Ritva offers this week’s Lens Artist Challenge. She asks us to pick one color, then select six photographs that showcase that color. This is going to be an enjoyable exercise. My color is Red, and I can’t wait to see what others choose to feature. The Red Lotus is, I think, an auspicious start to my gallery of red images.
The Red Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) holds a cherished place in ancient traditions.
Buddhism: Represents the original state of the heart, pure love, and compassion. It is frequently associated with Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion.
Hinduism: Associated with the heart chakra (Anahata), as well as the goddess Lakshmi, symbolizing divine beauty, prosperity, and spiritual awakening.
Ancient Egypt: Linked to rebirth, creation, and the eternal cycle of life, often mirroring the sun god Ra.
In modern wellness practice, the dried petals of the red lotus are often used to make relaxing herbal teas, aromatic potpourri, or spiritual tonics. It is frequently brewed to help foster inner peace, emotional balance, and meditation.
Continuing with red flowers, “Red Lilly” is a macro shot of the insides of an Asiatic Lily.
“Red Camelia”
In Japanese culture, the red camellia (known as tsubaki) symbolizes love, passion, deep desire, and perseverance. Its fiery red petals and ability to bloom during the harsh winter months represent the infinite nature of life and endurance.
This photograph was shot in the Royal Botanical Gardens Victoria years ago when I lived in Melbourne.
“Dahlia”
We can’t get much more red than this lovely dahlia.
“Japanese Maple”
I find Japanese Maples to be among the loveliest of trees. This one has been edited just a bit to give the image a little more painterly “look.”
“Red Barn”
All the above images are botanicals of one kind or another, As lovely as they all are, I wanted to include at least one other kind of subject. This red barn is in the Audubon Sanctuary in Greenwich. I realize the picture isn’t all red. But green is the only other color. Red and green are opposites on the color wheel; the contrast is especially bold, and I think it serves this image well.
Those are my six choices for this week. Thanks again to Ritva. Next week, it will be Egídio’s turn to lead us, so make sure to visit his site for more creative ideas.
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