Abstract Patterns and Pleasures

A photographic experiment without the “Whip It”

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Our four-day hiking adventure in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, had come to an end. It was time to go home. We planned a one day stop in Frederick, Maryland. A small side exploration of a little town minutes from Washington DC.

We often plan these side excursions as an added bonus to our trips.

Recently, I read/saw a story by Rodrigo S-C about his fun day of minimalist photography at his favorite pizza place. It was inspiring.

I take a lot of photos. Mostly nature, people, and the like. Rarely do I take still life. So, with Rodrigo's inspiration in mind. I decided to take some minimalist and abstract photos during this next stop.

Visiting various shops and restaurants on the town's Main Street, I was able to capture some of the simple local flair with explinations of what my feeling was for each.

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The way the light was softly coming through the window and gently washing through these goblets.

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This big bowl of old matchbooks brought back memories of the ‘70s and hitting the clubs. I used to have a similar collection back in the day.

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A very organized retailer. The pattern of the pastel colors caught my eye.

This vibrant shop had everything! Tobacco, CBD, Vapes, Glass, Sneakers, Pizza, Rolling Papers, Chips, and Soda — if you can think of it, they sell it. Too bad I don’t smoke; I could have enjoyed a bit of paradise there.

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I was very amused by these pastas and how they depicted different hair textures of a blond, brunette, and redhead.

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The candle wall. A contrast of patterns, round candle ends against the rectangular holders that trap them in overcrowded cells. Until a buyer unexpectedly frees a lucky one. This design would make an excellent quilt print.

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Various provisions, all in a row. Repetition in commerce.

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A playful entrance to the Cheese Shop that feels like a mystery spot. The door resembles Cheddar!

Hand painted bowls. Photo by author

Patterns. Hand painted, they look like an artistic salad garden.

Walkway off Main Street. Photo by author

This walkway almost draws you in, making you want to see what's at the other end.

Ceramic fruit baskets. Photo by author

These ceramic fruit containers take what we see every day at the supermarket and turn them into art with a practical purpose.

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Two doors down from the record shop. A great color palette. This reminded me of something you would see in an animated feature.

“We are Devo.” Photo by author

This last one is just for fun, from a Thai-infusion restaurant. I texted it to our friends with the caption, “Linda demanded that her soup be served in a Devo hat.”

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Everyday objects outside their usual context can become art in their own right. It’s all how you look at it.

Though I don't think any of these photos are groundbreaking, with a little imagination and an eye for detail, you can find surprising patterns and beauty wherever you look.

It’s all how you look at it. Thanks Rodrigo S-C for the inspiration. My nature photos to be published soon.

Thanks for reading.

[embed]My 2025 Story In Pictures A January challenge in Februarymedium.com