Saturday, June 27, 2015

Journal 52, Week 26: Elements


It's Week 26 and that means we're half way through 2015's prompts given us by Chelle at Journal 52.  This week the prompt is Elements: earth, wind, fire, air. Any or all are acceptable.

I spent a good portion of the early morning looking through an old book on the Solar System.  I'm lucky because I have Cosmos by Carl Sagan, and wouldn't even THINK to cut images from it.  But this particular book doesn't hold the same appeal to me, so it was easy to find what I needed to complete this entry.

I started by swiping several pigment inks across the used file folder.  I took a couple of step-out photos, but when I tried to load them, my computer refused to recognize my SD card.  Not to be deterred, I scanned this step without showing the inks I used.

My page on elements is undoubtedly far different from others who complete this challenge prompt, especially after seeing what Chelle created.  But, I'm a scientist, so this was the one that made the most sense to me. 

For the most part, I was able to find images that supported the four elements.

We'll begin with the element Earth, which now has a huge ozone layer, more than likely brought on by humans whose desire for more and more of everything has put our earth in danger.

Next is fire, which is often left unharnessed due to volcanoes and forest fires.  Although forest fires are not as dangerous as volcanoes, because the land soon recovers from fire, the destruction of and harm to human life is often more than should be allowed, often simply because we dare to build structures/homes near where they are most likely to exist.

Scientifically, an element is matter in its purest form.  An element is often classified as consisting of a single type of atom distinguished by its atomic number. 

But I suspect Chelle's prompt was more about art than science for this 26th prompt, thus the number 26.  How I wish I could draw/sketch the above element!

Back to the four elements, air is characterized here by wind,

while water is characterized by ice.

More than likely, not how others will interpret this prompt, but then, I'm more than likely not like most others who saw this prompt.

Thanks to all you loyal readers for looking, maybe shaking your head, maybe laughing, or maybe understanding my interpretation of this latest prompt.

13 thoughtful remarks:

Divers and Sundry said...

I guess that's why y'all have "prompts" instead of more structured "assignments" lol It's all in the artistic interpretation.

peggy gatto said...

Love the elements!
Lovely page and love your background!

Viktoria Berg said...

I like how you take inspiration from Carl Sagan, he is an old favourite of mine!
I have started to look through your course on altered books, I find it very interesting, and now I have an idea on one I want to make, or rather I see how an altered book could be the method I have been looking for to dig into something that has been "on my shelf'" for a while, so to speak. I´m very happy I started looking more closely at what you do (our paths have crossed at Divers and Sundry for quite some time)!

Indira said...

Astronomical things always appeal to me and your interpretation of the elements is dazzling.

TwinkleToes2day said...

The perfect take on the prompt as far as I am concerned. Earth, Wind, Fire & Water are what I conjured up at mention of the word, elements. Carl Sagan is a 'hero' in our house, he influenced so many younger scientists and was a huge inspiration. Enjoy your Sunday Elizabeth :o))

Carol said...

Great job on the challenge!!!You covered all the bases :)

mandysea said...

Oh my!!! this is amazingly creative! I love how you have presented your elements... I LOVE the earth one the most! And they are all fantastic representations. What a great idea!!

johanna said...

i like how you put all These Pictures and your thoughts into this page - bravo!

Anonymous said...

I would never cut up a Carl Sagan book either! Fun take on the elements. We are rock and dust and stars and water right? xox

Denise said...

This looks like it was so much fun to put together : ) I like it and I already know how creative You are. Enjoyed browsing around. Hugs Denise

Halle said...

Nicely done Elizabeth!

~*~Patty S said...

Great original take on the challenge.
Getting to see what others interpretation is is what makes challenges so interesting.
When I think of Carl Sagan I always think of his quote: "We are made of starstuff".
oxo

pearshapedcrafting said...

Oh My! What an amazing piece this is! Fabulous interpretation I'd say!! Chris