Walking Around, Downtown
Got an hour?
Tunnel under LSD
Judy and I went downtown one day last week to hear Cheryl Strayed, author of “Wild” speak at part of the Chicago Humanities Festival. On the way, we stopped at the Catherine Edelman Gallery and saw some creative and innovate work by Gregory Scott (http://www.edelmangallery.net/exhibitions-and-projects/exhibition-pages/current-exhibitions/in-still-motion.html). I’d suggest you check it out, except the exhibit is no longer there…replaced by a new one: Sandro Miller–featuring John Malkovich recreating famous “roles” from iconic photos. Go check THAT out!! (http://edelmangallery.com/exhibitions-and-projects/exhibition-pages/2014/sandro-miller-malkovich,-malkovich,-malkovich-homage-to-photographic-masters.html).
Anyways, Judy and I got to the speaking event very early and, as usual, Judy had a book to read and I had my camera. So, she waited and read and I walked around the block for about an hour, looking at people and things to photograph. We were at the Northwestern Law School, so that means we were on Chicago Avenue, about a block west of Lake Shore Drive. Very active and fertile area for photographs! I had no problem keeping “busy” while just walking around!
Let’s not forget we had just seen Gregory Scott’s exhibit. So, when I showed Judy some of my photos from the back of my camera, I asked her, “What does this remind you of?” And the reply was, as I noticed, too…the Gregory Scott photos. Though NOT at all as creative and innovative…and certainly no painting and contained video (as he uses). Just the “small frame within a photo” concept.
Did I do that consciously or unconsciously? I dunno. Though I really just believe it just happened that way. I’d say it was similar to someone who goes to a concert and walks out humming a song afterward.
In any event, the tunnel is actually under LSD, going eastward. It looked dark and damp (as it was!) and there was a fair amount of foot traffic for that time of the day and that weather. I really liked the graphic nature of the whole scene. When I saw the cyclist walking toward the white “box” at the other end of the tunnel, I tripped the shutter.
The other image is actually the stairway up from the tunnel…about 5 minutes earlier. I just liked the graphic nature and the colors…last vestiges of fall. I did “tweak” things by making the walls as white as possible (rather than grey) for dramatic effect.
There were more photos….I took a bunch! Just walking around the block (it’s a huge block!).
Stairway to Street Level
We’re going back downtown this weekend…maybe some more photos. Chicago is a great place for taking pictures. Urban landscapes and people, of course.
Autumn Walk
Once again, my lack of visual art erudition betrays me. Suffice it to say that I love these three pictures – I find these to be more like pictures rather than photographs.
I am SO glad you love these images. Of course, thanks! And one’s background and formal training really doesn’t matter, after all, when it comes to taste, does it? I hope not!
Great work as usual.
And thank you, also as usual!
Thank You Stephen for coming with me to another book/author event. Bringing your camera along always offers an opportunity for your own creativity. Get ready – two more author events at CHF this weekend!
As you know, it would be an understatement for me to say I’m glad to go to those events with you….or anywhere else!!
Looking forward to this weekend, too. I’d better charge the batteries in my camera.
So much fun for me to get to see Chicago in this way through your amazing photos. Since I haven’t been back for 3 years it’s my only window. Love these photos….great job. Keep them coming please.
Glad I’m able to keep the “window” open for you. Puts a little extra “pressure” on me! haha I like that.
Thanks so much.
Once again your photos are spectacular! I always enjoy looking at your photos through your eyes.
Always appreciated, Debbie!
Steve,
Good post and photos as usual, wish I had your ambition. Looked at the exhibit and knew seven of the photographers, just realized how old I am.
Thanks, Ben!
I’m not surprised…it’s fair to say you know and have worked with more photographers than anyone else in Chicago. Maybe even the country…or the world!?