Ancient English Ivy

[tbob]

I came across this ivy vine while in in Vancouver last week. The owner of the building had aggressively trimmed the vine after more than 30 years of growth. In the process an old rusted iron fence was revealed. The vine had grown between the upright tines.

I was intrigued by the sinuous curves and sheer size of the vine. I hope to go back and revisit this several more times as the leaves grow in. Alternatively; Christina could go to the corner of Harwood and Cardero Streets in Vancouver and document this.

I decided to upload a series rather than a single image as one will not do the vine justice

[ShaneS]

You were hanging about my old stomping grounds Trevor! You didn't happen to stop by the Sylvia Hotel down the street did you? My husband and I had a drink in the bar to end on of our first official dates I love the ambiance and character of the old buildings in the area and you are making me homesick in a good way...

But back to your vine - it has been there for a while hasn't it? Images #5 and #6 stand out for me as individual images but I am having a hard time with the bigger scenes. The first is the best IMHO but the light wasn't really cooperating for you was it?

[Shadowman]

Nice subject and capture.

[Rebel]

Interesting images, I have never seen ivy vines that thick before!

[tbob]

You were hanging about my old stomping grounds Trevor! You didn't happen to stop by the Sylvia Hotel down the street did you? My husband and I had a drink in the bar to end on of our first official dates I love the ambiance and character of the old buildings in the area and you are making me homesick in a good way...

But back to your vine - it has been there for a while hasn't it? Images #5 and #6 stand out for me as individual images but I am having a hard time with the bigger scenes. The first is the best IMHO but the light wasn't really cooperating for you was it?

I agree about the light. I was pressed for time and had to deal with what I had in the late afternoon. If I go back I may try some fill flash; although I am quite the novice with any sort of supplemental light. I will also see if the sun ever gets close to lighting this area, it might by summer.

These I consider "sketchbook shots"; especially the larger wider views. Trials to capture a scene and then work with later to see what works, most get discarded. In this instance the wide images will probably never work, just too much stuff. The closer shots were done later when I had honed in on the smaller details that may work if I go back. I am still mulling over how to portray the size and complexity of the vine without producing an overly complex confusing image. Perhaps if the leaves come back and soften the lines a bit? Better light may help.

This is a very interesting part of Vancouver. The people are very welcoming too. I must have had 20 people stop and discuss the vines. They were intrigued by my attempt to photograph the scene. Two people thanked me for bringing the vines to their attention They had never stopped to appreciate them, just walked by and never really looked. Struck me as a pretty artsy slice of humanity.

[tbob]

Interesting images, I have never seen ivy vines that thick before!

Same here. I had no idea they were capable of getting that size.

[Brownbear]

Hi Trevor,

I've walked by the Sylvia Hotel a few times thinking I should photograph the ivy vines, so perhaps I will give it a try one day but you'll have to return for another visit to document the state of the vines. My favourites of this set are 4 and 6.

[DEAN01]

Trevor,
Numbers 5 and 6 are my favorites. Nicely done.

[Whistletown Wilds]

Good images, nice feel of texture I like #5 best

[chauncey]

In a past life I was a hobby wood craftsman...that vine would have been a godsend.

[tbob]

In a past life I was a hobby wood craftsman...that vine would have been a godsend.

Curious; 1) what could you make with wood this twisted and irregular? and 2) Is Ivy even wood? By that I mean some plants do not have the physical structure to be useful as raw material for working.

[Chri5]

I love it, its a perfect example of how nature conquers all

[chauncey]

what could you make with wood this twisted and irregular

Picture in your mind a table base...or a throne chair.