As you know, early last year in February I started taking daily photos of simple, everyday things to remind me to be happy. Instead of colour, I deliberately chose black and white. After 365 days, that came to an end this year. These photos played a big part in my life and I would love to continue to share them with you here.
This set was taken between late April and early May. By this time I didn’t feel like leaving the house anymore, other than one or two rare driving trips. I spent my days in my atelier and working in the garden. I also made tons of inks using foraged things from the garden.
Simple 365 – Set 5
Please Click on the image thumbnails to see the photos and read the captions.
A few photos from the set stand out for me –
Santa Ziggy – My high school librarians were very kind to a lonely child who liked spending all her free time at the library. They gave him to me one Christmas. He now spends his days in my home library.
The Yosemite mug – Sierra is my home away from home and I love to wander in those mountains. Sipping from this mug is the perfect start to my day, specially last year when I couldn’t visit.
The little bear – He is a children’s hospice bear. My husband got him for me at Derbyshire. He sits amongst my favourite children’s books in my atelier and watches over me while I work there.
The four roses – I took this one for four loved ones in my life. Raindrops made it extra special.
Paintings From The Lost Pages Book
It was early December last year, while still continuing with the daily photos, that I realized I desperately needed another escape into my imaginary worlds. So, I started making little books and filling them with one painting per day. I have been sharing the paintings from the first book still, which is called Lost Pages. Here are four more paintings from the book.
Please Click on the image thumbnails to see the photos and read the captions.
The Girl And Her Cat started visiting me more in my paintings to tell me all about their little adventures. I love seeing them and I hope you do too!
They stopped by the Red Inn for some tea, scones with jam, and some kippers by the fireplace. The innkeeper knows them, and always gives them a little extra TLC.
Lost Pages Paintings
I created a page with paintings from my Lost Pages book. I will add on to that page as I share more paintings from that book.
Simple 365 Photos
I also created a page with all the previously shared photos from Simple365. I will add more photos on to that page as well, as I share them here.
Both of these pages can be found on the menu under photography and paintings.
These two special projects have been a beacon of light for me. I hope they bring you some joy and make you smile as well.
Let me know if there is a photo or painting that especially spoke to you.
Until next time,
-Soma
I am linking up with the linky parties on my Events And Links page. Please pay a visit to some of them.
47 thoughts on “Collections From The Past”
Kara Guppy August 6, 2021 at 11:15
Love that old and camera and the piciure with the old roll of film is fabulous
dee August 4, 2021 at 18:34
Lovely pictures, Soma. And great subjects for everyday photography.
I’ve wanted to do something like this but just not able to be THAT disciplined about it. :D
Nice to see those Enid Blytons. I just read the Faraway Tree series to my kids and started with a Famous Five.
These books were so much a part of our reading when we were growing up, no? Ah! the imagery!! <3
Luisella July 30, 2021 at 00:29
I like the photo with the pencils in particular.
It is representative of your art.
All the best.
handmade by amalia July 28, 2021 at 19:29
This is a great way to concentrate on mindfulness! A great project and great photos!
Amalia
xo
Louise (Little Hearts, Big Love) July 28, 2021 at 06:15
What beautiful photos. I love the Santa Ziggy, the teddy bear and the photo of the sun bow. Love the little paintings too – what a fab project. #project365
Mary @ Over 40 and a Mum to One July 27, 2021 at 08:06
Love all the shots in black and white, something I don’t do enough of really. Thanks for joining in with #project365
Angie July 20, 2021 at 19:07
Soma – more and more people seem to be focusing on black and white photography. Your collection is amazing, and my favorite is the mug with the Tolkien quote. The Red Inn looks so inviting, especially if tea and scones is on offer! Thanks for linking to Mosaic Monday!
sallie rainville July 19, 2021 at 19:06
Late to the party (first time here) … I love knowing how you made the Covid isolation time so special with your creativity. I am always amazed at the beauty and depth of black and white photography since I am a lover of bright colors and never think of doing anything monochrome. But I wish I would remember! The photo that spoke to me is the Ziggy doll on your library shelf and the story behind it. I too was a haunter of libraries and a voracious reader for much of my childhood. I enjoyed my visit and will be back!
Eileen July 18, 2021 at 03:53
Hello,
Beautiful B&W images, they are all well done. I do love the bear, Santa Ziggy and the mug with the quote.
Take care, have a happy day! Wishing you a great new week ahead.
RachelSwirl July 17, 2021 at 13:21
What an awesome project! I love the black and white images :) Thanks for sharing and for linking up with #MySundaySnapshot.
Darren Coleshill July 17, 2021 at 08:10
I love this collection of photos
Thank you for linking up to #MySundayPhoto
Sarah MumofThree World July 16, 2021 at 22:40
It’s amazing the beauty that can be found in simple everyday items. The black and white is really effective. I love your Lost Pages paintings too.
#mysundayphoto
My Corner of the World July 16, 2021 at 15:40
This is such a fantastic project. Each shot has its own happiness connected to it :)
I’m so happy to see your link at ‘My Corner of the World’ this week!
Dawn Hart July 16, 2021 at 13:10
Such beautiful paintings, this is my first visit to your blog and look forward to catching up with more of your posts, black and white photos have to be my all time favourites as they can be more descriptive than colour photos some times in my view xxx
Tracey July 16, 2021 at 00:04
Documented so beautifully, there’s calmness in black and white always bringing those things important to the forefront. I love your lost painting series, so happy to see you in the spotlight @ PPF today.
Wishing you the happiest of days.. Creative wishes Tracey xx
klara July 14, 2021 at 12:24
I love your little books. they are awesome. and your photography series is very good.
Lillian July 14, 2021 at 01:57
Black and white pictures are amazing
Kim July 13, 2021 at 15:31
More often than not it’s the little things that makes our day just a little brighter, gives us a smidgen of comfort. Your black and white photos are striking, Soma. I am deeply touched by the kindness and love, shown to you by your high school teachers in the gift of Ziggy to you. The little English bear is sweet and as for the little girl and her travelling companion, with the red inn against the backdrop of those majestic mountains, it has grabbed my heart today. Actually, there are tears in my eyes as I read your words and gaze upon your beautiful photos. The warmest of Aussie hugs to you, dear Soma. Xx
Lydia C. Lee July 13, 2021 at 13:48
The painting are wonderful.
Sam July 13, 2021 at 10:58
Ah what happy memories to collect x #mysundayphoto
NatureFootstep July 11, 2021 at 14:54
Hi, I think it was a great idea to turn all your photos into black and white. It makes them stand out in a special way. Much more then it would have in color. Love it.
love your paintings too.
Kim Carberry July 11, 2021 at 05:51
What a wonderful collection of photos. I really like them in black and white. x
Carol July 11, 2021 at 02:11
I’m a Ziggy fan and his Santa suit is cute
Nikki - Notes of Life July 10, 2021 at 10:35
Loving the pencil sharpener :)
A ShutterBug Explores July 10, 2021 at 09:22
Oh these are so magical and creative of your time spent during the Covid times ~ Favorite is the wee Teddy Bear ~ Xo
Dancing while I can,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
Rain Frances July 10, 2021 at 06:18
HI Soma!! :) Your photography is very beautiful. I’m a big fan of black and white. The roses have to be my favourite! Not just for the photo and subject matter, but the fact that you attached a sentiment to them. :) Your little girl is sweet, those are some nice paintings!
Kokopelli Design July 9, 2021 at 23:32
Hi Soma, so glad to see us both back at PPF! I really enjoy your Simple 365 photos and ofc course the miniature books. Hope you can soon visit all your favorite places. Have a nice weekend!
Veronica Lee July 9, 2021 at 20:47
These are BEAUTIFUL shots, Soma. I especially love Santa Ziggy.
Happy Weekending!
Rebecca Grace July 9, 2021 at 14:10
All of these photos are wonderful, but the one of the roses is just spectacular! I’m glad you found a way to anchor your spirit in your creative pursuits over the past year. This pandemic has been so difficult, in unexpected ways.
Linda K July 9, 2021 at 12:37
Great looking photos- love the sweet story about the Santa Ziggy. I was a quiet soul and spent much time in the libraries too when I was a child. Beautiful paintings- the way you’ve done the characters in the scenes are just charming! happy PPF!
Linda Calverley July 9, 2021 at 12:01
Great collection of photos and paintings.
gillena July 9, 2021 at 11:04
Enjoyed your black and whites. Happy PPF
MUCHLOVE
riitta k July 9, 2021 at 08:14
You had an interesting photo project Soma. The pics are lovely. Wishing sunny weekend.
Christine July 9, 2021 at 07:03
Lovely meaningful collection
Nicole/DVArtist July 9, 2021 at 05:57
These are fabulous photos and I love the mug.
Alison Hall July 9, 2021 at 04:27
I love your black and white photos Soma!
Wendy K July 9, 2021 at 04:21
Lovely little paintings, love the girl and the cat.
Valerie-Jael July 9, 2021 at 03:54
I love the black and white photos. I grew up with black and white, and although I Iike colour, black and white is always special. And how great that you still have your Enid Blyton books, I loved them so much. (And still do!) Your lost world pages are beautiful, too. Have a great weekend, hugs, Valerie
Connie Griffin July 8, 2021 at 18:47
It’s very important to have something creative in your life during this past year, and even now for that matter, something that can get your mind off of what is going on and just relax and be creative!
My favorite is the roses, they are so pretty and like you said the raindrops on them are so pretty.
Your drawings are so pretty too, the barn with the snow is my favorite of them!
Dixie July 8, 2021 at 18:04
I love the girl and her cat paintings.
And the black and white photos really look beautiful, Soma.
Michelle Keltner July 8, 2021 at 16:34
Wonderful photos and I like the black and white. An excellent project! Thank you for linking up.
Sue July 8, 2021 at 16:25
I love your Girl and Her Cat paintings, they create a story in my mind. Your photos are striking.
Mary July 8, 2021 at 15:45
I love the teddy bear picture. Great idea to work in the black and white. What’s your project for this year? We just got back from the Sierras. It was gorgeous and crystal clear. So often smoke from fires blocks some of the view.
Kris July 8, 2021 at 09:13
Pretty images as always Soma! Hope you and K are well :).
Susan July 8, 2021 at 08:31
The first 3 photos you said stood out for you are the same first 3 I picked for myself when looking through them. I have a fondness for teddy bears and books. I also love the quote on the mug. It is my favorite response when people ask me if I know where I am going.
Shasta July 8, 2021 at 05:58
Both of your projects are so wonderful. Love the black and white photography. I haven’t done that much – normally for my photos I miss the color, but seeing yours in black and white is so striking. Your paintings are great. Each one tells such a story.
Julie July 8, 2021 at 03:13
I love your photos, especially the black and white photos.