Category: Thoughts
2006
Shot in 35mm film on my Minolta X700 12 years ago, before I started this photoblog. Film still seems to have a richness that is lacking in digital.
Two Properties
These two properties are less than a block from each other. Tale of two houses/living spaces. Behind the large tree is an actual house that’s appears to be occupied.
Note: I’m posting this from my iPad. I’m trying to resolve an issue on my MacBook. It currently is not allowing WordPress to access my photos. Posting from an iPad is slow and a pain in the …
SODO
Link light rail train heading into the SODO station, in a northerly direction. SODO translates to South of the Dome, a domed stadium that was demo’d years ago to make way for the stadium that is home to the Seahawks and Sounders. Maybe it’s time to rename this light industrial area south of downtown Seattle?
Fire Hydrants across the U.S.
Seattle, Portland, NYC and Wyoming. Clockwise from upper left:
Red= Gowanus, Brooklyn
Silver w/orange ring: South Park, Seattle.
Tall, crusty one with white ring: Lower East Side, Manhattan.
Red and Yellow: Portland, OR.
Yellow with blue top: Rock Springs, WYO.
Tri-color: Portland, OR.
Have a hydracious day!!
Along the Tracks (Con’t.)
One of the questions that comes to mind, when viewing and shooting street art is: what does this say about our society/culture? Some people view it as vandalism while others view it as a form of contemporary art. Because the palette is in or near a public space does that change the dynamics? Or. like the images I have been presenting, are mostly out of the view of the public, but on a BNSF railway right of way does that change things? To get this space both the artist and I have to trespass across those railroad tracks. The palette in these works is just a retaining wall, so maybe the work enhances the large, drab concrete space?
I guess it begs the age old question: What is art?
We all have to answer that for ourselves, I guess.
Change of Pace
Ending today with a song.
Current Song
Just a quick note: If you scroll down my page, on the lower, right side there is a banner called ‘Current Song’. The set of songs are written, performed and recorded by my son. Very relaxing to listen to if you need a moment to relax.
South Park Changes
The Port of Seattle owns a stretch of land that was once private residences. It’s referred to Pier 117, but there is no pier and the small green space they created was mainly for a large rain garden to keep street runoff out of the Duwamish River. The black and white image, in the foreground, was where two, ramshackle, abandoned houses were located. I have a photo of them somewhere in my archives. They ( the Port) left the two cement pads that the houses were sitting on, for some reason. There is a walking path the length of this ‘park’.
Across the river is I think an abandoned factory, perhaps the old Kenworth plant. Not totally sure. Again, this is the oldest EPA Superfund site in the US.
Across the street from the park is Coffee Umbria, a coffee roaster, etc. Apparently razor wire is needed to protect the business. This particular section of South Park is pretty sketchy, so I understand. I am always on guard and don’t stay in the area very long when I shoot there.
Cruising by Downtown Seattle
Before the Alaskan Way Viaduct is torn down ( within a year or so) I thought I should get some more photos from the perspective of the Viaduct. Shots like these will be impossible once the demo starts.
Heading into Seattle
From a car.
Finding a way to shoot with a broken foot.
Bike Program
One of three companies running bike share programs in Seattle ( actually, more like bike rental, I guess). A consequence of these three companies business plan, bikes littering parks, sidewalks and basically anywhere someone decides they no longer need to ride.
When Citibike failed financially in Seattle, (of course) that would be a sign that three other companies could succeed in the wake of their failure. Other than rent bikes by the hour and leave them wherever your hour takes you, I have no idea what their business plan is or why three companies were granted the right to litter parking strips, bus stops and scenic parks ( as above ) on Beach Drive in West Seattle?
Blowin’ in the Wind
Just a few blocks from our house this view presents itself. This view is looking southwest along Marine View Drive and Puget Sound. When I took daily walks I would walk along this section of Marine View Drive. One of the perks of living where we do; just a few minutes walk from a pretty cool view. Hasn’t changed much in the 60 years I have lived in Arbor Heights.
Cain Bolt and Gasket
Aug. 1955. Me fishing on the Duwamsh River.
I’ve been exploring the South Park area of Seattle on Sundays for 10+ years. It’s a unique mix of light industry and residential that hugs the Duwamish River on the East and the hills, that lead to White Center, on the West. It’s a gritty step back in time. Slowly most of the scrap metal businesses have been shut down, closed or the land sold. In time this area will probably look like many other gentrified neighborhoods, but it will be a slower transition here so it is fun to explore and document what is there now.
When I was four years old I actually lived in South Park for about a year before my parents moved. We lived very close to the river. I have a photo of myself at that age ‘fishing’ on the Duwamish River near our apartment. I think I have posted it, but if not I can do that. One of the few photos of me from my childhood ( see above -I found the image). For some reason I keep coming back to this area of Seattle.
Fall Images (con’t.)
The palm tree is actually right across the street from the “Palette” image in the previous post. A little bit of everything here in the Pacific NW, I guess. The wildflower is from the Duwamish River area and the other two images are from our neighborhood here in Arbor Heights, West Seattle.
Friday Fun
This could be my autobiography :-). It’s actually a really good childrens book. Highly recommend this title.
Exploring
Two of our grandchildren exploring the beach at Jack Block Park on Elliott Bay in Seattle. Although the water was frigid they did wade in for a brief moment :-). Today they are back in school with the rest of the Seattle students. I had a fun summer watching them. although a bit crazy at times. Madeleine starts the 4th grade and Adam first grade. Seem like not so long ago I was changing their diapers!
Along the Soon to be Extinct Viaduct
Looking southward along SR99 along the waterfront in Seattle. The Wheel, a few piers and CenturyLink Field in the background. Just behind CenturyLink Field is Mt. Rainier.
F-22
Yesterday one of my brothers in law took us out on Lake Washington on his 50′ yacht. Pretty amazing experience. Before the Blue Angels practiced, this F-22 did some fly-bys. Pretty amazing aircraft, as it can almost hover.
We are experiencing smoke from the wildfires in British Columbia, to our north. The photos I will post following this post will show you how smoky it has been this week; kind of looks like 1970’s Los Angeles, no offense to LA.
Also, I didn’t take my camera bag with me on the yacht, but just my camera and a portrait lens. I wasn’t able to get the best shots with this lens, even extended all the way out. There were about 22 of my wife’s family on board the yacht, a 50′ Bayliner that is equipped beyond what I could do justice describing.
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