Walls and a Fence
Posted on March 29, 2017
There has been a lot of talk about walls — and one wall in particular — lately. As it happens, I’ve been making images of walls lately, too. Below are a few.
As you look at them, consider these things about walls (and fences). They can keep us out … or in. They separate us from others, but can also protect us from harm. They can be a canvas for light and reflections, or have designs of their own. Some can become homes to house people and businesses, while other walls and barriers may define or limit our opportunities. But then, for some, creating and building these walls can be an opportunity in itself. What has been your experience with walls and fences?

Reflections on a Wall

Fenced In or Fenced Out

Corrugated Steel Wall

Shed Wall with Door

New Walls

Bank Walls

No Exit
New Orleans
Posted on December 27, 2016
The city of New Orleans is a rich mix of the modern and the old, of wealth and poverty, of music, historic buildings, a new flourishing arts district, and all the good and the bad of the culture of the Deep South.
In areas like the French Quarter the excitement — and sometimes drunkenness — of the tourists floats like a thin sheen over the hardships endured by the street performers and service staff, the poverty of nearby neighborhoods, and the failures of the public sector to provide services and maintain public facilities. Of course, visitors are encouraged to look past all that, but it is there and is a part of what makes New Orleans what it is.

Cottage on St Ann Street

The masks we wear

The locals

All dressed up

Forgotten remembrance

Open street surgery

Just before the night begins

His money, his life

Surveillance
Building Boom
Posted on August 26, 2016
Sarasota is a town on the cusp of becoming a city. And there’s a building boom going on downtown — mostly hotels and high-end condominiums. One, ironically named “The Vue,” blocks some of the view of Sarasota Bay as it crowds in just a few feet from two of the busiest streets in town in a very pedestrian-unfriendly way.
This surge of new construction dwarfs the older “historic” parts of downtown. Of course, change and growth can add vitality and diversity to a community, helping it become a city. On the other hand, too much of one thing can put a community out of balance and sap its strength.
Many of these new buildings will be filled with wealthy older residents looking for a low-key but upscale lifestyle. Nothing wrong with that — unless, of course, they put up a metaphorical wall around downtown to keep out others who are different. In that case, this new growth will suffocate rather than vitalize, and the town will become not a city, but a slightly more dense area of the sprawl that is so much of Florida.
Which will it be for Sarasota? The jury is out.

A View of the Vue at Sarasota Bay

Bricking up the View at the Vue

A Piece of Sky

More Next to the Garage

Feeling the Squeeze
Light on the Water
Posted on August 4, 2016
Early morning, and the sun begins to lighten the sky at the Audubon Society’s Venice Rookery. Most people come to see the birds roosting on the small island in the middle of the pond. And the birds are wonderful, as they come awake, squawking and beginning to feed their young.
But so is the gentle rise of color as the sky lightens and reflects off the water. Enjoy this other bit of magic, too.

Between me and the island

Cattails
Urban Dreams
Posted on April 25, 2016
There is plenty to see and wonder about in most urban places. Behind the scenes in the alley there may be places of rest, or of mystery. And the busy street may hide a surprise for the attentive imagination. It pays to keep one’s mind and eyes open.

Evening Star

Chihuly Does South Beach

Back Door Playland

Place to Rest

Keeping Watch

Window Dressing
Naturally Abstract
Posted on June 15, 2015
Through the Looking Glass
Posted on April 27, 2015