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Artist • Photographer • Graphic Designer • Illustrator • Typographer • Teacher • Creating effective visual messages since 1965

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Life, as we knew it, vanishing before our eyes.

by imagist on February 16, 2009

“As a fledgling street photographer strolling up and down the streets of cities, I quickly became aware of Time and its erosive power. …for it seemed to me that what was about to vanish was important and irreplaceable, and frankly, I wanted my photographs to offer, in some manner, the power of resuscitation. Actually, I still do, though I no longer believe that photographs can prevent the homely past from being plowed under; rather, I believe that photographs – especially good photographs that compel our interest – help us to remember; and even more importantly, they help us to decide what is worth remembering.” — John RosenthalExhibition lecture, National Humanities Center

Mr. Rosenthal expresses my own feelings as I walked a once vibrant, commercial street this past Sunday; and this, surrounded by an upscale, residential, neighborhood. Forty percent of the commercial buildings now stand empty; some for years. The fashion boutique shops – some gone; one remains; yet, looking shabbier with each visit. The independent coffee shop and a chain restaurant – long gone. A food market, hardware store, one upscale restaurant and a movie theatre hang on. The independent bookseller struggles to survive under new management.

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{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }

Bill Larsen February 16, 2009 at 11:02 pm

The independent coffee shop is what really bothers me. Last spring after I retired, we took a trip across the U.S. from Terra Bella, California to Crisfield, ME… then into upstate New York (Dirty Dancing always interested my fancy). During the trip I tried to identify the “independent coffee shops/cafes” where community leaders might meet. We still have them in this area… but in much of the country they are gone. BTW, really enjoy your blog.

Regards, Bill Larsen

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