![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/86bf1c_c2fab98fbf324347838771d1e0d9c1c1~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_103,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/86bf1c_c2fab98fbf324347838771d1e0d9c1c1~mv2.jpg)
When I applied the ole Kaleidoscope filter to one of my favourite photos, "Nesting" (below), this very satisfying black-and-white, graphic, almost tribal pattern emerged. I thought, "Ah ha! I can do something with this."
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/86bf1c_309432ecb7fb44d183b78beb318e96d4~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_147,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/86bf1c_309432ecb7fb44d183b78beb318e96d4~mv2.jpg)
About the original photo. This was taken, of course, during the Great Big Trip of 2005, during a visit to Hasard de Cheratte, an abandoned coal mine near Liege, Belgium. The first shaft was dug in 1850, but it sounds like it didn't really get going until 1907. I should write a post devoted to just this visit, because it really was extraordinary.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a27d24_7e2afb69d865497784c356b8f3511fda~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_174,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/a27d24_7e2afb69d865497784c356b8f3511fda~mv2.jpg)
Because I was interested in manipulating the braided cable part of the photo only, I cropped it out. Then, because the resulting canvas was too skinny, I mirrored it. Looking at the above image, I'd have to say that just that simple manipulation produced a very strong piece. It puts me in mind of a cow skull, or perhaps an alien overlord.
Below are examples of further manipulation. I like the next one the best. Thirteen points, baby!
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/86bf1c_efdf708b17ac481f999ede1d6167ea62~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_145,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/86bf1c_efdf708b17ac481f999ede1d6167ea62~mv2.jpg)
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/86bf1c_97383d1fe43e4006badd6d1e09134f00~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_145,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/86bf1c_97383d1fe43e4006badd6d1e09134f00~mv2.jpg)
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/86bf1c_2af64f2baf094b559065b41540344ccd~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_145,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/86bf1c_2af64f2baf094b559065b41540344ccd~mv2.jpg)
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/86bf1c_026808a7f0474ff7a070337acb4a3867~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_174,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/86bf1c_026808a7f0474ff7a070337acb4a3867~mv2.jpg)
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/86bf1c_46fea996baeb4b038af2808a8afa4d20~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_174,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/86bf1c_46fea996baeb4b038af2808a8afa4d20~mv2.jpg)