Modernism and macros

Week of 11 December 2023

Marvellous modernism

This week I worked on blog posts about the modernism walking tour Lil Sis and I did with architect Bronwen Jones as part of Open House Hobart.

There was so much material, I had to split it into two posts.

Here they are for your enjoyment:

• Part 1: The State Library
• Part 2: The rest (MLC Building, AMP, Reserve Bank and Lands Building)

I really enjoyed this tour. And it was fantastic to meet Bronwen and learn more about my favourite style of architecture. At the end of the tour Browen asked if we were interested in tours of more buildings and everyone said yes, so fingers crossed there will be more!

Not-quite macro

I got a macro lens earlier this year. Or maybe it was last year. It’s the most expensive lens I own, and it makes me want a full frame camera.

I’ve been using it to make photos of agapanthus.

But I was out walking one morning this week and wandered down to the beach and the only lens I had with me was that one.

So I tried to photograph the waves.

That was fun.

Week 50 summary

What was the best thing about this week?

This post by Liz Gilbert.

And going to see Wonka and being the only people in the cinema.

What did I notice this week?

A scene in Sandy Bay, where I wished I’d had my 50 mm lens rather than the 100 mm.

What did I learn this week?

Steel is an alloy of iron and carbon, where the carbon content is up to 2 per cent. With a higher carbon content, the material is defined as cast iron. Stainless steel is alloyed with chromium to make it rust resistant.

Now the words of Allentown by Billy Joel make more sense.

So the graduations hang on the wall
But they never really helped us at all
No they never taught us what was real
Iron and coke, chromium steel

What I’m reading this week

The Confidence Gap by Russ Harris