First, as always, thanks to those who took the time and trouble to comment on this weeks exhibits. OK, Why? The answer is not straightforward. A) A couple of weeks back a few giggles surrounded me using the initials B.M. for the British Museum. Bobert's review, hilarious as it was, tripped a little switch reminding me that I had pressed the shutter on this shot a few years earlier. The phrase BM for a dump is not common currency over here - I wonder if "number two" is over there ;o) B) Emily's post on "originality" ... not showing pictures you have seen before. C) A thread on "What is art" in connection with photography. D) The URL to an art gallery someone sent me off list ... six foot macro prints (photos) of arseholes complete with perianal hair For my part, if some jerk who happens to be already famous can place half a sheep and call it art, if you cannot watch a nature documentary without seeing animals shagging, shat is so dreadfully bad about a lion having a dump? The TV carries pictures of mutilated bodies on the news ... Was it really that bad? For me it was "interesting". She (the lioness) had such a look of contentment / relief. She had her eyes shut ... which is the hostile environment seems odd. Unlike my pet cats, she did not appear "embarrassed" for be caught at it in the open. It's just a part of being alive: and, for many of us, a lot more frequent than the .... If David Hacknied exhibited a gallery full of pictures of animals dumping - would they get a viewing? I suspect yes - which in a way ties the definition of art to the artist. Only an established artist can be a jerk and call it art. Emily: <<<Talbot's ripped ear Well, she's concentrating hard, but her ear sure looks like she needs to go home and nurse it. Glad I saw the ear first.>>> You complained about the lack of a rim light on my eagle - the lion has a nice one under her chin. Craig Heinz: <<<OK, so you grunted and squeezed out another Gallery submission. I have to wonder...what was the point of this? I will admit that after seeing and appreciating so much of your work in the past, I'm left more than a little disappointed. Surely someone of your caliber has a better image to submit? I am looking forward to seeing new examples of your more typical work. Subject matter notwithstanding, composition was excellent; lighting and exposure are spot-on.>>> OK, compliment and slam at once. BWOE ... The gallery is not just about "best" its about exploring. I don't know why I took the picture - it just happened while I was panning on the pride. It's not a shot I've seen anywhere else .... that's about it really. Gregory: <<A lady? Perhaps to her friends in the pride. But to me, she should take such actions inside. Although its all natural, and done by us all, I prefer bowel movements, to be done in a stall.>> Very poetic ... what did the grafiti used to say in the stall? "Here I sit, broken hearted, paid a dime, only farted" Marilyn: <<Lion number two: Ummm - I'm not too sure what to think about this photograph. It's well done, in focus, nicely exposed, composed and framed. I like the detail in the lion's coat and the softness of the grasses around her - but, uh - what can I say?>> Marilyn stumped for words ... priceless! OK, nothing original next time: I can take the hint. My next submission (with Andy already) will be a simple nature abstract ... Bob
