Portrait #1

Fred Stonehouse, Milwaukee, WI 2008 ©jwl

Some folks know, others don't, that my new studio space is the former studio for local art hero Fred Stonehouse. In the settling-in process of moving into the space I have been moving things that he used before I came along. Something that I moved is a wall that Fred had built to use as an easel. What is left on the wall are boxes of paint from the edges of his work. After looking at these boxes for a couple of months I thought that before I repaint the wall I should frame Fred in his own work.

This is also a springboard for a new project that I have been thinking about. I would like to make a portrait of all the visitors of me studio. In fact I would like to work on portraits of all my friends, wherever. To the point, I want to make some portraits. What better way to start this project than to sit an artist in his former space. Anyone interested in sitting for me, stop by the studio or gimme a shout.

Thanks to Fred for stopping by, I am happy to know and work with you.

Lost In The Shuffle

Chair In Creek, near Highway 347, Tennessee 2007 ©jwl

I was looking through some folders picking images for my (almost complete) book of Southeastern photographs and I found this image. I had completely forgotten about this. It is one of the more interesting and fun photographs for me. One of those images that makes you ask 'what' and 'why'. At times when I step back, I think that these are my strongest moments in photography. Those times when I don't try to say something, rather just observe and smile are the most successful.

Wisconsin Re-realized

Yesterday I was invited to go on a ride to Madison with my friend and mechanic, Tim. Due to the great weather so late in the year, I said YES! I am terribly happy that I went. Not entirely due to the irreplaceable motorcycle good-times, but because of the things we saw and found along the way. With most of my travel focused on the Southeast, I often forget how fun and pretty Wisconsin can be shortly to the West. There are a great many unique and wonderful things that happen in this state as long as you have the aptitude to accept and embrace them. On our journey, we found a few...

Farmers & Merchants Union Bank, Louis Sullivan 1919

After a wrong turn somewhere on Hwy 16, we ended up in Columbus WI. As we made our way through the fun little downtown, I looked to my right and found a gem of American architecture. While studying at UT I fell in love with Louis Sullivan in all forms, especially the banks. Lo and behold, in Columbus stands the last bank built by LS. I almost wrecked the bike trying to stop. We took a tour and this place is really cool, even the water fountain (bubbler) is ornate. I suggest making the trip to celebrate this monument.

Maze Maze, Highway 60, Wisconsin 2008 ©jwl

We also stopped to have a look at a true WI phenomenon. This corn maze is f'n huge! Next fall I am going back and wandering through the thing. Every year they make a new maze with a different ornate pattern. No GPS, no Aliens, just a man and a tractor!

Flag & Limo, Highway B, Wisconsin 2008 © jwl

As the sun was setting and we made our way back, I got to make some art of my own. I usually don't go for the sunset shots, but when you got the pride of America and a flaming hot limo I cannot resist. All in all, I am happy that I took the day for myself and enjoyed Wisconsin.