Leamae Katrina at Whiz Burgers

At the end of the day of walking through the mission district and chasing the pink bag, I was parched and  stopped at the Whiz Burger joint next to a old church, old for California anyway. And there, sitting at one of the picnic tables was Leamae Katrina.    He was patiently sorting out a few of his clothes, picking some lint from a sweater.

I fell into conversation with him, first asking if he'd gotten sun burned, then where he was from then where he'd gotten those blue eyes of his.

Beat up.
California, forever.
Eyes from the sky, like bird eggs.
Found playing marbles,  picked them up. 

Then, the ask: Can I take your picture?
Sure, sent it general delivery: Poste Restante,  San Francisco.

Trucks, Murals..Lybia Women Have Guns???

 There's a very active mural culture in San Francisco. The Mission District is especially well known, and some time I'd like to explore more. It's easy to find because it's everywhere. Some of the messages are more transparent, like Slime Time, but Lybia Women Have Guns?? No doubt, it's a reference to some pop culture phenomenon that I haven't had time to tune into.  Any volunteers to enlighten me? Bring it on.

San Francisco Mission District

I'm in SF at a conference put on my the society for arts and health care this week. I made a detour to visit the Mission district, recommended by a friend. In search of murals, found myself watching this pink plastic bag floating down the street. One thing led to another and before I knew it I was chasing it all over town. It was like the number pi, nudging always nudging a sluggish eternity to continue.

Lodi's a Go!

For the last two months I've been working with InterFaith Works to raise funds for the Lodi Laundromat Photography Exhibition and we now have some funding commitments from SUNY Upstate's Global Health and Outreach program as  well as some private donors.   I've started taking more pictures in the neighborhood, starting with families that I met last year and will be branching out as the weather gets warmer and I can be out in the streets more. Stay tuned for updates. The show will open May 19th.

New Orleans January 2011

 One of my first stops in January was Joe Peters Shop. It was fun talking shop, including rabbit hunting. If ever I get the invitation to go out, I guarantee you I won't turn it down. As usual people came and went in various states of disrepair, personal and automotive. Joe's lived hard, got wisdom to spare and gives generous portions whenever prompted. If you need to borrow a tool while you are in New Orleans, go to Joe. But don't mess with his dog.

Back on Lodi

I've decided to walk to and from work so that I can take pictures on my way home, swing by the Lodi Laundry. I was brought up short by Wendy and her husband, who goes by the nickname "Tank. He's good at fixing things like this weather proof stroller that's gotten their kids around all winter, snug and sheltered somewhat from our elements. I was impressed by their friendly banter. It was fun to meet someone like Tank who took such pride in his ingenuity, particularly the way he fixed the front tire with part of an old bicycle.

The Syracuse Slowdown Blowdown Snowdown Lowdown Showdown

This Saturday was the Snowdown, a project of the Public Arts Task Force.
Calvin, in his infinite 7-year-old wisdom called it a slowdown, blow-down, showdown.  It was a Lipe Art Park on the near west side across the way from the Delevan Gallery and a place where many local artists have installed work.

The creativity of the ring leaders of this group continues to astonish me. There was a good turn out for the event and the snow sculptures were very impressive considering that, except for Dave Greene, a Syracuse Resident known well on Allen Street for his impressive snow-structures and arches, the participants didn't have  much experience sculpting snow.

There were plenty of shovels and with a little encouragement, a wide-variety of forms emerged from the snow: boats, monters, snow-bots, hands, a beach scene, and the "spirit of Syraucse (see below).

This is Brendan's snow bot.  He's now officially the Syracuse Artist in Residence. 

 And this is Mark, the official fire master--who would make a god hobo according to the crowd of people huddled around his very competent and well hidden from the street fire pit. He can--think it's the red coat--make anything burn.

 This is Johnathan and his dad, who sculpted some impressive snow monsters.

The hand, with thumb-up optimism. It has become part of the city's vernacular: "Upstate is for Optimists." How else could you deal with this much snow?

Here's my favorite sculpture from the day's festive and friendly competition:

                               The Spirit of Syracuse:

And meet the makers Margaret and Louis from the Northside of our fair City. They were very gracious and endearing winners.