My entry to the Proof of Brain Photo Contest - Patterns.
Heavily cracked paintwork on a school crossing sign combining nicely with the yellowing of what was probably once much brighter paint
Weathering can produce some lovely patterns on urban surfaces. The cracked paintwork on this school crossing sign in Petchaburi, Thailand, being a good example. The thing I love about natural patterns is that they have the repetition that creates a pattern but they also have a lot of variation. All the shapes created by the cracks in the photo above are similar but every single one of them is unique. In contrast, most man-made patterns are more simplistic repetitions, which can still be lovely of course but lack the subtle differences that can transfix your gaze and encourage your eye to explore.
And these weathered patterns as all over our towns and cities waiting to be admired. Here are some more I found in Thailand.
Finer cracked network on a strangely empty sign-board that was perhaps left to become its own art-piece
Even finer crack detail on a toilet sign where the vague figures are only visible thanks to the differences of how the paint has cracked
Cracked and worn paint on a large wooden temple bell that gets weathered by daily use
Rust and rain at work on an old metal storage container
Rust and cracked paintwork working together on an old train engine used as an outdoor display at a restaurant
Lovely twig-like cracks in the thick paint of a vintage car at the same restaurant
A smoothed concrete wall where the abstract weathered pattern is actually a deliberate part of the design
