Glass

[Transom window, Stanhope St, Boston; 4/2/11]

The word window originates from the Old Norse for "wind eye." It began as a peep-hole through the roof, then as a "door for the eye." But it was the invention of glass that allowed light to come through and a view of the outside while protecting the inhabitants from the elements. Architects would eventually grace building façades with innumerable repeating windows, or skip walls altogether once glass was perfected to allow for vast expanses of glass, floor to ceiling, ground to sky.

["Pledge of Allegiance Building" in Boston]

An intriguing thing about window glass is its ability to reflect, sometimes mirroring back more than it reveals, like some cagey types who charm while disclosing nothing. Or it blends the internal and external in accidental alliance, a fleeting liaison of light and shadow.

[Lanoue Fine Art, Newbury St, Boston; 4/2/11]

And then there's the ability of glass to project light, to create the imaginary in the shadow of the real.

[Empty glass reflection, Aquitaine Bistrot, Boston; 4/2/11]

Comments

[marja-leena]

Stunning photos, great post! Looks like you are having some lovely sunshine.

[Dave]

I didn't know the history of the word. That's awesome.

[Leslee]

Thanks, Marja-Leena. We did have good sunshine on Sunday. Still chilly here, though.

Dave: Isn't that cool?

[Jean]

As you know, I love this kind of reflective image too - these are beautiful! I didn't know about the origins of 'window' either.

[Jean]

'to create the imaginary in the shadow of the real': that's really wonderfully put, Leslee. Thank you! I think I need to print that and post it on my wall.

[Leslee]

Thanks, Jean. Glad you enjoyed these. And yes, I always love the shadow/reflections you find as well.