Finding substance

Alas, my place of inspiration. This has taken several hours of wondering into the unknown of Dundee, from the highs of the Law to the lows at the docks. 

So, on with the trip..

Barcelona

Sagrada Familia - 'the unfinished' since 1882. This is by far the most astounding structure I’ve ever seen. This iconic marvel of art seems so surreal, obliviously depicting the insignificance of man.  As per most of my European escapades, great-big-giant cranes and scaffolding obscure my vision of the façades; and this being Guadi’s grand finale, so do all the camera frenzied tourists! 

Just a bit about the Sagrada Familia, it is a privately funded Roman Catholic Church and still to this day, unfinished. This was Gaudi’s symphony of sculptures; and being a devout catholic, he dedicated the last 43 years of his life toward it. The realization of 'Architects having no life' is starting to set in here. The Sagrada Familia is estimated for completion in only 7 years time. 

Only the eastern façade, known as the nativity façade, was completed by Guadi and it depicts the life of the son of God. This being the eastern façade, receives the morning sun rise, further symbolising the birth of the Son. You can immediately recognise this was all Gaudi because of it being so intricate and highly decorative, maybe displaying the celebration of the birth of Christ. The passion façade to the west, less decorative, tells the story of the passion of Christ and his crucifixion while receiving the sunset further illustrating Christ's death. Framing the archways are numerous angular sculptures of biblical themes portraying the Catholic Faith. If you do ever get to Sagrada Familia, look for the symbolic crown of thorns on this façade. The southern façade, known as the Glory façade, is yet to be completed and is mostly covered by scaffolding. This is by far going to be my personal favourite once completed, it symbolises the final day of judgement and the 7 deadly sins. I will have to return to this summer filled vibrant city once this has been completed, and not because of the famous 'naturist' beaches.

Guadi originally planned for 12 outer towers to be erected, signifying Christ’s apostles. The four main ones are to represent the gospels and the central tower seemed to complete the ensemble. The side-walls have high narrow window openings to allow for enough light to enter the interior for a welcoming ambience. Screw shape columns support the ‘fruit and flower’ sectional ceiling and create an image of woodland. 


This is an extremely spiritual and symbolic journey; and to actually be in the Sagrada Familia's presence leaves you inspired with passion and creation..

Enough rambling on, I should have a couple of pics from my trip.


The north eastern approach seems as if it was from an alternate universe.

   

This is the more recent south western façade with very angular sculptures.  

 

Enter the Gaudi -Spain

¿cómo estás? This is an amazing colourful country that offers cheap wine, flamenco, bull fights and oranges. Before travelling this past summer vacation, I began reading up on the Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi, most famous for Park Guell, Cassa Battlo and the well-known unfinished Catalonian masterpiece, Sagrada Familia. Literature can not explain the madness of this architect. His fabulist work seems somewhat captivating because of it being so distinctive and individualistic. You feel drawn to it and pick up on the underlying tones of the raw nature. Gaudi's unique designs influenced by nature's curves blended with colourful mosaics are all representative of the celebrative Spanish culture.

Bellow is one of the cottages near the main gate at Park Guell. Any idea of what its like trying to sketch in 39˚C?

The start of a new chapter..

So over the next couple of months, years, or however long Richard White makes us do this, I'll be posting thoughts, inspirations & interests on my blog.

Step one: Learn what the hell a blog is
Step two: What happened to the pen and paper?