Overhead Projections - Part Three

Planet Yin Yang

©2009

Larry Torno

The St. Louis Science Center has an observatory tower called the Planetarium. It was designed by Gyo Obata, founding partner of HOK Architects. My very first job, after graduating from college, was as a graphic designer for HOK.

     I have always been fascinated by the simple, unique shape of the Planetarium. The shadows constantly change as the sun moves throughout the year and on this cold, January day, the structure practically disappeared in the bright light. The remaining light gray silhouette defined the edge of the building and created an angular slash across the image.

     Although the clouds that day were interesting, I dropped these wispy clouds into the photo for a more dramatic look. Cropped this way, the black sky and white Planetarium ends up looking like the Chinese Yin Yang symbol. 

Planet Yin Yang is available as a limited edition print through the Bruno David Gallery.

Botanica - Part Two

Esther's Lilies
2006
© Larry Torno

These calla lilies were taken from a bouquet at the wake of my wife's stepmother. They portray the quiet beauty of the woman and the sadness of her early death. 

Botanica - Part One

Spiral Aloe
2005
© Larry Torno

I've always liked finding shapes and forms in natural elements. There's a certain inherent simplicity and beauty to be seen in the things that surround us. 

     In this case, an aloe plant integrates its natural growth into flowing spiral designs, with soft, patterned stalks and contrasting white, spiked edges.

  

Sign of the Cross - Part Eight

Resurrection

@2007

Larry Torno

Real cross, real clouds; saw it and waited for the right balance of composition.

     I like the sweeping curve of the roof line against the angular direction of the clouds. It so happened that the sky was divided between black and white, with just enough black to form the perfect background for the white cross. 

     Throughout the years 2005-2007, I concentrated heavily on photographing crosses as the inspiration for my art. I continue to find instances of symbolic imagery and will be posting more on the blog in the future. 

Sign of the Cross - Part Seven

Laclede and Boyle
© 2007
Larry Torno

A curator for an exhibition once described my crosses as "accidental observations" and said that it didn't matter whether the crosses were real or imagined, what mattered was that I took notice and did something about them.