Tai Kung Lu

Photo by Robert Petril

I took this very simple photo (above) a few years ago in Shanghai. At that time, it symbolized change or transition to me. I loved the contrast of these two walls coming together. It seemed to fit how I felt about my own life path. I was well into my transitional journey through the world of design and creating things inspired by my own unique visions.

These walls are located in a back alley near a place I loved and frequented when I was living there. A street called Tai Kung Lu. A place where you can find many artist's studios, outdoor cafes, quaint little restaurants, and boutiques. It was one of my favorite inspirational hangouts.

Tai Kung Lu (Photo by Robert Petril)

I can remember so many days there dreaming about where I wanted my life path to lead. I was doing what I loved, but I still felt that part of me was stuck in a different life. Like I really didn't belong there, and my dream was reaching towards nothing but more uncertainty. Yet the urge to continue reaching has never diminished. And today I know exactly where it was all leading.

 
Back to the photo at the top. While the contrast of the two walls coming together is so beautiful, the stucco represented the norm or the way everyone says things should be. The brick on the other hand displays a wonder of texture, depth, variance, and contrast within itself. It's much more beautiful to me. The multitude of flaws make it feel much more authentic than the stucco to the left.

Tai Kung Lu (Photo by Robert Petril)

I'm so grateful that I saved this very simple photo in my collection. I feel I was guided to save it and use it today. I'm on the verge of realizing some really important dreams. Ones that I fought through so much negative feedback, uncertainly, and sacrifice to achieve. And most recently I've met the love of my life. A person beyond all my dreams. Now I know why I saved this photo. It's the perfect canvas for those life wisdom quotes...

Click photo to enlarge