I went up to Providence today to use a $25 Borders gift card that was burning a hole in my wallet. Naturally the camera came with me, and I had my eye out for the unusual, whether by subject matter or from a compositional perspective. I have three pictures that worked, especially when converted to black & white.
From the central atrium of the Providence Place Mall. I like all the intersecting planes in this, and also the wedding-cake effect of the galleries on each floor as you look up to the top.Across the street from my bus stop in Providence is the John O. Pastore Federal Building, aka the Providence Post Office. It's a WPA project, built in 1939 - 1940. What especially grabs my attention every time I wait for the bus to take me home is the Art Deco cast concrete ornamentation over doors and windows. Especially the two below, over windows on opposite ends of the front of the building. The artist was one Raymond Barger, but it's obvious that he studied the central Post Office Building in Washington DC and took his style from Rockwell Kent. In fact, I was ready to believe that Kent did these because they're indistinguishable from his other work. The relief sculptures depict the different methods by which the mail is delivered. I'm an Art Deco and Rockwell Kent freak, so these always put me in a good mood, even when the bus is late.
© 2010 by A. Roy Hilbinger
Thanks for these, Roy. I love Kent too, and these are very evocative.
ReplyDeletethese are great shots
ReplyDeletelovely detail on the federal building - we could use a 21st century wpa program!!!
ReplyDeleteso what did you buy with your burning hole????????
Those WPA buildings are incomparable. This is a wonderful book.
ReplyDeleteThe architecture picture is very modern and abstract in concept; it does look like a modernist wedding cake! The bias relief works are also amazing in design and texture typical of the 40's constructivist art period. I love you keen artistic vision! Great photos!
ReplyDeleteOh they do indeed work, especially in monochrome. I suppose the lack of colour distractions just concentrates the eye on the lines and it is the lines that are exquisite. Those concrete ornamentations are visually stunning.
ReplyDeleteAnother art deco freak signing in. I love coming to your blog. As well as the pure pleasure I get from your photos, I always learn something too.
ReplyDeleteProvidence is loaded with architectural gems. I always enjoyed walking the city during lunch time and I especially enjoy the view from the convention center -- now somewhat obstructed by the addition to the Westin.
ReplyDeleteLove that first pic -beautiful and intriguing!
ReplyDeleteLove the Deco. Perfect in black and white. So, what did you get at Borders?
ReplyDeleteI went when it first opened. Quite a place! But I prefer the ol' Art Deco of the fed blg. Nice!
ReplyDeleteYeah, whadja get? Aside from some great photos, that is?
ReplyDeleteThanks all!
ReplyDeleteFor those who want to know what I bought - not much, just 2 DVDs (Hancock and The Birdcage). I'm getting more disappointed with Borders every time I go there, it's like they're dumbing down their inventory. I spent over an hour looking for something good and settled for the two movies; I had the gift card so I had to get something. And I think I was starting to make the salespeople nervous. Heh, heh!
Looks like a lovely city and all the better for being bathed in sunshine! Love the art deco pieces just beautiful. No wonder you don't mind your bus being late!
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