Wednesday, December 30.
Sometimes I just don't have anything to say.
30 December 2009
29 December 2009
Day 16/365 - Watercolors
Tuesday, December 29.
I'm going to be using gum prints for my final Senior Thesis project. I changed my original idea from months ago, so I'm no longer using pinhole cameras or 4x5 cameras. Instead, I'm using a digital camera to photograph certain abandoned buildings in the area to recreate an architectural studio that questions time. It is as much about the actual processes of gum printing and cyanotype as it is about the subject. These buildings are forgotten and lost, except among the few who still visit them, often illegally, to learn more about them and experience their grandeur. Yes, it's trespassing, but sometimes the law only prevents society from fixing itself.
I still have to find blueprints for the building, or else, make my own. That might not be such a bad idea either. I found some old maps of the area so I could always just go and create the interiors based on my own measurements and experience. I guess we'll see how it goes.
These watercolors are three that were recommended to me. So they are my first step. New paper also.
Try and try and try,
until you have mastered.
Failure is as much a sign of education
as success.
I'm going to be using gum prints for my final Senior Thesis project. I changed my original idea from months ago, so I'm no longer using pinhole cameras or 4x5 cameras. Instead, I'm using a digital camera to photograph certain abandoned buildings in the area to recreate an architectural studio that questions time. It is as much about the actual processes of gum printing and cyanotype as it is about the subject. These buildings are forgotten and lost, except among the few who still visit them, often illegally, to learn more about them and experience their grandeur. Yes, it's trespassing, but sometimes the law only prevents society from fixing itself.
I still have to find blueprints for the building, or else, make my own. That might not be such a bad idea either. I found some old maps of the area so I could always just go and create the interiors based on my own measurements and experience. I guess we'll see how it goes.
These watercolors are three that were recommended to me. So they are my first step. New paper also.
Try and try and try,
until you have mastered.
Failure is as much a sign of education
as success.
Day 15/365 - Huddled
Monday, December 28.
It just keeps snowing.
Dropping and running,
your footprints appear.
I know you're behind me,
but you're all I look forward to.
It just keeps snowing.
Dropping and running,
your footprints appear.
I know you're behind me,
but you're all I look forward to.
Day 14/365 - Cycling
Sunday, December 27.
I feel trapped during the winter.
I need to get out and ride, but I can't.
I guess this is the next best thing.
Forgetting to move on
is like forgetting your hat.
It doesn't hit you
until the wind blows.
I feel trapped during the winter.
I need to get out and ride, but I can't.
I guess this is the next best thing.
Forgetting to move on
is like forgetting your hat.
It doesn't hit you
until the wind blows.
25 December 2009
Day 12/365 - Weakness
Friday, December 25.
Merry Christmas.
I'll keep it short.
Enjoy the holiday.
Dripping into a cup,
my arms feel faint.
The beautiful shade of the stream,
as it pours from my skin.
Merry Christmas.
I'll keep it short.
Enjoy the holiday.
Dripping into a cup,
my arms feel faint.
The beautiful shade of the stream,
as it pours from my skin.
Day 11/365 - View Camera
Thursday, December 24.
I am going to be using this picture as the basis of a tattoo I'm designing for myself. The view camera is the most extreme passion I have ever had.
It's something that I know I would be happy to have with me my entire life. Just to decide where it is going to go. I'm thinking forearm.
Here I am,
forever with you.
I'm running from the past
just to be with you.
I am going to be using this picture as the basis of a tattoo I'm designing for myself. The view camera is the most extreme passion I have ever had.
It's something that I know I would be happy to have with me my entire life. Just to decide where it is going to go. I'm thinking forearm.
Here I am,
forever with you.
I'm running from the past
just to be with you.
24 December 2009
Day 9/365 - Nike Love
Tuesday, December 22.
This is one of my favorite pictures.
I love the focus, saturation, and subject.
My favorite shoes.
This is one of my favorite pictures.
I love the focus, saturation, and subject.
My favorite shoes.
23 December 2009
19 December 2009
Day 6/365 - Snow Falls
This is day two of Baltimore. Yesterday, it was nice to just sit down and spend the day resting after getting here so late Thursday night.
Haven't slept much in the last two days, but that's fine. It's only vacation...
It began snowing tonight, and there is a lot of the ugly white stuff out there. But it's not super cold so it isn't too bad.
Hopefully roads aren't too bad tomorrow because we are supposed to be going to DC tomorrow. I really want to go and see the one exhibit at the National Gallery. It is on alternative photographic processes printing, and since that's more or less what I plan on doing forever, it would be nice to see some of the history in person. Cross your fingers for clear roads tomorrow.
Fill your boots,
and change your socks.
It's getting white,
It's getting wet.
Haven't slept much in the last two days, but that's fine. It's only vacation...
It began snowing tonight, and there is a lot of the ugly white stuff out there. But it's not super cold so it isn't too bad.
Hopefully roads aren't too bad tomorrow because we are supposed to be going to DC tomorrow. I really want to go and see the one exhibit at the National Gallery. It is on alternative photographic processes printing, and since that's more or less what I plan on doing forever, it would be nice to see some of the history in person. Cross your fingers for clear roads tomorrow.
Fill your boots,
and change your socks.
It's getting white,
It's getting wet.
16 December 2009
Day 3
Today is my birthday; I turned the ripe old age of 22.
My parents have been out of town this week so I've been home alone. I love the solitude and independence, but at the same time I get lonely.
It's also finals week so I've been up super late every day writing papers and working on exams.
Cue exhaustion.
I had no cake this year, no brownies, no party. But I did have a chance to meet one of my best friends for lunch today. Soupherb and then turtle cheescake afterwards. Yum.
Happy Birthday.
Found a new way to post straight from flickr, so this is going to be easier.
Walk down that road,
but don't you turn back.
Walking on legs,
it's better than you'd think.
My parents have been out of town this week so I've been home alone. I love the solitude and independence, but at the same time I get lonely.
It's also finals week so I've been up super late every day writing papers and working on exams.
Cue exhaustion.
I had no cake this year, no brownies, no party. But I did have a chance to meet one of my best friends for lunch today. Soupherb and then turtle cheescake afterwards. Yum.
Happy Birthday.
Found a new way to post straight from flickr, so this is going to be easier.
Walk down that road,
but don't you turn back.
Walking on legs,
it's better than you'd think.
Day 2
This one has a little more thought in it.
I hope it isn't too dark.
What's it like to crawl into an oven. What does an oven mean? Where did it come from? Where is it going?
Important questions to ask. Ponder it.
Any conclusions, let me know.
Turn on the heat,
and give me some time.
Let's count it down,
and wait until it's ready.
I hope it isn't too dark.
What's it like to crawl into an oven. What does an oven mean? Where did it come from? Where is it going?
Important questions to ask. Ponder it.
Any conclusions, let me know.
Turn on the heat,
and give me some time.
Let's count it down,
and wait until it's ready.
14 December 2009
A New Project - Day 1
I am beginning a 365 day project.
One picture every day for 365 days. That's one year.
A year of learning. A year of dedication. A year of trouble and pain. One more year of my life.
Incidentally, it's a few days before my birthday. No relation really, other than me getting old. Time is the issue. Time always moves, never stops for a breather, for a cigarette break, for a warm cup of coffee.
I'm glad I'm not like time. I enjoy my breaks, my pauses, my everyday daydreams of nothing and everything at the same time.
Keep that hand swinging, because time only brings more life, more time, and more light.
I should be posting one picture every day right on my blog, however, if I fall behind, they will be popping up on my flickr as well (www.flickr.com/photos/christopherfecio). Stay tuned.
I'll be growing in ways I couldn't imagine tonight.
Come grow with me.
The first step is the beginning of an end,
and the end of a beginning.
Only time will tell me,
who it wants me to be.
One picture every day for 365 days. That's one year.
A year of learning. A year of dedication. A year of trouble and pain. One more year of my life.
Incidentally, it's a few days before my birthday. No relation really, other than me getting old. Time is the issue. Time always moves, never stops for a breather, for a cigarette break, for a warm cup of coffee.
I'm glad I'm not like time. I enjoy my breaks, my pauses, my everyday daydreams of nothing and everything at the same time.
Keep that hand swinging, because time only brings more life, more time, and more light.
I should be posting one picture every day right on my blog, however, if I fall behind, they will be popping up on my flickr as well (www.flickr.com/photos/christopherfecio). Stay tuned.
I'll be growing in ways I couldn't imagine tonight.
Come grow with me.
The first step is the beginning of an end,
and the end of a beginning.
Only time will tell me,
who it wants me to be.
10 November 2009
Pinhole
Every time I think of the word pinhole, I think of the word pinhead.
Really, no connection or relativity...
I have been working on some really interesting things lately. Well, I think so, at least.
Pinhole images are some of the most surreal possibilities that film can create in a single exposure. They transcend the simplicity of the digital image and exemplify the camera's ability to produce rather than reproduce.
I started in the studio, as I thought that it might have been what I was looking for. Fortunately, after a few days, I realized that I really needed to get out of such a confined place and move into the ever changing outside environment.
With a little push from a very smart professor, an idea dropped in front of my eyes and allowed me to fully recognize what I was looking for.
The other day, I took a trip down to the German Roman Catholic Orphan Home on Dodge Street in Buffalo to begin photographing deteriorating architectural spaces. I felt as though the history and usefulness of the cyanotype as an architectural blueprint was something worth exploring. Unfortunately, once I arrived at the beautiful, abandoned building I was a bit dismayed by the multitude of shady looking characters and decided to leave. Instead, I drove down to Forest Lawn cemetery with a friend of mine and I worked with taking pinhole photographs there instead, as a bit of practice. They turned out surprisingly well.
The next step will be to actually get into the orphanage, with the accompaniment of a group of friends to feel more comfortable. Perhaps it will be just what I'm looking for. I sure hope so, anyway.
I also looked into going into the H.H. Richardson Complex, also known as Buffalo State Hospital/Asylum. But unlike the Orphanage, the hospital is in the process of being remodeled and is completely fenced off and patrolled around the clock to keep vagrants such as myself out. I emailed the woman supposedly in charge of the remodeling and inquired as to whether I could possibly have a chance to go inside and get my photographs and leave, promising to leave the place unchanged. I haven't gotten a response yet, but I hope that she will be understanding of my situation (I explained to her that I'm just a student, trying to complete my senior thesis project) and allow me to go in for a short while. If that doesn't work out, I'll have to just turn to other architecture for the time being (I have to complete a majority of my project by the end of the semester) and just stall and make time before I can find a suitable place as a subject. I guess we'll see.
Still looking for a job. I might have to cave and get a job in a restaurant or retail. Not my favorite idea. Until further adventures:
Seconds drip down the wall
as the fire rages on down the hall.
Soot plumes toward my vantage point
in the ceiling tiles.
Really, no connection or relativity...
I have been working on some really interesting things lately. Well, I think so, at least.
Pinhole images are some of the most surreal possibilities that film can create in a single exposure. They transcend the simplicity of the digital image and exemplify the camera's ability to produce rather than reproduce.
I started in the studio, as I thought that it might have been what I was looking for. Fortunately, after a few days, I realized that I really needed to get out of such a confined place and move into the ever changing outside environment.
With a little push from a very smart professor, an idea dropped in front of my eyes and allowed me to fully recognize what I was looking for.The other day, I took a trip down to the German Roman Catholic Orphan Home on Dodge Street in Buffalo to begin photographing deteriorating architectural spaces. I felt as though the history and usefulness of the cyanotype as an architectural blueprint was something worth exploring. Unfortunately, once I arrived at the beautiful, abandoned building I was a bit dismayed by the multitude of shady looking characters and decided to leave. Instead, I drove down to Forest Lawn cemetery with a friend of mine and I worked with taking pinhole photographs there instead, as a bit of practice. They turned out surprisingly well.
The next step will be to actually get into the orphanage, with the accompaniment of a group of friends to feel more comfortable. Perhaps it will be just what I'm looking for. I sure hope so, anyway.I also looked into going into the H.H. Richardson Complex, also known as Buffalo State Hospital/Asylum. But unlike the Orphanage, the hospital is in the process of being remodeled and is completely fenced off and patrolled around the clock to keep vagrants such as myself out. I emailed the woman supposedly in charge of the remodeling and inquired as to whether I could possibly have a chance to go inside and get my photographs and leave, promising to leave the place unchanged. I haven't gotten a response yet, but I hope that she will be understanding of my situation (I explained to her that I'm just a student, trying to complete my senior thesis project) and allow me to go in for a short while. If that doesn't work out, I'll have to just turn to other architecture for the time being (I have to complete a majority of my project by the end of the semester) and just stall and make time before I can find a suitable place as a subject. I guess we'll see.
Still looking for a job. I might have to cave and get a job in a restaurant or retail. Not my favorite idea. Until further adventures:
Seconds drip down the wall
as the fire rages on down the hall.
Soot plumes toward my vantage point
in the ceiling tiles.
11 October 2009
Here.
It's been a while, hasn't it?
A long while. Perhaps too long.
Haven't been writing very much lately, but I've been busy.
Senior Thesis is upon us and that means fun. Literally.
I'm working with my 4x5 camera that I made a pinhole front for. It looks extremely odd because the camera is so large and the actual lens I have was proportionately large. However, now that the lens is gone and there's just a small sheet of aluminum flashing with a 0.35mm diameter pinhole on the front, it looks so odd. Basically just a box on a rail, sitting on top of a large, awkwardly old fashioned looking tripod.
I did a couple studio shots so far, and I very much like the style of the image. Since the hole is so small, and because film loses speed as time increases, I had to set this one at an eight minute exposure. The focus is very soft, probably because the distance between the pinhole and the sheet of film was just a small distance too short. I think it was set at like 95mm so I'm going to try and switch it to somewhere around 115mm to see if that fixes the problem.
However, I sort of like the soft look it's given so I might actually leave it. I'll just mess around and find out what I like best.
I'm also going to be printing the images in cyanotype after enlarging the negatives, so here's what that looked like:
A little soft for my taste. Just because the process doesn't really print full tonal range, but still gives a very appealing aesthetic. I almost like it better than the original because of the missing elements. The only reason I ended up printing on cardboard was because I ran out of paper, but I love it. So much texture, and it gives a different tone.
There'll be more sooner or later. Definitely not another couple months. Sooner.
Drop it in and let it go,
with all the things I'll never know;
I've forgotten more than I'll ever learn,
So walk out with the rest.
A long while. Perhaps too long.
Haven't been writing very much lately, but I've been busy.
Senior Thesis is upon us and that means fun. Literally.
I'm working with my 4x5 camera that I made a pinhole front for. It looks extremely odd because the camera is so large and the actual lens I have was proportionately large. However, now that the lens is gone and there's just a small sheet of aluminum flashing with a 0.35mm diameter pinhole on the front, it looks so odd. Basically just a box on a rail, sitting on top of a large, awkwardly old fashioned looking tripod.
I did a couple studio shots so far, and I very much like the style of the image. Since the hole is so small, and because film loses speed as time increases, I had to set this one at an eight minute exposure. The focus is very soft, probably because the distance between the pinhole and the sheet of film was just a small distance too short. I think it was set at like 95mm so I'm going to try and switch it to somewhere around 115mm to see if that fixes the problem.
However, I sort of like the soft look it's given so I might actually leave it. I'll just mess around and find out what I like best.
I'm also going to be printing the images in cyanotype after enlarging the negatives, so here's what that looked like:
A little soft for my taste. Just because the process doesn't really print full tonal range, but still gives a very appealing aesthetic. I almost like it better than the original because of the missing elements. The only reason I ended up printing on cardboard was because I ran out of paper, but I love it. So much texture, and it gives a different tone.There'll be more sooner or later. Definitely not another couple months. Sooner.
Drop it in and let it go,
with all the things I'll never know;
I've forgotten more than I'll ever learn,
So walk out with the rest.
09 July 2009
A Few Pictures to Get Back in the Groove
I'm trying to get back into photographing for the rest of the summer. Not to force myself, of course, but to get my blood churning and my mind spinning with the rhythm of the world.
I've decided to take a big step and start a 365 Project on Flickr. It is a project where I will be taking one picture each day and posting it, in the hope that something will really spark and I'll touch upon a little piece of perfection. Right now I'm planning on just using self portraits that will help me learn about myself, but I'm not completely cutting off every other option.
I just bought a new wireless remote for my digital camera so I can go out and take better self portraits without having to throw the shutter and run with the timer on. More preparation means an easier time.
Here's a practice shot I did of my friend Matthew at his house:
It's a little overexposed, but I like the contrast. I did a bit of editing in photoshop as well, lower the color saturation in the background, so that I could get more of the results that I want. I just have to keep practicing so I can learn everything I want to do.
My eyes fleet from one spot
to all of the others.
But they always return because
I know what matters.
I've decided to take a big step and start a 365 Project on Flickr. It is a project where I will be taking one picture each day and posting it, in the hope that something will really spark and I'll touch upon a little piece of perfection. Right now I'm planning on just using self portraits that will help me learn about myself, but I'm not completely cutting off every other option.
I just bought a new wireless remote for my digital camera so I can go out and take better self portraits without having to throw the shutter and run with the timer on. More preparation means an easier time.
Here's a practice shot I did of my friend Matthew at his house:
It's a little overexposed, but I like the contrast. I did a bit of editing in photoshop as well, lower the color saturation in the background, so that I could get more of the results that I want. I just have to keep practicing so I can learn everything I want to do.My eyes fleet from one spot
to all of the others.
But they always return because
I know what matters.
03 July 2009
Progression
More bike work this week. The frame is more or less done, with just a tiny bit of work left to be done on the inside of the dropouts and around the joints and welds. It looks really solid, though, so it should definitely be ready to go this week.
Do you like my setup? That vice sure does come in handy.
While sanding the tip broke off. I decided to return it and get one that doesn't look quite so pathetic, and ended up with a nice variable speed DeWalt sander. It works great.
I suppose that's about it for now; Hopefully Sunday will be nice and I'll be able to set up a spray booth and get the primer on so it has some time to dry during the week. Then, hopfully laying down the first color next weekend. This takes way too long.
In other news, somewhat related, I am applying for a job as a mechanic at a bicycle shop that is pretty close to home. Niagara Cycle Works. It will give me a nice solid number of hours every week, and I would be doing something that I enjoy, although my own bike might suffer a bit from the extended amount of time that I'd be away from it. It will definitely be done before school. Earlier if I can get my argyle pattern finalized and ready to slap onto the frame for the second color. I have plenty of time before that, though.
Spinning, spinning, spinning,
and never tottering.
The wheels spin as the rider
flys past me.
26 June 2009
A New Adventure
One adventure has ended, and another is beginning.
I've decided to completely customize the one road bike that I found in the garbage a couple months back. The frame is mostly solid, with just a bit of rust.
I've already stripped most of the paint and am going to be sanding it down soon. Bare, beautiful steel is my goal for now. Of course, the priming and painting and coating afterward will come soon enough...
I love when the paint strips off.
And this is what it looked like last night:
The rest of the paint should be off by the end of today. Then sanding it tomorrow or Sunday and prepping it to be sprayed.
I can't wait to really get going on it. It's going to look amazing when done. I'm thinking solid yellow with a small argyle pattern on the crossbar. Eventually yellow rims and tires, and a seat if I can find one. We'll see.
To do with your own hands
is to learn the way of the world.
To love what you do
is to truly live.
I've decided to completely customize the one road bike that I found in the garbage a couple months back. The frame is mostly solid, with just a bit of rust.
I've already stripped most of the paint and am going to be sanding it down soon. Bare, beautiful steel is my goal for now. Of course, the priming and painting and coating afterward will come soon enough...
I love when the paint strips off.And this is what it looked like last night:
The rest of the paint should be off by the end of today. Then sanding it tomorrow or Sunday and prepping it to be sprayed.I can't wait to really get going on it. It's going to look amazing when done. I'm thinking solid yellow with a small argyle pattern on the crossbar. Eventually yellow rims and tires, and a seat if I can find one. We'll see.
To do with your own hands
is to learn the way of the world.
To love what you do
is to truly live.
15 June 2009
Home at Last
Home a bit early, I know, but it was time.
A familiar bed was calling me.
I ended the trip a couple days early after a bit of frustration in Chicago led me to arrive home at 6:30 yesterday morning. What a drive that was..
I spent last week in Iowa, visiting family (my aunt, uncle, and two cousins). It was great to see them after five years. So much had changed, but at the same time, it felt like I just saw them a couple weeks ago. They were so nice, hospitable, and welcoming. It was a great way to end the trip. While in Clive (right outside Des Moines), I took a couple bike rides and did a lot of relaxing.
On one bike ride I came across quite a few interesting bridges, which led me to the Bridges of Madison County the next day. I only saw three of them, but I had an idea of how the rest would look since they were very similar. It was just a very calm time.
But now I'm home and back to the daily happenings. I'm sure I'll have more images to show once I get all my film developed.
It's been long,
but it's been fun.
It's opened my eyes,
and I know I've changed.
A familiar bed was calling me.
I ended the trip a couple days early after a bit of frustration in Chicago led me to arrive home at 6:30 yesterday morning. What a drive that was..
I spent last week in Iowa, visiting family (my aunt, uncle, and two cousins). It was great to see them after five years. So much had changed, but at the same time, it felt like I just saw them a couple weeks ago. They were so nice, hospitable, and welcoming. It was a great way to end the trip. While in Clive (right outside Des Moines), I took a couple bike rides and did a lot of relaxing.
On one bike ride I came across quite a few interesting bridges, which led me to the Bridges of Madison County the next day. I only saw three of them, but I had an idea of how the rest would look since they were very similar. It was just a very calm time.
But now I'm home and back to the daily happenings. I'm sure I'll have more images to show once I get all my film developed.It's been long,
but it's been fun.
It's opened my eyes,
and I know I've changed.
07 June 2009
The Long Road Home
Who knew that the I90 was so long?
I sure didn't...
I found the Lego Cowboy riding through the Redwood Forest..
Let's see. I left off in Seattle? Or on the way to Seattle?
Well, I took CA 1 all the way up to 101 before getting to Seattle. It was great.
I could honestly say that the best part of the trip so far was the few short days I spent visiting Curtis in the Emerald City. I could say it was magical; I could say it was an eye-opener; I could say it was perfect. Overall, I'll just say that I wish I never had to leave. I'm sure that would have been an inconvenience for him and his wife, but I think I would have loved it. I don't even know where to start, besides at the beginning.
I arrived in Seattle at around noon on Monday morning and I drove up to Curtis's house and he met me at the door and gave me a hug. It was such a rush to see him again after such a long long time. Over a year. I brought my bags into the house and we walked down the street to a nice little coffee shop (a lot of the shops in Seattle are independently owned so it was nice to get away from those crazy chain places. We walked to the park at the end of the street and sat down for a minute and stared off towards the horizon of water, boats, and mountains. It was a great view.
Then we walked back to his house, got in my car, and drove off to get my oil changed since it was already like 6500 miles overdue. Jiffy Lube. Pretty sketchy looking place. Then we drove back to his house and we took a bus downtown to see the fish market. It was really cool, and people were just throwing around fish like some crazy people. It was pretty neat to see, and there was a wall in an alley that was absolutely covered in chewed gum. The colors melded really cool and some people even wrote their names or words on the wall. Then we took the bus back to his house and he showed me the work that he was working on at the time, and we messed around a bit with the iron filings. Then Lauren came home (his wife) and they made dinner and a couple of their friends came over and we all ate together. We had salmon, pasta, and salad, which was all cooked really well and tasted great.
On Tuesday we went to Mt. Rainier and walked around for a while. There was still a lot of snow up on the mountain top so we didn't get much of a chance to walk around and hike those trails, but we did take a lower trail that crossed the river flowing through, and that was the perfect place. I took a couple pictures there and we picked up some old man's beard and then hopped back into the car and went home. The drive was long, but we managed to see some really great sights and standing there on the bridge was an amazing feeling in itself.
On Wednesday we took a trip down to the locks and were able to see a couple boats go through, although the salmon ladder was closed for repair so that was a bit of a bummer. We rode our bikes and had a chance to see some of Seattle closer up. On the way home we stopped at Red Mill Hamburgers and had a couple of burgers and some fries. One of the best burgers I've ever eaten. After that, we headed over to the gallery space where his show was going to be and we set everything up except for the one frame that the glass broke on. It was late by the time we got finished so we stopped at the store and bought some frozen pizza and headed back home to cook it up. It was three meat pizza which had a really confusing description of what the meat was. I don't even know.
Thursday was the big day, and in the morning we went out and bought a new piece of glass for his frame and then went to a nearby town (Fremont, I think) and had lunch at a nice little Greek place. Very good, fresh salad. Then we went home, got changed, and headed on out to the show. Since it was First Thursday, which is a big art walk thing every first Thursday of the month, a lot of people came into the gallery to look at his work. I was so happy to see so many people interested in it and willing to stop and talk to him and ask him questions. It was a long night, which concluded with a bunch of friends coming back to his house and playing a game of celebrity soup bowl. I think that's what it was called. Anyway, it is a game where everyone writes names on a piece of paper and then puts them in the middle pot. They then go around and pick pieces of paper and have to try to get their partner to guess the name on the paper by giving them clues.
Then came Friday. We stopped and grabbed some burritos from Taco Time and went out to the Golden Groves beach and ate it on the sand. It was so nice and calming and a perfect way to end my stay there. I was very reluctant to finally leave, but with a long drive ahead, I finally drove away at a little after 3. On the beach we found some really cool crabs and shells and other little things that we played around with for a while.
All day Friday I drove and slept at a rest stop.
Saturday I drove to Yellowstone and spent about 7 hours there before leaving. I saw a lot of the hot springs and saw Old Faithful go off. I was planning on camping there, but when it started snowing, I though it was time to leave so I just drove for a couple hours and slept in the car again. It rained the whole day and was very miserable. Maybe I should head back west?
Yesterday was a drive to Bismarck where I just hung out with my couchsurfing hosts, and today I made my way to Fargo. It rained again all day so I haven't been taking pictures. I'm sure I can find something on the way to Iowa tomorrow.
Until then..
Steam blows from your ears
as your hands clench into fists.
I turn to walk away
from your screams in my direction.
I sure didn't...
I found the Lego Cowboy riding through the Redwood Forest..
Let's see. I left off in Seattle? Or on the way to Seattle?Well, I took CA 1 all the way up to 101 before getting to Seattle. It was great.
I could honestly say that the best part of the trip so far was the few short days I spent visiting Curtis in the Emerald City. I could say it was magical; I could say it was an eye-opener; I could say it was perfect. Overall, I'll just say that I wish I never had to leave. I'm sure that would have been an inconvenience for him and his wife, but I think I would have loved it. I don't even know where to start, besides at the beginning.I arrived in Seattle at around noon on Monday morning and I drove up to Curtis's house and he met me at the door and gave me a hug. It was such a rush to see him again after such a long long time. Over a year. I brought my bags into the house and we walked down the street to a nice little coffee shop (a lot of the shops in Seattle are independently owned so it was nice to get away from those crazy chain places. We walked to the park at the end of the street and sat down for a minute and stared off towards the horizon of water, boats, and mountains. It was a great view.
Then we walked back to his house, got in my car, and drove off to get my oil changed since it was already like 6500 miles overdue. Jiffy Lube. Pretty sketchy looking place. Then we drove back to his house and we took a bus downtown to see the fish market. It was really cool, and people were just throwing around fish like some crazy people. It was pretty neat to see, and there was a wall in an alley that was absolutely covered in chewed gum. The colors melded really cool and some people even wrote their names or words on the wall. Then we took the bus back to his house and he showed me the work that he was working on at the time, and we messed around a bit with the iron filings. Then Lauren came home (his wife) and they made dinner and a couple of their friends came over and we all ate together. We had salmon, pasta, and salad, which was all cooked really well and tasted great.
On Tuesday we went to Mt. Rainier and walked around for a while. There was still a lot of snow up on the mountain top so we didn't get much of a chance to walk around and hike those trails, but we did take a lower trail that crossed the river flowing through, and that was the perfect place. I took a couple pictures there and we picked up some old man's beard and then hopped back into the car and went home. The drive was long, but we managed to see some really great sights and standing there on the bridge was an amazing feeling in itself.
On Wednesday we took a trip down to the locks and were able to see a couple boats go through, although the salmon ladder was closed for repair so that was a bit of a bummer. We rode our bikes and had a chance to see some of Seattle closer up. On the way home we stopped at Red Mill Hamburgers and had a couple of burgers and some fries. One of the best burgers I've ever eaten. After that, we headed over to the gallery space where his show was going to be and we set everything up except for the one frame that the glass broke on. It was late by the time we got finished so we stopped at the store and bought some frozen pizza and headed back home to cook it up. It was three meat pizza which had a really confusing description of what the meat was. I don't even know.Thursday was the big day, and in the morning we went out and bought a new piece of glass for his frame and then went to a nearby town (Fremont, I think) and had lunch at a nice little Greek place. Very good, fresh salad. Then we went home, got changed, and headed on out to the show. Since it was First Thursday, which is a big art walk thing every first Thursday of the month, a lot of people came into the gallery to look at his work. I was so happy to see so many people interested in it and willing to stop and talk to him and ask him questions. It was a long night, which concluded with a bunch of friends coming back to his house and playing a game of celebrity soup bowl. I think that's what it was called. Anyway, it is a game where everyone writes names on a piece of paper and then puts them in the middle pot. They then go around and pick pieces of paper and have to try to get their partner to guess the name on the paper by giving them clues.
Then came Friday. We stopped and grabbed some burritos from Taco Time and went out to the Golden Groves beach and ate it on the sand. It was so nice and calming and a perfect way to end my stay there. I was very reluctant to finally leave, but with a long drive ahead, I finally drove away at a little after 3. On the beach we found some really cool crabs and shells and other little things that we played around with for a while.
All day Friday I drove and slept at a rest stop.
Saturday I drove to Yellowstone and spent about 7 hours there before leaving. I saw a lot of the hot springs and saw Old Faithful go off. I was planning on camping there, but when it started snowing, I though it was time to leave so I just drove for a couple hours and slept in the car again. It rained the whole day and was very miserable. Maybe I should head back west?
Yesterday was a drive to Bismarck where I just hung out with my couchsurfing hosts, and today I made my way to Fargo. It rained again all day so I haven't been taking pictures. I'm sure I can find something on the way to Iowa tomorrow.
Until then..
Steam blows from your ears
as your hands clench into fists.
I turn to walk away
from your screams in my direction.
03 June 2009
The Camera Has Returned
I should update.
But I don't really feel like it..
I still have to plan out what I'll be doing when I leave here. More later.
Rocks and trees and shrubs
reach from the ground to a brighter day.
The sun peeks out from the clouds
just to say hello.
But I don't really feel like it..
I still have to plan out what I'll be doing when I leave here. More later.
Rocks and trees and shrubs
reach from the ground to a brighter day.
The sun peeks out from the clouds
just to say hello.
30 May 2009
In the Throws of a City
So many days. So many miles. So much to say.
San Francisco has been more or less good to me. It's given me a good chance to calm down and catch up on sleep. I've been getting a solid amount, although not once have I slept straight through the night. That's one thing about being away from home that I'll never be able to accept; I don't think I've gotten a complete night of sleep since I left home. Perhaps it's the fact that I've been sleeping in strange spaces: beds that don't belong to me, couches that seem oh so unfamiliar, camping after such a long time. Not to worry, however, I often feel rested when I wake up, so there has been no loss in that department. Although I haven't had work to go to in the mornings, I still find myself waking up at odd hours, very rarely after 8:30.
My time in San Francisco has gone well, though. I've done a lot of bike riding, which is very relieving since I haven't had much of a chance to before now, both because of the very hot temperatures and inability to find comfortable roads. It is riding pretty well, aside from the brakes, which could really use some work. The front ones are completely bad, so I just tightened them and they are unusable except in extreme stopping emergencies. The back ones sort of work, but they require using the dropdown brake lever instead of the horizontal one. No big deal really, except that I normally use the horizontal ones because they are more accessible and reachable.
I rode the trolley, and a bus or two, just to get a couple places faster and for that signature San Francisco experience.
Other than that, I've just been doing a lot of exploring, including riding across the Golden Gate Bridge on my bike. It was such a great experience, and I took some pretty neat pictures with my 35mm.
I also visited the beach, Fisherman's Wharf, and rode downtown into the city. It was great to see how much could change from the bay to the downtown area, just a couple miles apart. Even the people were different.
I've just been doing a lot of wandering in general, getting lost, and then, eventually, finding my way. The buildings are beautiful to just walk next to, and between.
Probably the highlight of my stay here in San Francisco was my participation in the monthly Critical Mass bike ride. It is an event where hundreds, and perhaps thousands of bicyclists get together and take over the roads as a statement that says something along the lines of, "we deserve the right to use the road just as any other vehicle, and we are here to show that we are taking back that right." Something like that. Basically, it's just an event to remind everyone how many people do ride bicycles and that they are people too and should be taken seriously. As much as I agree with this, I don't agree with the way that they go about doing it. They take over the roads, ignore all the traffic laws, and pretty much just do whatever they want for a couple hours. They block side traffic by making barriers of riders, and they interrupt traffic from around 6:15 until they slowly disband into the night. I rode along for the experience, and it was extremely exhilarating. I left the group at around 9:30 and headed home, after riding for about three hours, unsure of how far we had gone. My odometer wasn't working.
Along with that, I also stopped and visited the Fine Arts Exploratorium that is a couple minutes down the street from where I am staying. It was really interesting and it had sections devoted to the exploration of sight, sound, biology, and physical properties. It was actually really enjoyable and I ended up spending a little over two hours just walking through and enjoying the different setups. My favorite was probably the section that had all of the optical illusions and mirrors.
I also made a stop at the Buena Vista Cafe to have lunch and their signature Irish Coffee, which tasted more like drinking straight whiskey than anything else. It was good though, and I'm glad I took the time to go.
I haven't done too much more than that. Just relaxed, took a break, and enjoyed my time here. Tomorrow it all begins again when I leave for Seattle. I'll be arriving Monday, and I can't wait. There will be so much to do there!
Walking past your house,
I looked and stared and stopped.
I saw you walk past the window,
too busy to meet my eye.
San Francisco has been more or less good to me. It's given me a good chance to calm down and catch up on sleep. I've been getting a solid amount, although not once have I slept straight through the night. That's one thing about being away from home that I'll never be able to accept; I don't think I've gotten a complete night of sleep since I left home. Perhaps it's the fact that I've been sleeping in strange spaces: beds that don't belong to me, couches that seem oh so unfamiliar, camping after such a long time. Not to worry, however, I often feel rested when I wake up, so there has been no loss in that department. Although I haven't had work to go to in the mornings, I still find myself waking up at odd hours, very rarely after 8:30.
My time in San Francisco has gone well, though. I've done a lot of bike riding, which is very relieving since I haven't had much of a chance to before now, both because of the very hot temperatures and inability to find comfortable roads. It is riding pretty well, aside from the brakes, which could really use some work. The front ones are completely bad, so I just tightened them and they are unusable except in extreme stopping emergencies. The back ones sort of work, but they require using the dropdown brake lever instead of the horizontal one. No big deal really, except that I normally use the horizontal ones because they are more accessible and reachable.
I rode the trolley, and a bus or two, just to get a couple places faster and for that signature San Francisco experience.
Other than that, I've just been doing a lot of exploring, including riding across the Golden Gate Bridge on my bike. It was such a great experience, and I took some pretty neat pictures with my 35mm.
I also visited the beach, Fisherman's Wharf, and rode downtown into the city. It was great to see how much could change from the bay to the downtown area, just a couple miles apart. Even the people were different.
I've just been doing a lot of wandering in general, getting lost, and then, eventually, finding my way. The buildings are beautiful to just walk next to, and between.
Probably the highlight of my stay here in San Francisco was my participation in the monthly Critical Mass bike ride. It is an event where hundreds, and perhaps thousands of bicyclists get together and take over the roads as a statement that says something along the lines of, "we deserve the right to use the road just as any other vehicle, and we are here to show that we are taking back that right." Something like that. Basically, it's just an event to remind everyone how many people do ride bicycles and that they are people too and should be taken seriously. As much as I agree with this, I don't agree with the way that they go about doing it. They take over the roads, ignore all the traffic laws, and pretty much just do whatever they want for a couple hours. They block side traffic by making barriers of riders, and they interrupt traffic from around 6:15 until they slowly disband into the night. I rode along for the experience, and it was extremely exhilarating. I left the group at around 9:30 and headed home, after riding for about three hours, unsure of how far we had gone. My odometer wasn't working.
Along with that, I also stopped and visited the Fine Arts Exploratorium that is a couple minutes down the street from where I am staying. It was really interesting and it had sections devoted to the exploration of sight, sound, biology, and physical properties. It was actually really enjoyable and I ended up spending a little over two hours just walking through and enjoying the different setups. My favorite was probably the section that had all of the optical illusions and mirrors.
I also made a stop at the Buena Vista Cafe to have lunch and their signature Irish Coffee, which tasted more like drinking straight whiskey than anything else. It was good though, and I'm glad I took the time to go.
I haven't done too much more than that. Just relaxed, took a break, and enjoyed my time here. Tomorrow it all begins again when I leave for Seattle. I'll be arriving Monday, and I can't wait. There will be so much to do there!
Walking past your house,
I looked and stared and stopped.
I saw you walk past the window,
too busy to meet my eye.
26 May 2009
Friday Night I Crashed Your Party, Saturday I Said "I'm Sorry"
Well, here I am again. Another day, another long drive, another beautiful city.
I arrived in San Francisco today; it's been pretty chill so far. All I've done is driven to the laundromat, ATM, and then to the place I'm staying. First time being in a laundromat, I was going to take a picture but I didn't have my camera with me, so that didn't happen. Oh well. Who hasn't seen the inside of a laundromat? Really. I drove over the Bay Bridge to get here. It was pretty good, except for the scrambling through a pile of change to dig out $4 since I had spent my last $7 at the Big Trees State Park (more to come later). I'm sitting there while the man at the booth pretends to look busy and the people behind me are probably wondering what the heck the crazy guy in front of them is taking so long for. But alas, I eventually found sixteen sad quarters sitting there and I handed them over and made my way towards freedom. The city looked amazing just driving in, and so far I've only really been on one steep hill, and that was going down, so it's been good. The girl I'm staying with, Ann, the sister of a friend from high school, Michael, told me of a great place that I can park during the day so I can just ride my bike around town, as planned. It'll give me a chance to actually get some use out of it since I haven't had much opportunity before now. I just have to finish cleaning the chain and deraileur, since the two offroading trips really did a number on them. The dirt was just caked on. I stopped and bought some crazy degreaser/lubricant that I sprayed on today. It looks like it's clearing up well; nothing a wipe of a paper towel and another application might solve.
The traveling Lego Cowboy made another stop, quite a while ago now, at the edge of Zion National Park. I forgot to put that up last post, so he's here now.
The Salt Flats were great. Lots of salt and white and endlessness. Nothing too special though.
I went to Yosemite yesterday and that was pretty cool. To see where Ansel Adams really got his start was great also. I could imagine him standing next to me as I ducked under that dark cloth and focused on the ground glass. But, the other ten thousand people (literally) that were there sort of ruined the day for me. I assumed there would be people, but not that many. At one point I just gave up and left because I was tired of trying to get around people and cars. I spent a couple miles hiking through the woods, setting up shots, just so I could get away from the annoyance. It was good, though. 
Today I went to the Big Trees State Park just outside of Murphys, California. It was a nice little place that had some very big trees. The giant sequioas that filled the land were tremendous to look at and explore. Some had fallen over and were either burned through the center or burrowed through by animals, and you could literally walk right through them. I did another few mile hike through there, lugging around the unforgiving Toyo 4x5 that I've fallen in love with. It's heavy, but worth it. I received more compliments on it today than any other place I've went. One woman asked if I would trade cameras with her, but then she changed her mind, saying that she'd probably have to trade her car with me to get the right value. It's not that great a camera, but I like to think so. I got some great shots of the fallen trees and some really cool root formations. Pretty unconventional shots, I would say, but that's what I want.
I'm not a tourist. I'm an artist.
Unfortunately I left my camera locked up in the car so I don't have any pictures to upload today. Perhaps tomorrow night. We'll see. For the rest of the week it will probably just be text in my entries because I'll be shooting mainly 35mm and Polaroids. Just a little change from the ordinary.
The city demands it.
A word to follow: I uploaded the pictures, finally, and I can definitely see a trend in my work. I stray pretty far from the general tourist photographs that everyone else has. Rather, I focus on the way that light plays with an object and the way that perspective can influence both the understanding and acceptance of the object. I think I may have stumbled upon a new direction to head down for the remainder of the trip. I may have to rethink my final destinations, digging deep to understand just why I feel like they deserve to be captured on film for eternity. Good thing I have five days here and another five or so in Seattle to contemplate. Bon Voyage.
I toss a rock into the air,
and wait for it to come back down.
When it doesn't, I realize,
I'm hanging upside down.
I arrived in San Francisco today; it's been pretty chill so far. All I've done is driven to the laundromat, ATM, and then to the place I'm staying. First time being in a laundromat, I was going to take a picture but I didn't have my camera with me, so that didn't happen. Oh well. Who hasn't seen the inside of a laundromat? Really. I drove over the Bay Bridge to get here. It was pretty good, except for the scrambling through a pile of change to dig out $4 since I had spent my last $7 at the Big Trees State Park (more to come later). I'm sitting there while the man at the booth pretends to look busy and the people behind me are probably wondering what the heck the crazy guy in front of them is taking so long for. But alas, I eventually found sixteen sad quarters sitting there and I handed them over and made my way towards freedom. The city looked amazing just driving in, and so far I've only really been on one steep hill, and that was going down, so it's been good. The girl I'm staying with, Ann, the sister of a friend from high school, Michael, told me of a great place that I can park during the day so I can just ride my bike around town, as planned. It'll give me a chance to actually get some use out of it since I haven't had much opportunity before now. I just have to finish cleaning the chain and deraileur, since the two offroading trips really did a number on them. The dirt was just caked on. I stopped and bought some crazy degreaser/lubricant that I sprayed on today. It looks like it's clearing up well; nothing a wipe of a paper towel and another application might solve.
The traveling Lego Cowboy made another stop, quite a while ago now, at the edge of Zion National Park. I forgot to put that up last post, so he's here now.
The Salt Flats were great. Lots of salt and white and endlessness. Nothing too special though. 
I went to Yosemite yesterday and that was pretty cool. To see where Ansel Adams really got his start was great also. I could imagine him standing next to me as I ducked under that dark cloth and focused on the ground glass. But, the other ten thousand people (literally) that were there sort of ruined the day for me. I assumed there would be people, but not that many. At one point I just gave up and left because I was tired of trying to get around people and cars. I spent a couple miles hiking through the woods, setting up shots, just so I could get away from the annoyance. It was good, though. 
Today I went to the Big Trees State Park just outside of Murphys, California. It was a nice little place that had some very big trees. The giant sequioas that filled the land were tremendous to look at and explore. Some had fallen over and were either burned through the center or burrowed through by animals, and you could literally walk right through them. I did another few mile hike through there, lugging around the unforgiving Toyo 4x5 that I've fallen in love with. It's heavy, but worth it. I received more compliments on it today than any other place I've went. One woman asked if I would trade cameras with her, but then she changed her mind, saying that she'd probably have to trade her car with me to get the right value. It's not that great a camera, but I like to think so. I got some great shots of the fallen trees and some really cool root formations. Pretty unconventional shots, I would say, but that's what I want. 
I'm not a tourist. I'm an artist.
Unfortunately I left my camera locked up in the car so I don't have any pictures to upload today. Perhaps tomorrow night. We'll see. For the rest of the week it will probably just be text in my entries because I'll be shooting mainly 35mm and Polaroids. Just a little change from the ordinary.
The city demands it.
A word to follow: I uploaded the pictures, finally, and I can definitely see a trend in my work. I stray pretty far from the general tourist photographs that everyone else has. Rather, I focus on the way that light plays with an object and the way that perspective can influence both the understanding and acceptance of the object. I think I may have stumbled upon a new direction to head down for the remainder of the trip. I may have to rethink my final destinations, digging deep to understand just why I feel like they deserve to be captured on film for eternity. Good thing I have five days here and another five or so in Seattle to contemplate. Bon Voyage.
I toss a rock into the air,
and wait for it to come back down.
When it doesn't, I realize,
I'm hanging upside down.
22 May 2009
More Mountains in the Distance (and up close)
Well, where does this bring me to?
Hmm. It's a Thursday night (or perhaps Friday morning), and it's about time to get to bed. Yeah. Maybe a couple of hours late. Whatevs. I'll live.
So I was able to make it back to the Grand Canyon for another visit. The other side this time. It was definitely a lot less crowded, quite a bit more colorful, and definitely a better drive. The trees that lined the road went from pure green to black and white (most likely from forest fires). It was a great site though, the blackened tree trunks rising up towards the cloudy sky in vain. It was almost better than actually seeing the canyon itself.
Then I was able to make a trip over towards the Zion National Park, which was another $25. I think it's pretty ridiculous that each park decides to charge something around that, even though the pass is good for seven days. But. really, who goes back after they leave? Well, I guess I did for the Grand Canyon, but that's a whole different story because there are two different sides. Whatever. I ended up driving through twice anyway because the road is only 13 miles long and I felt like driving only one way would rob me of the view that I was missing behind me. And let me say, driving back west through the park was definitely a better view. While I was there, I met a couple who originally came from New York. As I was waiting in line to go through the tunnel (it's very narrow and traffic can only go through one way at a time), He yelled from the car behind me and asked what part of New York. I told him Buffalo area, and he said they were from Long Island. Traffic started moving again, so after we got out of the tunnel and to the first stop after it, I pulled in to get out and take pictures, and they did too. I talked to them for a couple minutes about why I was there and what I was doing, and they told me they had moved to Oregon and lived there now, and they each worked some job or another.
It was nice to see someone who came from generally the same area.
Yesterday I also drove through Fishlake National Forest, which was a bit of a disappointment, but that has to be expected once in a while. I camped out in some little campground, and then in the morning I got out on the road pretty early.
I had planned on seeing the salt flats at the Great Salt Lake today so I would have all day tomorrow just to explore the city or just take it easy, but instead I ended up driving to Spiral Jetty, which is a man made sculpture that sits somewhere on the lake, about a 20 mile off road trip from the one state road (If you google it, you'lll be able to find directions). I was a little worried after the first fifteen miles when the gravel road disappeared and all I was driving on was dirt and rocks. Not little rocks, mind you, large ones. They were pretty crazy, and I was nervous about getting a flat tire or popping an axle or something, and I almost stopped to turn around a couple times, but I trudged on and finally arrived at the site. It was marvelous.
This picture doesn't even do it justice. The best part was that because there was nobody around, and because you had to pass through a couple miles of private property (which is why there was probably nobody there) I was able to walk right up to it. It was amazing. Definitely a return trip there. Perhaps with some rock crawling tires next time.
And then tonight I went out with my CouchSurfing host, her roommate, and a couple friends, and it was a fun time. We went dancing at this weird bar/club, Green Street; it was pretty cool though. It was the first time I've really done anything with anyone since I've been gone so it was a bit refreshing.
Until next time.
Waves crash upon the shore,
throwing rocks and shells and foam.
I watch it pull you away
as I just stand there, motionless.
Hmm. It's a Thursday night (or perhaps Friday morning), and it's about time to get to bed. Yeah. Maybe a couple of hours late. Whatevs. I'll live.
So I was able to make it back to the Grand Canyon for another visit. The other side this time. It was definitely a lot less crowded, quite a bit more colorful, and definitely a better drive. The trees that lined the road went from pure green to black and white (most likely from forest fires). It was a great site though, the blackened tree trunks rising up towards the cloudy sky in vain. It was almost better than actually seeing the canyon itself.
Then I was able to make a trip over towards the Zion National Park, which was another $25. I think it's pretty ridiculous that each park decides to charge something around that, even though the pass is good for seven days. But. really, who goes back after they leave? Well, I guess I did for the Grand Canyon, but that's a whole different story because there are two different sides. Whatever. I ended up driving through twice anyway because the road is only 13 miles long and I felt like driving only one way would rob me of the view that I was missing behind me. And let me say, driving back west through the park was definitely a better view. While I was there, I met a couple who originally came from New York. As I was waiting in line to go through the tunnel (it's very narrow and traffic can only go through one way at a time), He yelled from the car behind me and asked what part of New York. I told him Buffalo area, and he said they were from Long Island. Traffic started moving again, so after we got out of the tunnel and to the first stop after it, I pulled in to get out and take pictures, and they did too. I talked to them for a couple minutes about why I was there and what I was doing, and they told me they had moved to Oregon and lived there now, and they each worked some job or another.
It was nice to see someone who came from generally the same area.Yesterday I also drove through Fishlake National Forest, which was a bit of a disappointment, but that has to be expected once in a while. I camped out in some little campground, and then in the morning I got out on the road pretty early.
I had planned on seeing the salt flats at the Great Salt Lake today so I would have all day tomorrow just to explore the city or just take it easy, but instead I ended up driving to Spiral Jetty, which is a man made sculpture that sits somewhere on the lake, about a 20 mile off road trip from the one state road (If you google it, you'lll be able to find directions). I was a little worried after the first fifteen miles when the gravel road disappeared and all I was driving on was dirt and rocks. Not little rocks, mind you, large ones. They were pretty crazy, and I was nervous about getting a flat tire or popping an axle or something, and I almost stopped to turn around a couple times, but I trudged on and finally arrived at the site. It was marvelous.
This picture doesn't even do it justice. The best part was that because there was nobody around, and because you had to pass through a couple miles of private property (which is why there was probably nobody there) I was able to walk right up to it. It was amazing. Definitely a return trip there. Perhaps with some rock crawling tires next time.And then tonight I went out with my CouchSurfing host, her roommate, and a couple friends, and it was a fun time. We went dancing at this weird bar/club, Green Street; it was pretty cool though. It was the first time I've really done anything with anyone since I've been gone so it was a bit refreshing.
Until next time.
Waves crash upon the shore,
throwing rocks and shells and foam.
I watch it pull you away
as I just stand there, motionless.
19 May 2009
Ouch!
(This was written last night. And the images won't load so I'll put them up another day).
Is that sunburn or are you just happy to see me?
Umm, haha. Actually it's just a nasty looking rash, but whatever; it keeps getting worse, though. I only have one more day in the monstrous sun and then it shouldn't be quite so bad anymore.
The only thing keeping me alive right now is the thought of getting to San Fran in a couple of days. That's the biggest goal right now. I guess it's not keeping me alive, but it sure does help. Iced tea, water, peach rings, and Sunchips are keeping me alive right now...
Oh boy, where to begin. I guess we can start with the Grand Canyon since it was the first major thing that I did since I last wrote. It was pretty cool; perhaps a bit touristy and annoying to have people randomly looking at me and stare just because my camera is forty-five and a half times better than their cameras. They act like I'm trying to bring back some dead art or long forgotten practice, which I suppose I am. Who uses 4x5 nowadays anyway? Well, actually, a lot of people still do (okay, so maybe not a lot, but anyone who wants the most control over size reproduction or ultimate detail). Whatever. So I'm at the Grand Canyon and I take a couple 4x5s and I hike around a little, and I realize that those two actions shouldn't be happening at the same time. The camera itself weighs more than a small horse, and coupled with the tripod it requires the use of a flatbed truck to drag around. Perhaps I jest. But really, whoever invented the 4x5 field camera was a genius. Those are light and easy to carry, although they still need a tripod for the slower shutter speeds. I'll stick to my clunky view camera though; it sure gets the job done.
I guess I'd go back again, and I am. Tomorrow. I want to see the other side of the Canyon. It's supposed to be a lot less of a tourist thing and more of a die-hard nature lover experience. I'm excited.
And then there was today. I would have never thought that 82 degree weather would have been so cool and satisfying, but after spending three hours in a pounding, burning, threatening 113 degree valley, my mind was made up. Don't get me wrong, the experience was great, and I met a man who talked about cameras with me for forty minutes. That was wonderful to find someone just as interested in the pure mechanics of it as I am. I think he was from California, although his accent sounded a little more southwestern...
Anyway, I'm pretty sure I got some great shots today, and I bet they'll look great in black and white. I'm sort of drifting from my original idea of the "overwhelming flat landscape" and leaning more towards the overall, monstrous being captured on film. Sure, flat can be overwhelming, but so can sharp falls and high rises. I guess I'll just have to see where it takes me. My mind seems to be focused more on the idea of the personal experience taken out of the perspective presented, so I'll just follow that for now and if that ship sails, I guess I'll just move on to the next idea.
It's been a long, hot day again. I'm tired. Exhausted perhaps. Just a little more iced tea and then off to bed.
I held the fire in my hand,
and I passed it to you.
You let it burn away,
taking your hand with it.
Is that sunburn or are you just happy to see me?
Umm, haha. Actually it's just a nasty looking rash, but whatever; it keeps getting worse, though. I only have one more day in the monstrous sun and then it shouldn't be quite so bad anymore.
The only thing keeping me alive right now is the thought of getting to San Fran in a couple of days. That's the biggest goal right now. I guess it's not keeping me alive, but it sure does help. Iced tea, water, peach rings, and Sunchips are keeping me alive right now...
Oh boy, where to begin. I guess we can start with the Grand Canyon since it was the first major thing that I did since I last wrote. It was pretty cool; perhaps a bit touristy and annoying to have people randomly looking at me and stare just because my camera is forty-five and a half times better than their cameras. They act like I'm trying to bring back some dead art or long forgotten practice, which I suppose I am. Who uses 4x5 nowadays anyway? Well, actually, a lot of people still do (okay, so maybe not a lot, but anyone who wants the most control over size reproduction or ultimate detail). Whatever. So I'm at the Grand Canyon and I take a couple 4x5s and I hike around a little, and I realize that those two actions shouldn't be happening at the same time. The camera itself weighs more than a small horse, and coupled with the tripod it requires the use of a flatbed truck to drag around. Perhaps I jest. But really, whoever invented the 4x5 field camera was a genius. Those are light and easy to carry, although they still need a tripod for the slower shutter speeds. I'll stick to my clunky view camera though; it sure gets the job done.
I guess I'd go back again, and I am. Tomorrow. I want to see the other side of the Canyon. It's supposed to be a lot less of a tourist thing and more of a die-hard nature lover experience. I'm excited.And then there was today. I would have never thought that 82 degree weather would have been so cool and satisfying, but after spending three hours in a pounding, burning, threatening 113 degree valley, my mind was made up. Don't get me wrong, the experience was great, and I met a man who talked about cameras with me for forty minutes. That was wonderful to find someone just as interested in the pure mechanics of it as I am. I think he was from California, although his accent sounded a little more southwestern...
Anyway, I'm pretty sure I got some great shots today, and I bet they'll look great in black and white. I'm sort of drifting from my original idea of the "overwhelming flat landscape" and leaning more towards the overall, monstrous being captured on film. Sure, flat can be overwhelming, but so can sharp falls and high rises. I guess I'll just have to see where it takes me. My mind seems to be focused more on the idea of the personal experience taken out of the perspective presented, so I'll just follow that for now and if that ship sails, I guess I'll just move on to the next idea.It's been a long, hot day again. I'm tired. Exhausted perhaps. Just a little more iced tea and then off to bed.
I held the fire in my hand,
and I passed it to you.
You let it burn away,
taking your hand with it.
16 May 2009
Another Day, Another Bucket of Sweat...
The last couple days have gone very well, aside from the excessive amounts of sweat I've had to dealt with because of the ridiculously warm weather. But all gross thoughts aside, it's been a good couple of days. I took a set of 4x5s at the Monahan Sand Hills just outside of Odessa Texas, before returning for one final night in Midland, Texas. There was another game of Scrabble (which I lost again, but not by as many points this time). There was also another dinner, this time at a bar that Kristen used to work at. We sat outside and enjoyed the comfortable Midland nighttime air. I didn't take any awesome digital images of the sand hills except for the next entry of the traveling Lego Cowboy. 
When I woke up I headed out onto the road, on my way towards Maricopa, Arizona, my next stop along the way. It took about eleven hours in total so I arrived at about six-thirty after the two hour drop behind. The scenery along the way was probably the single greatest that I had ever experienced up until that time. There were the plains, the valleys, and the beautiful, never ending mountains that stretched far, far across the New Mexico and Arizona landscape. The colors would change, but the mountains just continued to spread.
Today I woke up and headed on out towards the Sonoran Desert National Monument, which is a tremendous area of land that is protected by some government agency of another; I don't really remember, except that it is a small area that is set apart from the rest of the desert, which spreads across most of southern Arizona and part of Texas and Mexico, but if you really want to know more, then you can look into it here: http://www.desertusa.com/du_sonoran.html
It was actually the most beautiful place I have ever been in my entire life. I had never had the urge to cry just from looking at a landscape before, but there it was, just staring me in the face. It's not even the beautiful cacti, or the colorful flowers growing everywhere. The best part was being there all by myself, staring at this great immensity in front of me, taking it all in. It was perfect. Had it been just a little bit cooler, it would definitely have been perfect. My sun spots decided to return today because of how hot it was, so now it looks like I have some sort of crazy rash or leprosy or something... It's my last night here and then off to bigger and better things tomorrow. It's been hot, but fun.
Peaks rise towards the sun,
and the plants follow right behind.
Soon the smoke will rise
from my signal fire to you.
When I woke up I headed out onto the road, on my way towards Maricopa, Arizona, my next stop along the way. It took about eleven hours in total so I arrived at about six-thirty after the two hour drop behind. The scenery along the way was probably the single greatest that I had ever experienced up until that time. There were the plains, the valleys, and the beautiful, never ending mountains that stretched far, far across the New Mexico and Arizona landscape. The colors would change, but the mountains just continued to spread.
Today I woke up and headed on out towards the Sonoran Desert National Monument, which is a tremendous area of land that is protected by some government agency of another; I don't really remember, except that it is a small area that is set apart from the rest of the desert, which spreads across most of southern Arizona and part of Texas and Mexico, but if you really want to know more, then you can look into it here: http://www.desertusa.com/du_sonoran.html
It was actually the most beautiful place I have ever been in my entire life. I had never had the urge to cry just from looking at a landscape before, but there it was, just staring me in the face. It's not even the beautiful cacti, or the colorful flowers growing everywhere. The best part was being there all by myself, staring at this great immensity in front of me, taking it all in. It was perfect. Had it been just a little bit cooler, it would definitely have been perfect. My sun spots decided to return today because of how hot it was, so now it looks like I have some sort of crazy rash or leprosy or something... It's my last night here and then off to bigger and better things tomorrow. It's been hot, but fun.
Peaks rise towards the sun,
and the plants follow right behind.
Soon the smoke will rise
from my signal fire to you.
14 May 2009
Can You Feel the Heat?
Oh boy, where to start...
Yesterday I got on the road pretty early, and I made my way out on 84 to the wind Pyrons (I guess that's what they are officially called). They look big from far away, but when you drive right up next to one and stand next to it, they are monstrous. And the air they blow is absolutely unbelievable. It's like standing in the middle of a wind tunnel (Now just imagine me standing there with my 4x5 camera under the dark cloth trying to keep it steady. All it tried to do was blow away). But I managed to take a couple pictures with that and a couple with my other two cameras also so I should be all set.
I had some time before my CouchSurfing host would be home from work so I did some shopping that I forgot to do before I left (I ended up buying a couple pairs of shorts too...). After that I went to Starbucks, got a Strawberries and Cream Frappucino and just read a little, wrote a little, and basically just chilled out and tried to be calm. The temperature outside was a hefty 103 at that point so I figured I'd spend as much time inside as possible, but I never thought I would end up reading an entire book. I wonder what the people at Starbucks thought about me just sitting there and reading. Now I know all about "The Perks of Being a Wallflower", a novel I've been wanting to read for a very long time but never got around to until Nicole bought it for me before I left. It was the best gift that someone has ever given me for a going away.
Right as I was about to finish the book, my host, Kristen, called and said that she was home and that I could stop over whenever I was ready. I read the last couple pages in the book and then drove over. She has this great apartment all to herself, and it's actually a really good size. The decorations inside of it are great too. And, she has plants everywhere. She was very welcoming and hospitable, and we went to grab dinner at this little Thai place called The King and I. Since it was pretty late by then, there wasn't anyone else in the place and we just ate our food and talked.
Then we came back to her place and she kicked my ass at Scrabble twice before we decided it was time to go to bed.
Let me just say that she has one of the longest couches I've seen, and my feet didn't even hit the end. And it was comfortable too.
I'm just getting ready to head out to a State Park full of sand dunes so that should be exciting.
Oh, and I forgot, I took another picture of the Lego Cowboy on his travels. It's off the side of I20 West, somewhere between Roscoe and Midland, Texas. I hope it's not always this hard to find something to hang him on...
More later.
The sun burns holes
right through my skin.
I walked for miles,
and there was no place to go.
Yesterday I got on the road pretty early, and I made my way out on 84 to the wind Pyrons (I guess that's what they are officially called). They look big from far away, but when you drive right up next to one and stand next to it, they are monstrous. And the air they blow is absolutely unbelievable. It's like standing in the middle of a wind tunnel (Now just imagine me standing there with my 4x5 camera under the dark cloth trying to keep it steady. All it tried to do was blow away). But I managed to take a couple pictures with that and a couple with my other two cameras also so I should be all set.
I had some time before my CouchSurfing host would be home from work so I did some shopping that I forgot to do before I left (I ended up buying a couple pairs of shorts too...). After that I went to Starbucks, got a Strawberries and Cream Frappucino and just read a little, wrote a little, and basically just chilled out and tried to be calm. The temperature outside was a hefty 103 at that point so I figured I'd spend as much time inside as possible, but I never thought I would end up reading an entire book. I wonder what the people at Starbucks thought about me just sitting there and reading. Now I know all about "The Perks of Being a Wallflower", a novel I've been wanting to read for a very long time but never got around to until Nicole bought it for me before I left. It was the best gift that someone has ever given me for a going away.
Right as I was about to finish the book, my host, Kristen, called and said that she was home and that I could stop over whenever I was ready. I read the last couple pages in the book and then drove over. She has this great apartment all to herself, and it's actually a really good size. The decorations inside of it are great too. And, she has plants everywhere. She was very welcoming and hospitable, and we went to grab dinner at this little Thai place called The King and I. Since it was pretty late by then, there wasn't anyone else in the place and we just ate our food and talked.
Then we came back to her place and she kicked my ass at Scrabble twice before we decided it was time to go to bed.
Let me just say that she has one of the longest couches I've seen, and my feet didn't even hit the end. And it was comfortable too.
I'm just getting ready to head out to a State Park full of sand dunes so that should be exciting.
Oh, and I forgot, I took another picture of the Lego Cowboy on his travels. It's off the side of I20 West, somewhere between Roscoe and Midland, Texas. I hope it's not always this hard to find something to hang him on...More later.
The sun burns holes
right through my skin.
I walked for miles,
and there was no place to go.
12 May 2009
The Beginning
Well, first post since actually being on the road. It's been long, it's been warm, and it's been exhausting. And I basically still don't have the rest of the trip planned at all. I suppose I'll do that before I fall asleep tonight. That would be a good idea...
I saw a ton of really great things so far. The beautiful drive through Kentucky was one of the best. The hills were absolutely magnificent. I didn't get any great pictures though so I won't have one of those.
The sunset in Tennessee was amazing also. Because I was driving west, it set basically right ahead of me so I saw it go all the way down. Plus, on my entrance into Tennessee, I stopped and took this:
It's the first one in the series of the traveling cowboy. Sorry about the folds in the fabric; I'm going to have to fix that before I take the next one (I just forgot about it, but I have all the tools to get it done). I don't know exactly where he'll show up next, but I think I'm going to have to work on making him freestanding if I want to take him everywhere. Perhaps a trip to Home Depot or Lowes tomorrow..
Today was a long drive through Texas. I mean, I know it looks big on a map, but you really have no idea how big until you drive through it for the better part of a day. I got on the road this morning at 9, and I'm in Snyder now, and I just stopped about an hour ago. Although I did stop along the highway to take a couple of pictures. That took some maneuvering...
Driving along 84 today, I was going to head all the way up to some other city so I could be more north in Texas so I could find some awesome plains, but I decided to stop in Snyder because I found the perfect shot. The sun was already going down and it was raining a little so I didn't have a chance to get it today, but I'm ready for tomorrow. It's going to be of the windmills:
I know that this isn't the best picture, but it was just a quick snapshot to put on here and show you what I'll be doing. The fields were amazing; there are thousands of these wind turbines just standing everywhere. And when they all stopped spinning, they looked even more amazing.
The weather today was hot. Perhaps I should have brought a pair of shorts. (go ahead mom, you can say "I told you so"). It made it all the way up to 95 while driving through Dallas, and it was still in the mid seventies when I stopped driving.
Nothing too special happened today or yesterday. Just a lot of driving and a lot of time to think. But now it's time to plan. Until next time...
Four wheels along the pavement;
they spin and turn and stop.
But it's not until they return to you
that they will be satisfied.
I saw a ton of really great things so far. The beautiful drive through Kentucky was one of the best. The hills were absolutely magnificent. I didn't get any great pictures though so I won't have one of those.
The sunset in Tennessee was amazing also. Because I was driving west, it set basically right ahead of me so I saw it go all the way down. Plus, on my entrance into Tennessee, I stopped and took this:
It's the first one in the series of the traveling cowboy. Sorry about the folds in the fabric; I'm going to have to fix that before I take the next one (I just forgot about it, but I have all the tools to get it done). I don't know exactly where he'll show up next, but I think I'm going to have to work on making him freestanding if I want to take him everywhere. Perhaps a trip to Home Depot or Lowes tomorrow..Today was a long drive through Texas. I mean, I know it looks big on a map, but you really have no idea how big until you drive through it for the better part of a day. I got on the road this morning at 9, and I'm in Snyder now, and I just stopped about an hour ago. Although I did stop along the highway to take a couple of pictures. That took some maneuvering...
Driving along 84 today, I was going to head all the way up to some other city so I could be more north in Texas so I could find some awesome plains, but I decided to stop in Snyder because I found the perfect shot. The sun was already going down and it was raining a little so I didn't have a chance to get it today, but I'm ready for tomorrow. It's going to be of the windmills:
I know that this isn't the best picture, but it was just a quick snapshot to put on here and show you what I'll be doing. The fields were amazing; there are thousands of these wind turbines just standing everywhere. And when they all stopped spinning, they looked even more amazing.
The weather today was hot. Perhaps I should have brought a pair of shorts. (go ahead mom, you can say "I told you so"). It made it all the way up to 95 while driving through Dallas, and it was still in the mid seventies when I stopped driving.
Nothing too special happened today or yesterday. Just a lot of driving and a lot of time to think. But now it's time to plan. Until next time...
Four wheels along the pavement;
they spin and turn and stop.
But it's not until they return to you
that they will be satisfied.
08 May 2009
A Weekend Away
I'm leaving in a mere three days.
That's exciting. Not too scary, though. Let's hit the road; I'm ready.
All I have left to do is get some laundry done and then get everything packed. My bicycle is amazing. The ride is so smooth, and aside from the front brakes sucking hardcore, everything is perfect. I'll just take the brake off though. I really only need one anyway, right? It's never given me anything but trouble so who cares? That settles it.
I don't really have much else to say, other than I'm going to be using Couchsurfing.org for most of my sleeping arrangements, so if you know anyone one there along my route or if you know anyone in general that would be willing to house a traveler, I would very much appreciate it. I really can't wait to get going, though.
It really can't come soon enough. Enjoy your summer.
The hawks fly overhead,
circling the barren ground.
And the cars drive past with quite a sound,
as their tires dust the sky.
That's exciting. Not too scary, though. Let's hit the road; I'm ready.
All I have left to do is get some laundry done and then get everything packed. My bicycle is amazing. The ride is so smooth, and aside from the front brakes sucking hardcore, everything is perfect. I'll just take the brake off though. I really only need one anyway, right? It's never given me anything but trouble so who cares? That settles it.
I don't really have much else to say, other than I'm going to be using Couchsurfing.org for most of my sleeping arrangements, so if you know anyone one there along my route or if you know anyone in general that would be willing to house a traveler, I would very much appreciate it. I really can't wait to get going, though.
It really can't come soon enough. Enjoy your summer.
The hawks fly overhead,
circling the barren ground.
And the cars drive past with quite a sound,
as their tires dust the sky.
05 May 2009
Dwindling
Another week gone is another week closer.
And that leaves me with less than a week left until I leave.
I finished getting together all the bicycle parts I'm going to need to finally make this thing road worthy and comfortable. It's been a lot more work and money than I wanted to put into such an old bike, but I'll be able to paint it when I come back so it's going to look amazing. I decided on the colors and design, but that's all too far away, so why talk about it now? It looks great, it will ride great, and best of all, it's all mine.
I still have a lot to do before I leave. My route is still very general and I haven't researched any places to stay yet, although I did look at the Couch Surfing website the other day so I'll keep that in mind as an option. What could be better than meeting interesting people and not paying for lodging at night.I'll really have to zero in on my nightly stops and traveling distance for each day so I can start to get messages out to people and see if they'll be home those days and willing to house me for the night. I found a few that seemed really interesting, in places where I know I'll stop, so maybe I'll just continue along with that. It's better than sleeping alone in the Jeep or paying some ridiculous amount to stay somewhere. Plus it offers the chance for a shower. It'll be a test though because I don't really go out of my way to interact with people that I don't know. It's worth a try. At the very least, I'll find out that I need better communication skills, and at best I could find a whole new side of myself.
I started making a pile of all the things I'll be bringing, and it's still pretty manageable at the time being. Hopefully it doesn't get too ridiculously out of hand. I want to travel light and just live without the world. My 4x5 case will come in handy as a second locking box to keep in the Jeep, and i can keep the actual camera in the bigger box in the back to it's safer. It's amazing to think that this is actually happening. Six short days until I leave. Six long days of waiting and trying to smush everything in that I want to get done and people I want to see.
Gone, gone to the wind,
Gone to the wind in an instant.
I'll never come back,
but if I do, I'll be a different me.
And that leaves me with less than a week left until I leave.
I finished getting together all the bicycle parts I'm going to need to finally make this thing road worthy and comfortable. It's been a lot more work and money than I wanted to put into such an old bike, but I'll be able to paint it when I come back so it's going to look amazing. I decided on the colors and design, but that's all too far away, so why talk about it now? It looks great, it will ride great, and best of all, it's all mine.
I still have a lot to do before I leave. My route is still very general and I haven't researched any places to stay yet, although I did look at the Couch Surfing website the other day so I'll keep that in mind as an option. What could be better than meeting interesting people and not paying for lodging at night.I'll really have to zero in on my nightly stops and traveling distance for each day so I can start to get messages out to people and see if they'll be home those days and willing to house me for the night. I found a few that seemed really interesting, in places where I know I'll stop, so maybe I'll just continue along with that. It's better than sleeping alone in the Jeep or paying some ridiculous amount to stay somewhere. Plus it offers the chance for a shower. It'll be a test though because I don't really go out of my way to interact with people that I don't know. It's worth a try. At the very least, I'll find out that I need better communication skills, and at best I could find a whole new side of myself.
I started making a pile of all the things I'll be bringing, and it's still pretty manageable at the time being. Hopefully it doesn't get too ridiculously out of hand. I want to travel light and just live without the world. My 4x5 case will come in handy as a second locking box to keep in the Jeep, and i can keep the actual camera in the bigger box in the back to it's safer. It's amazing to think that this is actually happening. Six short days until I leave. Six long days of waiting and trying to smush everything in that I want to get done and people I want to see.
Gone, gone to the wind,
Gone to the wind in an instant.
I'll never come back,
but if I do, I'll be a different me.
30 April 2009
Two Dogs, One Bone
Time really is slipping away now. There are just a mere eleven days left until that fateful morning when I'll be packing up the final articles, shifting into first, and slowly turning out of the driveway and onto the road toward oblivion. It's a magnificent feeling to know that in such a short time I'll be off on my own, ready to explore and survey a part of the country that, up until a month or so ago, I had never thought I would have the chance to see. It amazes me, it surprises me, it scares me. I don't mind being alone; in fact, I often enjoy it compared to the companionship I am surrounded with. It'll be like a vacation inside of a vacation, inside of an experience.
I have almost everything I need now, except perhaps a bike rack to put on the back of the car. I'm not sure how much use I'll get out of a bike, but I'm pretty positive it'll be helpful in some of the busier cities, especially San Francisco, where I hear the driving is absolutely crazy. I love my bike. I hope I have time to finish fixing it up before it's time to leave though; I guess the new paint will have to wait until after I come back. I'm still deciding on whether I want to do a solid color, stripes, or argyle. Argyle would be the best, but also the most difficult and time consuming. Definitely worth it though. Since I have two bikes, maybe I'll paint one solid with an added fade or some other touch of excellence, and do the other one argyle. That'll all have to wait until June though, so there's really no need to fuss over it right now.
I've decided to continue a project that I started for school. I have this hilarious Lego man sitting on a horse that I stenciled onto a large sheet of fabric; it looks great. I'm taking it with me on the trip and using it as an individual project, aside from the actual reasons for taking the trip and photographing the landscapes I want. It should turn out pretty great, as long as I can find a secure way to hang it on any surface and as long as I find some appropriate places to hang it. The photographs will be posted to my flickr as they are taken (http://www.flickr.com/photos/christopherfecio/). I'm really excited to be integrating these two completely different projects into a single experience. I wonder how they'll mesh or clash..
This is an example of the first place that I installed the piece (Charles Street in Toronto, Canada).
Also, along with these two projects, I'll be dabbling a little into mail art. It's something I had to do for a Foundations class and that I studied in a poetry class, and it's something that I find absolutely incredible. I still have to decide if I'll just be sending everything back to my house or if I'll send it back to friends and then just collect it all later. I'm hoping that it'll find a place in my show next semester. It could be a very nice opposition to the other pieces I'll be creating, as it is very small, colorful, and dimensional. Perhaps I'm taking on too much with all of this, but I want to keep busy while I'm gone. Sure, it's a vacation I probably won't be taking again, but it's also an amazing opportunity to get so much accomplished.
In eleven days I should be out of New York by this time. Nothing but an open road ahead of me, and nothing but support left behind.
For once you will see,
see the magic inside me as I
drift towards the unknown
that sits ahead like a stone by the road.
I have almost everything I need now, except perhaps a bike rack to put on the back of the car. I'm not sure how much use I'll get out of a bike, but I'm pretty positive it'll be helpful in some of the busier cities, especially San Francisco, where I hear the driving is absolutely crazy. I love my bike. I hope I have time to finish fixing it up before it's time to leave though; I guess the new paint will have to wait until after I come back. I'm still deciding on whether I want to do a solid color, stripes, or argyle. Argyle would be the best, but also the most difficult and time consuming. Definitely worth it though. Since I have two bikes, maybe I'll paint one solid with an added fade or some other touch of excellence, and do the other one argyle. That'll all have to wait until June though, so there's really no need to fuss over it right now.
I've decided to continue a project that I started for school. I have this hilarious Lego man sitting on a horse that I stenciled onto a large sheet of fabric; it looks great. I'm taking it with me on the trip and using it as an individual project, aside from the actual reasons for taking the trip and photographing the landscapes I want. It should turn out pretty great, as long as I can find a secure way to hang it on any surface and as long as I find some appropriate places to hang it. The photographs will be posted to my flickr as they are taken (http://www.flickr.com/photos/christopherfecio/). I'm really excited to be integrating these two completely different projects into a single experience. I wonder how they'll mesh or clash..
This is an example of the first place that I installed the piece (Charles Street in Toronto, Canada).Also, along with these two projects, I'll be dabbling a little into mail art. It's something I had to do for a Foundations class and that I studied in a poetry class, and it's something that I find absolutely incredible. I still have to decide if I'll just be sending everything back to my house or if I'll send it back to friends and then just collect it all later. I'm hoping that it'll find a place in my show next semester. It could be a very nice opposition to the other pieces I'll be creating, as it is very small, colorful, and dimensional. Perhaps I'm taking on too much with all of this, but I want to keep busy while I'm gone. Sure, it's a vacation I probably won't be taking again, but it's also an amazing opportunity to get so much accomplished.
In eleven days I should be out of New York by this time. Nothing but an open road ahead of me, and nothing but support left behind.
For once you will see,
see the magic inside me as I
drift towards the unknown
that sits ahead like a stone by the road.
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