Abstract Driving by Michael Grace-Martin

In late 2010, I discovered that one of my digital cameras takes fascinating photos from a moving car. In my Abstract Driving series, I feature some of the more interesting ones taken after nightfall. There is quite a range of abstraction presented here, from fairly clearly identifiable objects and settings to dramatic colors and shapes that are anyone’s guess. None of these shapes or patterns was created intentionally by shaking or in any other way moving the camera; they just came out this way while trying to take snapshots out/through the car window.

The thing I really like about these images is how they so casually lead the eye and the mind to take perceptual journeys that sort of evolve into metaphysical or spiritual journeys. It seems to have something to do with the natural emergence of the questions “what”, “how” and even “why” that occur when viewing them. These images are “naturally occurring” based on principled interactions among physical laws. So, they’re by-products of nature; yet visually, they seem to indicate another world or aspect of the world beyond our normal everyday perception.

Taking photos of this sort is completely new for me and was born out of keeping myself entertained on a relatively long car trip. I found the results so inherently compelling, though, that I’ve continued pursuing it more seriously.