In the frame

Taking so many pictures for this site over the last few months has given me a greater understanding of the importance of a frame for an image. What surrounds something can set it off - enhance it - or not, as the case may be.

The home is full of frames: doors, windows, alcoves, shelves, all focusing the eye on an object or a 'view'. An old house such as ours has panelling and moulding and fanlights and interior windows, all of which contribute to the frame effect where perhaps a more minimalist modern place might not.

As I walk around the house, I find I can't help seeing it in picture form, bordered by these architectural frames, some of which are only fleeting reflections, disappearing with the sun, but which I notice nonetheless.

Just as in music it is the gaps between the notes which point up the sound,

and in writing (or acting) it is timing and beat and delivery which frame the actual words to good effect,

so what surrounds something influences it significantly.

There is probably some deep philosophical theory here I'm not aware of but which might be worth a ponder in terms of the 'frames' in life.....

.....or perhaps I should just shut up and stick to baking cakes and knitting socks!

Comments

[Francesca]

What a beautiful house. I can see how it must be conducive to reading with each room having its own character. I would sit in the blue room for certain books and in the orange book for others…

[Les in NE]

Oh, my! Look at that lovely room with all those books!! I hope you'll share more of your interior with us. I love peeking in your house via your photo essays.

[Les in NE]

And upon closer perusal, I see a beautiful project in the works (?) of a star-gazer lily. Is that needlepoint? How lovely!

[Nan]

These are my favorite photos yet! Beautiful, beautiful "frames" and pictures of your house.

"There is probably some deep philosophical theory here I'm not aware of but which might be worth a ponder in terms of the 'frames' in life....."

This reminds me of something that my son said when he was not quite eighteen. "Deal with life one frame at a time. Don't try to watch the whole movie at once." From the mouths of babes...

[Peg]

Such wonderful glimpses into your wonderful old home! It makes my house look like a child!
What are the tiles about and where are they? Also, I can see through a doorway and lily on a stretcher frame or something similar - can you explain this to me.
Wish you had taken closer views of the library so I could read some titles!!

[Elizabeth]

Coming in late as usual - it's because of living in the Antipodes - but I wanted to echo the other comments; you have the most beautiful house - and yes, I noticed the tapestry too. Thanks so much Karen for you ever-fascinating blog.

[A Wildlife Gardener]

Loved it, very lyrical! And excellent photography capturing the essence of your prose.

[Nancy]

Please don't stop! Your photos are always beautiful - I love them - but, on the 15th, you hit on one of my favorite things: framing. Not everyone "gets" it when using their camera - or understand what you're talking about when you bring it up. I love these photos of your in particular. Also, I loved seeing books on the floor!! You're really real - like the rest of us! Nancy

[Fiberjoy]

What a wonderful post! Full of frames of every sort and the colors; Love the colors in your house. Such a warm, welcoming home you've made.