blue coyote laughing

Mottos to Live by! 2

I'm on a roadtrip! YAY! you can see pictures from the trip here!

Mottos to Live by! 1

*random sentimental note*

I'm looking out my front window and watching the cooperative crossover between the squirrel raiding my birdfeeder and the assortment of little birds pecking around on the ground for his plentiful crumbs. it reminded me of the time when my housemate and I arrived home and found remnants of dog treats all over the floor and the box tipped over on the top shelf. we sherlocked that the cat had climbed the shelves and knocked over plenty of treats for both he and the dog. smart cookies, those two.

purpose, usefulness and art

some years ago, I saw James Nachtwey on Oprah. he is one of the most celebrated journalistic photographers of this time.

although his work is affecting as hell, I wasn't impressed by him. and I'll tell you why. because when asked why he takes the horrific images he does, he said, "Because people need to see these things." and Oprah said, "why?"

and then he spoke nothing but platitudes. and I probably could have forgiven him that. it can be hard to talk about one's work. but there was just something so shallow about his body language. rehearsed words with no real belief in them.

and this, I think, typifies most journalistic photography. it's sensational. it's shallow. it's a stilted opinion disguised as the truth.

I don't want to banish it. it has its purpose. I just wish it would be consumed with a grain of salt. many grains, in fact. the way all “news” should be.

but I didn't intend to rant. I actually posted this because today I saw something very different. a movie called "Born into Brothels". at a moment when I was examining my life. my usefulness. my purpose. it arrived unexpectedly in my mailbox. and it reminded me of the power of art. and the power of my medium. and the power of one person who doesn't stand on the journalistic assertion of "impartial observation without interference".

no stopping

And Needs Your Soul

at 39

on my birthday (two weeks ago), a friend asked me if I thought I was better at 39 than I was at 29. and I had to answer honestly...

HELL YEAH!

and I also want to add, that I took three quick snaps of myself like this, thinking I would pick the one that I hated least. to my surprise, for the first time ever, I had to pick the one I liked best.

SO THERE!

other recent self portraits

pantylines

if your panties are on the line, you might as well go commando.

vending cart art

conversations with family 11

conversations with family 10