Art Inspires More Art

As artists of any kind, we are all susceptible to artistic droughts and dry spells. Coming home with a day’s worth of less-than-inspiring work. It’s something I’ve experienced numerous times over the years. Enough to make me think it’s time to sell my camera and invest the money in a hot dog cart. Hell, why not? There’s no shame in providing tasty food to hungry customers every day. Luckily, I have a fail proof plan that always brings me back from the edge. That plan is, immerse yourself in art. The closer I get to art, the more I’m inspired to make my own. Museums, exhibitions, books. During my life in New York City and New Jersey. A visit to Washington Square or Union Square was like a like a lifesaving blood transfusion. Yesterdays trip to DC and the Bansky, Basquiat exhibition was the kick in the head I needed. With their art inspiring me since childhood. It was the swift kick in the ass that no time on the side lines could have provided. Sooner than later, the creative juices were flowing and an opportunity to take a picture I had envisioned for close to a year, came. Proving that, art and creativity is often sparked or refueled by placing yourself among it. Never let that drought or numbness settle in and destroy your creativity. When the well seems dry. Nourishment is never far away.

A Change of Plans.

I admit it. I’m becoming more and more confident in letting my wife make our weekend plans. With my plans for a weekend adventure are primarily focused on coffee and record stores. Yesterday’s stop in Bethesda for ice cream and today’s drive to DC were exceptionally laid back. Slowly, but surely, I’m learning to take it slow and just relax a bit. I’ve photographer this overpass numerous time while driving on the George Washington Memorial Highway. One day I’ll take the nearby exit and stop to enjoy the eb and flow of things.

Lost and Found.

Thinking I lost an unhealthy amount of old images and folders of some life-affirming sessions was somewhat of a mind fuck. While it is rough on the brain. Coming to the conclusion that most things in life are temporary kept me from jumping from the proverbial bridge. When many, or most of the lost sessions, appeared on an old hard drive. There was definitely reason for celebration.

However when an image from a trip to Philadelphia, one I have no memory of taking. The joy was overwhelming. Taken in 2016. This image properly documents my obsession with music and my need to visit, at the very least, one record store per city I’ve visited. That includes, but doesn’t limit to cities suck as close as DC, Baltimore, and Raleigh, and as far as London, Paris, Dublin, and Tokyo. Looking back, I wish I had the guts to doument each one, it’s shoppers, employees and owners. That and bring a bag of records home with me would be great. Though I don’t recall what record store this is, I love the picture.

The Unimpressive Decline of Street Fairs.

Below are a couple of pictures from our weekend trip to Snacktown, PA. You would think Snacktown would be governed by someone like Guy Fieri and would foster bad nutrition and dietary choices. Imagine finding a cover bands version of that over played Nu- Metal standard. As the years go by, I am convinced that all street fairs are alike. Needless to say. I might be done. Still, I enjoy finding interesting things and unique aspects of each town I visit. This particular theatre had plenty of character and bring home a cool shot made it all worth while. So, as they say. Never say never.

The Most Possible Fun, Ever.

Over the weekend, my wife surprised me with a trip to see the Amish Outlaws perform at a spring festival in Brunswick, Maryland. Though I had seen them three times. Once with my wife at a close friend’s wedding. It had been a good ten years since I last experienced what is surely the most fun and engaging show to ever take the stage. As we drove home I smiled and noted that it was the most fun and inclusive I’d ever seen her. To watch her sing, dance and engage with the singer was priceless. Thanks to the Amish Outlaws for bringing out the best in everyone. Below is an image of some of the crowd participation.

Stops Along the Way.

On our trip back home from Lancaster and pretty deep into Maryland. We came across a school bus company that had to be checked out. As I reveled in what had to be a million school buses. Shooting images of the yellow buses snuggled tightly together so tightly. A Marine drill sargeant would be proud. I enjoyed the moment while waiting for a squad car to arrive to check my credentials. While my time there seemed like a matter of seconds. It was the perfect opportuniy to catch the last hints of daylight while getting creative. Luckily, there was no intereferance from the po-po and we were able to drive off into the sunset without as much as a peering eye.

Choosey Choosers

Choosing my favorite photos from my first experience taking the local transit from Fairfax, Virginia to Washington DC. While, by all means, my objective in bringing my camera along with me, lay ahead on the streets of DC. It was the transfer and the few minutes I waited for the connecting train to arrive that created the images that gave me a rush. Though many of the best shots taken focused on similar ideas and techniques. There were some that stood out more than others. The photo below is one of those photos. Having taken my first train ride at the age of seven and acknowledging it as my introduction and long time vehicle for freedom and exploration. I’ll forever credit it for it’s lasting contributions to my life. Growing up in New York City. The stories and dangers related to a ride on the subway were epic. Becoming an adult and experiencing transit in different cities, countries and continents continue to impact my life.