Stopped for a few groceries and found this in the market parking lot. Some vehicle designs simply take one’s breath away. The Shelby Cobra qualifies as one of them. And this Excalibur variation on that theme actually does better. Something about the the added length and width makes a classic even lovelier.
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Mary Kelly called and said we needed a birthday celebration invitation; and in a few weeks we had this delightful album invitation off the press and in the mail. Then of course we celebrated with Mary.
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beneath the lid
of the recycling bin for steel cans
this fellow
builds a condo project
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Sonny Carter, over on the Leica User Group (LUG), began a tradition some many years ago. He decided that Fridays were for flowers. And he’s provided flower photographs to the list every Friday ever since. Over time other members have added to the LUG’s Friday flower bouquet. Ric Carter contributes steadily; as does Philippe Amard.
Only occasionally do I contribute. Always thought dandelions quite lovely — don’t even know if weeds count as flowers; often I can’t tell the difference between a weed and flower. Maybe this one should be on Wednesday weeds rather than Friday flowers. A minute ago Ric Carter informed me that Mr. Pollock in agriculture class back in Gates County High School said “A rose is a weed, if it’s in your peanut patch.”
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Last friday I also contemplated some flowers
with more views of these in a slide show here
“Photography is universal language; it doesn’t need translation. Its collective memory is a mirror in which our society continually observes itself…” — Sebastiao Salgado
“Memory is deceptive because it is colored by today’s events.” — Albert Einstein
This memorial contains, among other things, what looks to me a WWII sailor’s uniform. The memorial remains up for most of the year. This home, with its strong visual commitment to memory and national colors, stands uniquely within a working class neighborhood. Additional views can be seen in a slide show here.
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A couple days ago
the following poetograph arrived,
uninvited, to my mind:
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I announced its viewability on twitter and received a request for a poetic collaboration from Parasputin.
I went to his site and reviewed the last year’s work; the following poem struck my visual mind:
I must say that these twitterized collaborations truly hold promise for international, creative communications — let’s keep them alive and healthy.
“Photographers may be concerned, conceptual, confrontational, candid, casual, constructing, but what is important is that they have a point of view.” – John Loengard, Pictures under discussion by John Loengard
“Taking photographs, taking candid photographs, means that the photographer is an invisible man. Whereas there is still a feeling that in having a photograph taken there is loss of face: something of the soul is gone.” – Bruce Davidson – talking on Beautiful Beautiful, a BBC film shown on 5 October 1969 [cited in: Creative Camera February 1970, p. 41]
“My pictures are not escapes from reality, but a contemplation of reality, so that I can experience life in a deeper way.” – Bruce Davidson – 1968 [cited in: Creative Camera April 1970, p. 104]
Grandfather’s point of view
after applying scissors and pencil
to paper
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About a month ago a number of LUG (Leica User Group) members thought it worthwhile to take on an occasional “assignment.” This group of both amateur and professional photographers, from around the world, will bring an interesting international flavor to any topic. I’ve posted a list of contributors with links to their contributions here.
So here’s my first take on the LUG Assignment for March “Document the effects of the worldwide economic downturn, as you see it unfolding, in your city, town, village, social group or family.” (the link will take you to a pdf for viewing or download)
This, my “first take,” does not feel complete. I don’t feel that I’ve gotten into the subject as deeply as I’d like. It still feels like a work in progress. The deadline, for me, has moved from March 31 to “whenever it’s finished.” I’ll continue to work this subject; meet and interview people; observe new evidence of the condition of our local economy; whether improving or declining.
If you have a story to tell and live in the Greater Milwaukee area (Milwaukee and Ozaukee counties). I’d like to talk to you. Drop me line.
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My friend, David White, introduced me to twitter. As a web designer and marketing consultant I felt a need to know; to keep up with trends. I began following people that David followed; and posted my first brief message on November 22nd, 2008. It took a lot of time to read what seemed banal and/or narcissistic 140 character messages from people I didn’t really know. Occasionally someone would post a link to a web site or blog which actually had value to me or my business. Mostly I read messages about the value of twittering and social media as marketing and PR tools. It seemed strange; sort of like people calling each other on their phones and constantly talking about how the telephone is a great tool for marketing and PR; or handing out flyers which state over and over again that flyers are great marketing and PR tools. Obviously I wasn’t following the right people. Another crazy thing: we’re only seeing one side of conversations. You have to follow the people that those you follow talk to in order to receive the whole conversation; such as it is. This all feels quite tedious. And for what? An occasional useful link or bit of knowledge.
Then there’s my little messages going out there with links to my work or blog posts. Most times I get no response. I have no idea if anyone found it useful or interesting. Feels quite weird. However, lately I’ve found myself finding and following filmmakers, designers, artists and musicians; as well as buddhists and zen practitioners. And things have become more interesting; at least for my sensibility. All of a sudden I began to receive some positive feedback and participate in conversations which I can actually relate to.
Last week I created a new web page-site poetographs.com to post work which puts words into a graphic context that, hopefully, enhances meaning. I put the link out on twitter and received a number of retweets (RT). Bing Futch, a beautiful and generous musician, responded and RT’d the link. I had some poetographs from back in 2004 which I wanted to resurrect as a series. I put them into a movie form and sent the link to Bing. Within 24 hours Bing returned a link with sound added to the movie. Now that’s gold my friends. Perhaps a small nugget. But solid gold nonetheless. Here’s our collaboration. Thank you Bing. Strange as it seems; thank you twitter; I get it.
Last Thursday I went to hear Buckwheat Zydeco at Turner Hall; in an attempt to warm up a bit; and also get in synch with our friends in NOLA. Didn’t quite work out. As a huge Clifton Chenier fan I’ve been watching Buckwheat for the past decades; hoping he may pickup where Clifton left off.
Alas, not yet. Buckwheat never seemed to hit the groove at Turner Hall. Although a fair number in the audience got to their feet, created their own heat and found their own groove.
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