Blog Archives
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.
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?
Untitled for Sunday
Since I am still in a boot due to a foot fracture, recovering from broken ribs and some other skeletal issues I have taken some time to look at some older images to see if they can be re-edited, etc. , such as this image. Actually am going to go out this morning with my camera and see how things go.
Hope everyone has a good Sunday!
Friday Fun
This could be my autobiography :-). It’s actually a really good childrens book. Highly recommend this title.
Some Bluestar2012 Stats
As promised, some blog stats:
Posts: 3,203
Visitors: 7,646
Total Visits: 28,328
Followers: 468
I have no reference point, so don’t know if these stats are meaningful.
Thanks to all of you are make up some part of these stats!!!
Very humbling.
Where are You?
In todays world it seems easy to connect/reconnect. Saw this guy texting on the cobblestone streets of DUMBO, in Brooklyn. After a few minutes of standing alone the gentleman was reconnected with his companion.
House on the Hill: Update
In March of 2016 I posted a couple of photos of an abandoned house in the South Park neighborhood of South Seattle, near where I live. I resisted the location this past week and you can see the ‘changes’ that have taken place in less than a year. I couldn’t get in the house in March as it had about 3-4 feet of debris in each room-who knows what was in that mess? Now, the house has suffered a major fire ( arson, most likely) and it is mostly a charred ruin. The lot it sits on has been cleaned of dead cars and all sorts of other trash and is now barricaded off with huge cement blocks and cable. At one time this house had a great territorial view and was probably someones pride and joy.
End of Year
Best wishes to all who take the time to stop by my blogs!
One of my fellow bloggers ( and follower for years!) in Seattle did a post today that mentioned both of my blogging efforts. Thanks so much, Wedgewood in Seattle!! The blog is centered around the Wedgewood area of Seattle, historically and contemporarily. Great blog with all sort of information.
Locally, I seem to cover two neighborhoods in South Seattle that I am fascinated with; South Park and Georgetown. Neighborhoods change so fast. When I first started documenting, through my lens, I had a feeling these two neighborhoods were on the cusp of change. I felt someone had to document the old buildings, bridges, street art, etc. I’m so glad I did as I now have a record of ‘what was’. Maybe someday this archive of images will be interesting to someone doing research on the two neighborhoods. Seattle, in my opinion, doesn’t do enough to restore and hold onto its past; developers swoop in, demo beautiful brick buildings and put up a ‘mixed use’ structure of glass and steel.
My last op-ed for 2016 :-).
Wishing all a happy and healthy 2017!!!!
Coney Island/Stillwell Ave. Station
This station is the end of the F and G lines. Subway trains pull inside the large covered area and then proceed to head out in the opposite direction. The station actually faces Surf Ave. but for whatever reason, it is named Stillwell Ave. Station. I think the station got a major facelift a few years ago. Stillwell Ave. may be the street on the left ( as you look at this image) of the Station. I have entered and exited from both sides and they both work just fine, however more shops can be seen if you enter via Surf Ave. You can imagine the throngs of people heading to the beach in the summer, cascading out of the two exits. In October it is deserted, aside from a few odd travelers such as myself :-).
In Distress
Gowanus Canal: Two ways of looking at the Superfund Site.
The Gowanus Canal can be a very picturesque place or, depending on the light and your vantage point, it can be a pretty sketchy place with an aroma you will never forget.
