“are the elements of Greatness. They give immortality, because they are immortal. Each is as much as he knows, and the wise can do anything. A man without knowledge, a world without light. Wisdom and strength, eyes and hands. Knowledge without courage is sterile.”
Pioneer Square, Seattle
After leaving a meeting with NBIS last Thursday I took a brief stroll through Pioneer Square in Seattle. There I met Jim and Deborah, both exhibiting work for First Thursday. Until I asked what they were set up for, it hadn't dawned on me that this was the first Thursday of the month. Even worse, although I often work in Pioneer Square, I've never take then time to explore any of the galleries, tents, etc. There were some really interesting people and a couple of good conversations were had.
Deborah sits with people and draws stories in 90 seconds or less. She asked me what my favorite animal was. I replied the mongoose because it's small and unassuming, but stands up when it needs to. In 90 seconds I was handed a signed piece of art with a personal story. Thanks Deborah! I'll be making it a point to enjoy the First Thursdays from now on.
I saw a lot of people posing with this sculpture. I have no knowledge of the history of it, but found it interesting. Image captured with Mamiya 645 AFD II with Kodak Portra 400.
Deborah sketching the mongoose. I later learned from her that she is full-blooded Blackfoot and has work in galleries all over Seattle. Never know who you'll meet when you take the time to do so. Image captured with Mamiya 645 AFD II with Kodak Portra 400.
Jim and Deborah posing with the newly minted sketch. Image captured on Mamiya 645 AFD II with Kodak Portra 400.
The final piece by Deborah. Now I just need to find the appropriate frame for it. Image scanned with Epson Perfection V500.
Belltown, Seattle, WA
When I first started this project, I knew I would want to revisit some of my favorites scenes I shot digitally. Last week, I went back to Belltown, Seattle where I made a picture of the railroad tracks just south of Bell Street on Western Ave. The thing that drew me to it the first time (about six months ago) was the contrast between the human-made structures on one side of the “tracks” juxtapose the trees on the other. Not only was it interesting for composition, but I feel it is a reflection of much of society. This time I made one exposure facing north and one exposure facing south. I actually caught the train coming towards me while I was facing south (the bright light in the center of the frame). Hey, anything to get the shot, right?
Seattle Tracks. Facing South. Image taken with Mamiya RB67 + Fujifilm Acros Neopan 100 and developed in Ilford Ilfosol 3.
Seattle Tracks. Facing North Image taken with Mamiya RB67 + Fujifilm Acros Neopan 100 and developed in Ilford Ilfosol 3.
Image taken with Mamiya RB67 + Fujifilm Acros Neopan 100 and developed in Ilford Ilfosol 3.
West Seattle, Seattle, WA
Right after I posted the photos from Week 3, I walked outside to take a quick break for the computer and saw there was a classic car show on California Avenue one block north. As a child, one of the events I enjoyed most was going to Fair Park to watch the Grambling vs. Prairie View A&M football game. I looked forward to the battle of the bands (I used to want to be a drum major in the Grambling band so I could dance during halftime) and the car show. I don’t know what it is, but I’ve always appreciated a beautiful, well-made automobile. The subject for week 4 became readily apparent when I walked outside and saw all of these classics lined up. It also reminded me I need to get out more.
Street view of the car show beginning to wind down. Image taken with Mamiya RB67 + Fujifilm Acros Neopan 100 and developed in Ilford Ilfosol 3.
Image taken with Mamiya RB67 + Fujifilm Acros Neopan 100 and developed in Ilford Ilfosol 3.
I love classic Corvettes. Image taken with Mamiya RB67 + Fujifilm Acros Neopan 100 and developed in Ilford Ilfosol 3.
That's a mean grille. Image taken with Mamiya RB67 + Fujifilm Acros Neopan 100 and developed in Ilford Ilfosol 3.
I think this was one of my most popular photos ever on Instagram. Image taken with Mamiya RB67 + Fujifilm Acros Neopan 100 and developed in Ilford Ilfosol 3.
What car show would be complete without a star of the show? Image taken with Mamiya RB67 + Fujifilm Acros Neopan 100 and developed in Ilford Ilfosol 3.