This is an interior shot of the Sagrada Familia or “sacred family” cathedral in Barcelona. It is one of the great works of the design genius Antonio Gaudi, and has literally become the symbol of an entire country. You may remember during the ’92 summer olympics in Barcelona one of the logo’s used in the Spanish advertisements was a caricature of the signature front facade of the building. The project was begun in 1882 (that’s right, almost 120 years ago)- and will not be completed for another 15 years. On a visit to Barcelona a few years ago, I could not stop going back to this place- perhaps 4 or 5 times, but still was unable to fathom how such a complex and truly organic thing could be conceived AND constructed. I have a wonderful print of Gaudi’s soaring exterior spires in my home that inspires me each day to do my best work- and is humbling at the same time. Though his work is inexplicable, when asked what he used for his inspiration, Gaudi remarked “the tree outside my studio tells me all I need to know“. When you look at his dizzying interiors, you may be able to tell something of their conversations.
© 2010 Jeff
