Chris Atkinson

The slithering snake found its place on the stone, where it waited a long while for its sins to atone.

Something that I'd never spotted before when doing a walk through some old estate woods was this interesting carving of a snake on a small rock outcrop above the path. Quite often in estate woods attached to a hall (or large house) there was a tendency to create hidden surprises for the passing people out for a gentle perambulation - these surprises could include viewing points, grottos, temples/gazebos, and of course carvings like this. Probably hidden by vegetation for a long time, now it's got its chance to keep an eye out for some prey!

A view looking up from Newcastle Quayside of the old Turnbull warehouse with modern flats in front

The famous bridges of Newcastle Gateshead in north east England are an iconic image the world over. Here the arching curve of the Tyne Bridge, on the right, is mirrored by the simuous curves of the Sage Gateshead music centre roofline, while the setting sun casts its wonderful relections into the river. The Sage Gateshead music Centre, designed by Norman Foster and Partners, has three self-contained music halls contained by the large roof that covers also the public spaces within the building.

The famous bridges of Newcastle Gateshead in north east England are an iconic image the world over. Here the arching curve of the Tyne Bridge, is reflected in the glazed frontage of a small building, along with the wonderful colours of the setting sun.

The famous bridges of Newcastle Gateshead in north east England are an iconic image the world over. Here the arching curve of the Tyne Bridge, centre right, is mirrored by the simuous curves of the Sage Gateshead music centre roofline, while the setting sun casts its wonderful relections into the river. The Sage Gateshead music Centre, designed by Norman Foster and Partners, has three self-contained music halls contained by the large roof that covers also the public spaces within the building. Behind the Tyne Bridge can be seem the low Swing Bridge and the double level High Level Bridge.Beyond that is the Metro bridge and another road bridge.

The famous bridges of Newcastle Gateshead in north east England are an iconic image the world over. Here the arching curve of the Tyne Bridge in the distance, is mirrored by the large curve of the Millenium Bridge arch, while the setting sun casts its wonderful relections into the river. The Millenium Bridge is a pedestrian bridge that can tilt open to allow boats to pass underneath, hence its nicknames of the 'Blinking Eye' or 'Winking Eye' bridge. At night, as here, ever changing coloured lights will light up the white arch. On the left, south bank of the River Tyne stands the curvaceous roof of the Sage Gateshead music Centre, designed by Norman Foster and Partners.

The famous bridges of Newcastle Gateshead in north east England are an iconic image the world over. Here the arching curve of the Tyne Bridge, is reflected in the glazed frontage of a small building, along with the setting sun

The famous bridges of Newcastle Gateshead in north east England are an iconic image the world over. Here the arching curves of the High Level Bridge, with it railway on the upper deck and road on the lower, lead into the low red Swing Bridge, then the large green arch of the Tyne Bridge and into the distance with the white arch of the pedestrian Millenium Bridge sometimes known as the Blinking Eye Bridge as is rotates up to allow river traffic to pass underneath.

To all who share an interest in the arts, in photography, in life and all that is around us, and to those who place family and friendship high in their ideals, and to those who care, understand and are always there for you, I wish you all a very happy 2012

A photo artwork of an old doorway in Cahors, France. An old arched cart or carriage access has been filled in and a smaller door been added in, but the wonderful details that have been retained or add in, help retain a story of the history of this old archway.

In the eye of the artist there comes ideas and connections. Simplicity mixed with the joy of the English language and all of its different meanings for the same word. To some this is a rake that levels the sand in a golf course bunker. To others it is a feminine shape that can bring a different meaning to the word 'rake', and old fashioned, little used word but no less powerful in these modern times.