What do manhole cover designers and green ogres have in common?

They share an infatuation with patterns of concentric circles.

In "Shrek1" the belligerent green monster tried to explain his "essence" to the talking donkey "...Ogres are like onions...", but the donkey wasn't accepting any of that crap.

With the manhole cover one can see a pathway for the Ant....gaining wisdom and enlightenment as it makes its way across the ridges of dross and baggage...eventually arriving at a perfect state as it stands inside the innermost circle...

Aahh...the games we play to try to give substance and meaning to our lives...

This is a beautiful image, VZ...one of my favourites in your excellent portfolio.

VZ: The Ant has two choices to get to the source of enlightment, Ray. One that you described, sweating across the ridges to the innermost circle. The other one is to move conveniently along the groove in a hope to get to the center one day. We have the same choices all the time, don't we?

Line upon hypnotic line
draws me closer and closer
to the apex
of the plumber's crack

VZ: I want you to remember, once you get there
You can't get out as squeaky clean
As when you entered.

You can be as philiosphical as you like, but I think this is an excellently lit abstract with texture

VZ: Sure, it's up to us to be philosophical or not. One can pick up a straw and blow a melody out of it. The other will step on it and keep walking.

I'm with Nigel...we are very down to earth us westcountry folk

VZ: Sorry Bill, you and Nig maybe down to earth folks, but what can be closer to earth than me, lying on the ground with my nose into the manhole?

And us wot like films think of '2001 A Space Odessy'. Very impressive. Like it a lot.

VZ: A cosmic manhole. That's an interesting way to look at this, Jamoula.

A fascinating abstract- geometrical pic with a -may be- deeeper symbolic meaning (look at the labyrinths in the Christian art, but there is an entrance to the centre!).- I like how the eyes are magically tracted to the centre and then are ready to fly away to an other point/centre (which cannot be seen). This impression may be caused by your original perspective or the position of the 'eye-catcher' on the left side above. A pic about attraction and removal!

VZ: The symbolic meaning of any art is up to a viewer's imagination, Philine. Some might see here the Christian labirints, others see the cosmic circles, while the third ones see a plumber's crack... The world is truly multifaceted.

Like and optical illusion.
Really nice!

VZ: it could well be an illusion, if you want it to be, Nadine.

This is an excellent shot. I am a big fan of the Zen of Plumbing all of a sudden. Very good idea and striking composition.

VZ: Hahaha. In this case, Martin, I have to knight you into the Orden of Plumbers (please don't confuse with Masons, Illuminaties and so on). From now on, you are a Free Plumber.

Excellent work VZ. This image does have a hypnotic vibe to it. Very unique abstract.

VZ: Don't fall into a hypnotic trance, Daren, as I have no idea how to wake you up back to reality.

I have been reading the comments and replies,
If the centre was our goal for life, do I want to cross all the obstacles in one time in a straight way....or do I keep going in circles and wait for the right opportunity to take an obstacle one at the time...for me Viktor.....I would take a few in a row and than relax and think it over and than move on to the next obstacle to take.
It is a likey to me, great lighting, great picture.

VZ: Whatever works for you, Astrid. That's why there is a difference between a sheep and a human being. Got to make your own choice each time, dear. Screw the leaders.

technically sound shot viktor

enter the twilight zone (humming the eerie tune)

VZ: ...I'm still humming, doc.

Oh i love this. I have the same fascination with light and form and linear patterns. I'm glad someone else has the same eye for beauty in normal everyday things as I do - makes me feel less weird.

great work here, beautifully composed, lovely lighting and the pattern is just wicked!

L x

VZ: Depends how to look at this, dear. Either it makes you less weird, or it makes two weirdos out of us. Hahahaha.

First thought: "I wonder how it sounds like..."

I find this to be really cool... great light and shadows...

VZ: I think Doc asnwered your question, Nauras. "It sounds technical", he said.

A splendid and enigmatic image;

VZ: Splendid and Enigmatic in the same box! Cool.

Great shot!!. Beautiful framing.

VZ: My pleasure, Yago.

I refuse to comment ... I'll just keep on staring...
( this must be one of the best graphic results I've ever seen-this is not a comment!!)

VZ: Well, I'm a patient man, dear. I'll wait till you stop staring and your brain regains the ability to think. I'm sure it will produce a word of wisdom.

Nice pictures and very nice photoblog.

VZ: my pleasure, emil
Nice to know you enjoyed the Nostalgia experience