywhere are orange trees and rose gardens. Islamic tradition shows no outward signs of wealth. Inside is another matter entirely. Looping geometric tile patterns, stained glass, woodwork like I have never seen. The craftsmanship of many of these homes, palaces and schools is absolutely incredible!

Tile and Courtyard of the Museum of Marrakech
Tile and Courtyard of the Museum of Marrakech

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Inside Pike Place Market, Seattle, Washington

Posted on May 14th, 2015 by

Cornucopia of Sights and Smells

When I think of Pike Place market I think of a mess. Not because it’s unclean, no more than any open air mall, but because is the wild sense you get when visiting. There are 100 different and strong smells vying for your attention. Fish mongers throw fish, flower sellers clip stems for bouquets. Vendors hawk their wares, candy, nuts, fruit, pasta, flowers, fresh fish. The Puget Sound is right outside. All is chaos here, but its also alive and vibrant. The chaos can overwlems, but it also is exciting and wonderful.

Inside Pike Place Market, Seattle, Washington
Inside Pike Place Market, Seattle, Washington

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A Place to Sit at Jardin Marjorelle

Posted on May 11th, 2015 by

Majorelle Blue

The color is hypnotic, so vibrant it forces you to look at it, even though you should be enjoying the plants. Jardin Majorelle is a strange place, with its terracotta pointed concrete sidewalks and phallic ode to Yves Saint Laurent. It is a decent collection of plants from all over and there is something serene and wonderful though all the tourist laden wash. Perhaps its the history of the place. It was home to two artists Jacques Majorelle, for which the garden is named and fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent who rescued the site from ruin. It is that history that held up this site…that and the impossible blue.

A Place to Sit at Jardin Marjorelle
A Place to Sit at Jardin Marjorelle

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