OCOTILLO CONCEPTS

we are amazing

2010-08-07T08:09:00.000-07:00

This morning, I was watching one of those blog webcasts on the net by a well-known and respected photographer, and was struck by one of the things he said. Basically, he said, and I agree with the statement, that people in general have become way more judgemental of others and more disparaging in their comments about their fellow humankind. Now, you may not agree with that perception, but I think it is more prevalent in these times because of the economy, the unrest and injustice that is so prevalent, and the rampant unwillingness to accept responsibility for one's own actions. People seem to be so quick to point the finger and say "they're" the problem...."they" started it... "they" should stop doing this or doing that.

And that reminded me of a photo shoot I was on this April where I noticed the grafitti in atleast two parts of town, reminding us that "I", "me", "you" are amazing. In this run-down part of town, these little message of hope were there for all to see and absorb. We are all amazing and capable of amazing things if we accept who we are and what we want to accomplish on this earth. Instead of pointing fingers and blaming others for a situation that is probably of our own making...let's start doing something about "it".

On another note, if someone could help me out with this, I'd appreciate it. The following image was elsewhere in town on an old run-down building. I couldn't figure out if the building was a funeral home, a church meeting place, a memorial. I can't find a solid definition of the word "velacion". It seems to be some kind of celebration, but of what, I don't know. The image just struck me as a piece of historical culture that apparently no longer has a place in today's society.

Getting Away

2010-07-19T06:52:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, I need to take a break. Not just a break from working, or thinking, but a physical break from my current surroundings. Just get away to a new, or sometimes even a familiar place, to shake up the mindset and start "seeing" things again.

Wupatki / Wukoki Ruins north of Flagstaff is just such a place for me. I feel a kinship to the land and the dwellings there. To stand on one of the high places, and look out across the land towards the painted desert on the horizon is simply breathtaking and puts everything in perspective. I am reminded that I am not the center of the universe, merely an integral part of it... and there is something reassuring and peaceful in that knowledge.

Fourth of July

2010-07-05T06:59:00.000-07:00

There's something about fireworks on the fourth of July that just brings out the little kid in everyone. From the time the show starts to the time it ends, the fireworks capture the fullest attention of your being. You follow the trail of the next rocket into the sky with the utmost concentration, not wanting to miss that magical moment when it reaches the top of it's heavenly climb and explodes in a wonder of color and shapes, followed closely by yet another. When the show finishes in a climax of color and explosions, you find yourself exhaling, almost like you've been holding your breath the whole time, and on the way home, you playback all that you saw in your mind's eye. Every year, we look forward to this celebration, and every year we go home with a smile on our face, and memories to carry with us.

Fay Canyon Sedona

2010-07-03T22:34:00.000-07:00

Went for a beautiful hike this morning. Wanted to get an early start to beat the summer heat, but didn't get on the trail until 9 am. I bumped into two groups of people on their way out, but thankfully, those were the only people I saw, until I was coming out of the canyon, some three hours later. I have been up Fay Canyon many times before, but had never been to the end of the canyon. I have been up to the natural arches high on the cliffs halfway up the trail. I have climbed up the lone stone sentinel at the fork in the canyon and looked in awe back down the canyon into Sedona. And I have followed the stream bed past and further up into the canyon, but always turned around before reaching the end. My goal this morning was to make it all the way to the end and climb up to the indian ruins that I had read were at the canyon's end.
When I got to the base of the canyon end, I looked up and saw what must be an awe-inspiring waterfall during a monsoon. The undercut cliff was huge and high, and in the undercut, maybe 200' above where I was standing, I could make out the ruins. I had arrived. The only sounds that I heard was the rustling of the leaves of the trees, and the song of the native cliff swallow. Climbing up, I stopped at the undercut and rested leaning against the cool rock and dissolved. Totally appreciating at that moment that we are all one.... being. It was so peaceful and welcoming to be there. I wandered around the rock face, touching, taking photographs, just breathing everything in until something happened that told me it was time to leave. As I was climbing up a rock face, an agave stabbed me in the leg and I started bleeding profusely. It brought me back to the reality that perhaps I was getting tired and not paying attention anymore. I finally stopped the bleeding and headed back down the slope and back into the canyon. By the time I reached the mouth of the canyon, I was sore, tired, thirsty, and hot. But for those three hours, I was able to completely immerse myself in the nature of being.

I'M BACK !! (not that I was really gone)

2010-06-25T15:50:00.000-07:00

So..... what's been going on ? I've been busy getting accepting into different juried shows around the country; received 1st and 2nd place awards at a juried show in Sedona; have been making new "friends" on facebook; am getting to know a really good friend in Michael Morris who is a very talented large format photographer and from whom I am constantly learning; and have made a few trips to the Taos New Mexico area. There, I have met numerous photographers whose work I very much respect.

So..... in the process of this activity, I have neglected this blog site into near oblivion ! No more... I am back. I am going to restart making regular posts and updates here, and provide links to information and photographers that I wish to share. So far, it has been a very busy year, photographically and personally. It is my intention that within a few months a clear direction will have been established, and I am very excited about the possibilities.

In the meantime, I have attached two images from my recent New Mexico travels. I hope you enjoy them.

Just out for a drive - ended up at Wupatki

2009-10-11T05:47:00.000-07:00

Just out enjoying the day at one of my most favorite places when I just want to get away and enjoy the grandeur and the quiet. Met up with a very interesting fellow from Connecticut in a porsche at Lomaki. He was driving a '91 Carrera 4 (all wheel drive) and having a great visit. When I caught up with him again at the Citadel, I had to snap this image of his porsche, and where he had parked. It's the little things that put a smile on my face.

In addition, thought I'd share some images from the day. Started out cloudy, but ended up with these great wispys in the blue sky. Lots of people around so I had to be patient, but in a place like this, that's easy to do.

Close encounter.......

2009-09-21T21:12:00.000-07:00

Just one word of advise..... mindfulness. Always be aware of your surroundings and where your feet are going next !

I startled this fellow while hiking on Mint Wash Trail around the backside of Granite Mountain. Needless to say, I was very thankful for the warning that he gave me before I got too close. Mind you, the 4 or 5 feet that I was away from him, I'm glad to say, wasn't too close for him. I immediately stopped, backed up, and went around him giving him a wide berth. Oddly, he didn't really move that much, so I actually had time to switch out lenses, and go back in for a few more shots. I know, maybe not the smartest thing to do, considering I was atleast a mile from civilization, but he was a beautiful creature !

At any rate, always keep your eyes open and your wits about you. I let my guard down, and almost paid dearly for it. It won't happen again.

Wandering continued.....

2009-08-30T08:51:00.000-07:00

..... and from Two Guns. An amazing place. I've got to look up the history of this place and see what happened. Maybe just the Interstate highway happened, and like most places on Route 66, just faded from lack of use and interest. Everyone became obsessed with getting "there" quicker, rather than simply enjoying the journey and the "in-betweens".

Wandering on Route 66

2009-08-29T22:20:00.000-07:00

It's always interesting to me how differently people see and relate to the same object. Take this image of the window, for example. I rather like the sharpness of the broken glass contrasting with start white border of stucco and the soft shades inside the room. My friend, Rich Charpentier of the Airstream Chronicles Continued...http://blog.richcharpentier.com/, however, saw the same image on a different day, in a different light, and came with a different interpretation. And I really like his, as well. But that's exactly what I mean, and I think it shows that photography truly is an art, just as painting, in that it doesn't always simply document reality, whatever that is ! It's about what happens inside and how that individual chooses to share that experience.

.... just my two cents worth !

The summer/monsoon/wildfire season

2009-06-30T18:50:00.000-07:00

Now that the monsoons have started, the wildfires can't be too far away. Happened to catch these guys at the Payson airport doing some maintenance and cleaning prior to the season. Hopefully, they won't have to be too busy this year. The Forest Service has been doing alot of clearing the forests of undergrowth, and controlled burns over the winter and spring, so we'll see what Mother Nature (and the moronic two-leggeds) have in store for us.

thinkTANK Photo

2009-06-25T14:54:00.000-07:00

".... and now, a word from our sponsor". At the risk of being too commercial, I just wanted to pass along a recommendation and an offer.

A couple months ago, I purchased from thinkTank, their digital holster 20 for my D200, and the lens changer 25 modular bag for my extra lens. After two months of hiking all over the place with these bags, I have to say I am very impressed. So impressed that I decided to become an affiliate of thinkTANK. What does that mean to you ? Well, if you are looking for some professional photographic bags for any use, consider thinkTANK, because ..... if you click on this link, http://www.thinktankphoto.com/affiliate (or the one in the sidebar), you will be directed to an affiliate page. You will see a box that says "enter code". If you enter my special code of AP-323, you will be entitled to a free camera bag, if your order totals $50 or over. Simple. From time to time, as a reminder, I will be posting any items of interest from thinkTANK, as well, whether it's a new bag, a new offer, or just some new photography news in general.

So.... there you have it. If you are considering a new camera bag, or lens bag, please consider thinkTANK.

Desert View after sunrise

2009-06-20T16:22:00.000-07:00

Got up early this morning and left at 3:30 am to get to the east entrance of the Grand Canyon. This weekend, "they" waived the $25 entrance fee, so I thought I would just take off and see what I could see.

It was raining all the way up, and very windy, but as you can see, some very dramatic skies could be found. It really was a nice drive, and getting there early, there was hardly anyone else walking around. I ventured out onto one of the promentories, and then explored some of the other lookout points. By the time I got back to Desert View, the parking lot was filling up, but I just had to go inside the watchtower and go up to the top. Just an incredible place.

Stopped at Wupatki on the way home and down through Oak Creek Canyon. Can't wait to process some more images. Stay tuned.

Just one of "those" walks

2009-06-14T08:01:00.001-07:00

Every now and then, I find it necessary to just get away from this sometimes crazy world for a couple hours, and do nothing but walk and soak up all that mother earth has to offer. Yesterday afternoon was one of those times, so I found myself walking through the rocks around willow lake in Prescott. As I walked down this little path at the base of this rock cliff, I came around a corner to find my own "private" lagoon. It literally was like walking through a door into another place. I must have spent a couple hours there, just exploring, enjoying the scampering lizards, and hundreds (probably thousands) of little blue dragonflys darting about.

By the time I got back to my car, I felt rejuvenated. I'm very thankful that I have a place so close that I can go to anytime I want and just get away. Every one should have a place like that to recharge their soul.

the obvious

2009-06-08T20:43:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, a photo presents itself such that a title, or even an explanation, is not even necessary. I think this would be one of those times.

New England vacation

2009-06-07T09:30:00.000-07:00

We just got back from a week vacation in vermont/new hampshire/maine, and had a great time. Visiting with family and friends, and seeing all the different shades of green and lots of water. But I'm pretty sure that I'll never move back there. I really feel at home in the wide open spaces of the southwest, not to mention all the sunshine and warm temps. Had to show this photo... this car pulled up to the restaurant where we had lunch in Damariscotta Maine with our very dear friends, Stephen and Priscilla. I call it my "everyday ride in the rain in Maine V12 $250,000 supercar". No, really. I love this image because this car is "driven"... not some garage queen that only comes out on sunny days, and then just to go around the block to keep the miles down, but still get alittle exercise, but not enough to increase depreciation !

Anyway, we did have a really good time, and hopefully will be going back again soon.

HDR is fun !

2009-05-17T17:56:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you just want to go out and warp the "normal" reality. Great day for a hike today.

the simple things

2009-05-17T10:34:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it really is just the simple things. Just wandering around the house the other day, trying different settings on the camera, I was just snapping whatever came into view. This image caught my eye and then I decided to play with it. Without getting too metaphysical, I find sometimes, just walking around with the camera in hand shifts my normal orientation of perception into more of the "now". If that makes sense. Some times we don't "see" things because of the repetition of always looking at them. That's one of the reasons why, when I go out shooting, I like to go to places I've been before, and see if I can consciously shift my perception of the sameness, and find something different to "see". Try it sometime. It's really amazing what new discoveries you can make.

Magic Bus

2009-05-10T21:18:00.000-07:00

It's always a treat, when you're hiking out in the middle of nowhere, in this case, being the cinderfields north of Flagstaff, and you come around a corner and see something totally incongruous. Like this bus. Why was it there ? How did it get there ? How long has it been there? Are the owners still around ... or even alive ? It's not that it's especially old, as in antique. It's not like a lot of other vehicles that you find out in the wild....shot full of holes for target practice. It's just parked there, like someone was coming back for it, some day.

At any rate, it did put a smile on my face.

Classics

2009-04-15T16:49:00.000-07:00

Can you tell that I'm thinking about a series on old classic american cars (and their owners)? Maybe it's just that I want to relive those much simpler and slower times. I saw an interview with Ron Howard last night and he said that there really wasn't a Mayberry. Well, I'm not going to argue with "Opie", but if the town I grew up in wasn't just like Mayberry, it sure was really close to it. Everyone knew eachother (by first name), house and car doors were never locked, and grade school kids could safely walk the two miles home from school. Things were built to last, and craftsmen took pride in their work. And . . . . I really like old cars. Besides the "Big Three", there were Desoto, Hudson, Packard, Allard, LaSalle, Studebaker, and a host of other independent manufacturers. Talk about American originality !

Oh well, I'm still working out the details. More later.

Shiny

2009-04-13T19:33:00.000-07:00

There's just something about a vintage ZR1 corvette engine done in chrome. The combination of curves and angles and wires . . . . and how it all comes together as a finely tuned machine is a fine piece of art. Art that is not only pleasing to the eye, but also performs a function, like a mechanical swiss clock. When you see something like this, you just have to step back, take a breath, and smile.

Springtime in Arizona

2009-04-12T19:28:00.000-07:00

For those of you who don't know . . . . this is an ocotillo in full bloom ! Beautiful isn't it ? This one stands about 8 feet tall. Spring in the desert, especially a wet Spring, really brings out the colors like you wouldn't expect.

So, now you know what an ocotillo is, and what it looks like. Hope you get to see it in person sometime.

Experimentation

2009-04-11T19:52:00.000-07:00

Don't you love discovering something new. I found some software that I started playing with, and really like the effects I'm getting. It doesn't work on all types of images, but some of the shots just come alive after using this software. It's like looking at the world through new eyes. Sometimes, things can get alittle stale, or you get stuck in a rut because you keep doing the same thing, or become so set in your ways, that you think all your images should evoke a certain style because "you" did them. Well, with this software, it's like every picture is Christmas morning. It's such a wonderful surprise everytime you tweak it one way or the other. It's really keeping things fresh for me. I think I'll try to use that attitude in my every day living. Like every morning I wake up with some new software to try out and see the day in a different light. Might be interesting.

Confirmations

2009-03-29T19:52:00.000-07:00

It's always great when providence, spirit, karma, whatever you want to call it, gives you a message where and when you least expect it. Pearl and I were out exploring again today at someplace new north of Paulden, and found ourselves in a dry creek bed of lava rock doing what we do best, wandering, when we walked through a tunnel and on the other side, discovered some great colorful graffiti. Now I understand graffiti is vandalism, but this was in an area of very low exposure... and some very clever stuff. From there, we made our way downstream to a very high railroad overpass and on the overpass, perhaps two hundred feet above us was the graffiti that I've shown here. It wasn't until I got home, and looked at it, that I read what it said. "ASK". How many times have you, as I have been all too often, simply not taken the time to ask? Ask for directions .... ask for help .... ask for understanding .... It just made me stop and think, and tell myself that it is ok to ask.

What a great weekend this has been !

New discoveries

2009-03-29T09:43:00.000-07:00

It's kind of funny where you end when you take one right turn after another. My wife showed me this wonderful place to explore yesterday by just telling me "take the next right, then take another right, and when you get to the stop sign, take a right".... well, you get the picture. At any rate, we ended up at this abandoned salt mine that was great fun to wander around.

So, today, we're off on another adventure. No clue where we're going. Maybe this time, we'll just turn left ! You just never know where you'll end up.

Whew ! what a month !

2009-03-08T09:02:00.000-07:00

March is a great month. Not only the start of Spring, and all green things growing, but this is becoming a very busy month, workwise. First, I have the New Frontiers show continuing through the entire month. I've been getting good responses from that show and hopefully, it will open up other opportunities. Second, I've gotten two larger pieces juried into the current exhibition at the Sedona Arts Center. Pearl and I attended the opening night reception this past friday, and I was very gratified with the comments I received. I was also invited to submit my work for consideration of display on a semi-permanent basis. And thirdly, I was just notified that a piece I had submitted to the "Keep Sedona Beautiful" group has been awarded Honorable Mention, and will be on display March 27th with the other winning photos at a public reception.

WHEW !!! This is great ! I really like being busy like this and hope it continues. Now to search for more opportunities.

Today's the day !

2009-02-22T04:44:00.000-08:00

So, I've been preparing for this for a month.... we'll see if I remembered everything and the setup goes smoothly.

I'm talking about my first "one man show". Granted, it's a dining room at a New Frontiers health food store in Sedona.... but it will be all mine. From today thru April 5th. I've prepared 20 pieces for display, in different sizes and prices to fill the three walls I have available to me. The great thing about this location is that it probably gets more traffic than most galleries in Sedona, so if nothing else, by the end of the month, more people will have heard of me and seen my work.

I'm really excited about this opportunity and really have to express my gratitude to my wife, Pearl, who has always encouraged me and has always had faith in my work. After today, I'll be "out there", in the public eye. After today, we'll see .......

Fitting In

2009-01-16T06:03:00.000-08:00

I've been thinking alot lately about a new project. "Hozhq encompasses the notions of connectedness, reciprocity, balance, and completeness that underpin contextually oriented views of health and well-being" (Stokols, 1991). I've felt that connectivity with the land and the people (ancient and present) ever since we made the move to this area. Everytime we go out on a hike, we can breathe it. It's very alive. I really want to try to share that feeling, that awareness, that connectivity through my photography.

Like I said in my previous post, this year is a time of change and opportunities, and I want to make the most of it. But sometimes, "making the most" of something simply entails stopping, breathing, and "seeing".

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2009-01-09T10:34:00.000-08:00

So the new year is upon us, and the winds of change are blowing in my direction. I don't believe in new years resolutions, but this year is the time of transformation. And I'm really looking forward to it. So many opportunities have already opened up, which will undoubtedly present more. These are definitely exciting times.

I am currently showing in a juried exhibition in Sedona, have a photo in the current Shutterbug magazine, and have submitted a portfolio (hopefully for publication) to B & W magazine. I am also approaching other galleries for showings, and will be submitting to Arizona Highways magazine. So, I'd appreciate it if you keep your fingers crossed.

and now for something completely different.....

2008-10-22T07:16:00.000-07:00

Trying something new here. Just wanted to share some more of the Oregon trip.

Flagstaff ... and stuff

2008-10-04T17:10:00.000-07:00

So .... Pris and I went to the opening night reception in Flagstaff last saturday at the Coconino Center for the Arts. I was very pleased to see my photo prominently displayed just as you walk into the gallery. There was a very good turnout of people (maybe a hundred or so when we were there), and even some red dots going on some pieces all ready. Lots of impressive works. I want to go back again (maybe next saturday) when I can look at things without alot of people around. Hopefully, this one will sell too.

And..... I got my grant application completed, so that's in the works. Just won't hear til next March ! All in all, its been a busy month. Still have to sort through all my Oregon photos to find the keepers, and put some up on the website.

Just an observation I noticed the other day .... I've found that since our library is selling used books and magazines, that I now go to the library to buy books and magazines, and go to the book store to read them, but not buy them !

WOW !!

2008-09-16T06:16:00.000-07:00

Just got back from a "worldwind tour" of the NW corner of Oregon and into Washington. What a place ! Such diversity .... I really can see why people move there. Granted, I was there under postcard perfect weather conditions, but still the water, and mountains, and trees, and ocean, all different from any I've seen. Having said that, though, parts of it did remind me of upperstate Maine, the dairy farms of Vermont. But, the people are friendly and courteous, the waterfalls are amazing, the ocean changes from day to day, and they have pirates ! Four days of travel and sightseeing was way too short. I took 700 photos and I'm still sorting through them, but I definitely will be planning a longer visit in the near future. Like New England, Autumn and Spring must be spectacular. If you ever have the opportunity to go to that part of the country, do not hesitate. Around every corner, you'll be saying "wow" !

Time for a shift

2008-09-09T07:15:00.000-07:00

So .... I've gotten juried into another gallery exhibition. This is encouraging, but slow progress. One piece at a time. I've decided that it's now time to start exploring all my avenues with renewed vigor, as the politicians would say. I've recently upgraded my camera and have resolved to take my art to the next level. I'll let you know when I find out what and where that next level is. At any rate, my curiosity and desire to improve and experiment with my craft has been restored. It's been a busy summer, and I've learned a lot (and found that I have so much more to learn), and it's been exciting again. Tomorrow, I'm sharing an adventure in Oregon with my wife. I've never been there, but have heard so much. The opportunities for new sights and new ways of looking are unbounded. I can't wait.

no such thing as coincidence

2008-09-01T06:49:00.000-07:00

who would have thought .....I know, my wife did from the start.

Just by chance, I discovered that an art gallery in Maine was having a "call to artists" for a juried show. "coincidence" no. 1; the gallery is in the same town that our very dear and close friends live in.

"coincidence" no. 2; the juror of the show happened to be the former director of the phoenix art museum (now living in Maine).

"coincidence" no. 3; that another show I submitted to in Flagstaff, AZ was listed on the Maine Commission of the Arts website.

So... having only one week to prepare, I scrambled around, developed two images for submission, put together the materials, and on the sunday before the day to mail the pieces, I found a giclee printer who did a marvelous job. Bottom line, not only did the two pieces get there in time, but one of them (the one shown here) got in, and was judged third place ! Yikes !! who would have thought ? So, I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank all those that have had faith in me, and supported me. ESPECIALLY my wife !

Remembering

2008-05-18T07:15:00.000-07:00

this week I "remembered", was reminded, just how easy it is to get sucked into the cynicism and me-first attitude of the so-called "real" world. This week we had the pleasure of being in the company of one of our grandsons. He is three years old, and his being just lights up with delight at the simplest things. It was just so much fun to share in that delight, to laugh at the "threat" of being tickled.

We "grumps" (grown-ups) all too easily, and almost willingly, forget that there really is more to life than simply going to work and earning a living. Living... what an all-encompassing word. We really do NEED to step out and just breath in the world with all our being. Some people might consider it a vacation from the "real" world .... I consider it a vital and integral part of being real.

Jerome Lock - Up

2008-04-12T08:31:00.000-07:00

so .... I was fortunate enough to get juried into my first venture in an art gallery exhibition. I attended the opening night reception with a friend, and discretely observed people looking at, and discussing my works. It was a very new experience for me, almost out of body type experience, to see strangers interested in my work. I didn't win any awards, but I was extremely ecstatic when three weeks later, I went back to the gallery to pick up my pieces at the end of the exhibiton, and found that one of them (this one shown) had actually sold ! This feeling of being acknowledged and appreciated, I think, can become very addictive. I can't wait for the next one. Now begins the search for more opportunities.

Return to Fay Canyon

2008-04-12T07:20:00.000-07:00

it's only been a week since my last visit, but there is something warm and inviting in this canyon. This time, I brought friends and family to share the sights and sounds. It was mid-day and the colors were vivid. Of course, there were many more other visitors, but they seemed to be as respectful of the space as we were, and all were smiling.

When we reached the end of the canyon that I had reached before, I had to turn around and take in the view once again. With all the colors, the scene was very awake and simply took our breath away.

greetings .....

2008-04-05T07:14:00.000-07:00

the purpose of this site is to share images, thoughts, ideas, feelings ..... and evoke responses to those images. one of my impressions of landscape photographers is that they tend to attempt to awe the viewer with majestic panoramas of places the viewer may or may not have visited, but at least has some familiarity with. I, on the other hand, strive to suggest a sense of intimacy between the viewer and the subject of the image. many times the image will be one that the viewer has passed by often but perhaps has not looked at it in a manner that I may present. the intimacy begins with that familiarity.

this image began with a quiet walk by myself up Fay Canyon in Sedona, 6 a.m., Easter morning. all was quiet except for a few birds and the breeze in the trees. it was my first visit to this canyon, and was quickly enveloped within ... losing all sense of time, place, purpose .... simply being. after awhile, I reached not the end, but for that morning, for me, the end ... I climbed up this rock face and finally turned around to view the morning arrival. this image is that view, as I turned around and saw the sunlight waking the giants of Sedona. I no longer felt alone ...........