hey chief...

29.99 | Cherokee, NC | March 2009

a scout is...

International Scout / Steel Trap | Middlebrook, VA | Spring 09

A scout is...
trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.
Although this one isn't so clean at the moment. This is taken at my dad's farm in Virginia...the metal contraption behind the Scout is a giant steel trap. Amazing, really. That thing is friggin' huge.

texture

Window/Siding | Louisville, KY | May, 2009.

hatch customers...

Hatch Customers/Loading Dock | Louisville, KY | May 2009

Here's another couple of shots from Louisville...I like the colors and shapes here. I also like the "Hatch Customers" that was created by the cropping of the pillars. It seemed like they went crazy with the green paint on this building...they even painted the telephone pole...until they got to the top of the building. I may post a shot of that later.

Pink Kitty Door (with ants)

Pink Garage | Louisville, KY | May 2009

I've been in Portland, Oregon for the past 5 days and have new film to process, but in the meantime I thought I'd follow up the dog-window shot with a cat-garage shot. Both were from Louisville during my visit with jw lawson. It reminds me of the attachment to pets...the feeling that they are indeed more than just pets, but they become part of your life, and a welcoming face when you return home.

On a non-creepy note...

Dogs Welcome | Louisville, KY | May 2009

Yet another window photo for you...this one a little friendlier than the last. I have been scanning alot lately, and it has been interesting to see see how this "window series" is playing out as I go. I will keep it up, and have more coming soon.

Creepy Mannequin Head / Abandoned Bear

Save more, Get more | Louisville, KY | May 2009

Mannequin Head | Louisville, KY | May 2009

Wow. What a creepy mannequin...

I spent last weekend in Louisville with my good friend Lawson...walking, talking, sipping beers, and just generally having a good time while making art. This window was irresistible. Creepy, but irresistible. I was attracted to the color of the paint, but as I got closer and saw the mannequin head it totally freaked me out, and I had to get a shot of it. Well, so here it is...in all it's freaky glory.

Edit: I added the bear photo, cause it's creepy too....and seemed to fit with the other.

Little 'ol bird house

Birdhouse | Middlebrook, VA | early spring 2009

I went to visit with my dad earlier in the spring, and while there went for a few long walks on the property. I found this little guy, and like the way it sits within all of the twisted branches...you barely even notice it. Shy little feller. The farm is a great place to walk and that part of Virginia is beautiful in early spring.

Where I be...

A place to rest / Spring 2009..

Bonnie Prince Billy

Photo by: charlie cravero (via Flickr).

I went to see Bonnie Prince Billy in Knoxville last night at the Bijou Theatre...the best venue in town (IMO). Opening the night was a transfixing performance by Lichens (link below). I've seen Bonnie Prince Billy with several different bands over the years, and this time around was no disappointment. The band had a grow and swell feel to them...quiet mixed with loud, humor mixed with sadness...and new arrangements of album songs mixed with beautiful vocals. Will Oldham's voice seems to get better with every incarnation, and his choice of vocalists is always a great fit. Anyway, if you get the chance to see Bonnie Prince Billy on this tour I would highly recommend it. If you haven't heard his music, why, look him up. I'll provide a general link below.

BPB / Will Oldham Wikipedia page
Lichens bio

Green Acres

Green Acres Flea Market | Winter 09

I'm currently designing a book about hunting/fishing traditions in our culture...the way that these traditions get passed down within families and communities. It got me thinking about the way I grew up hunting and fishing, and the ways in which I have strayed from that practice...mostly because I haven't really felt the need to do it, and my lifestyle has changed. It seems that the act of hunting and fishing is about many things; the tradition, the ritual, and the camaraderie...not to mention the interaction between man and nature, and the values of that interaction...and the population dynamics...yadda yadda. With a bit of a background in the science of the sport, I truly feel it is okay to embrace hunting and fishing. In fact, I think it is a necessity in our societies. I get tired of people claiming that it is cruel and not necessary in this day and age, and I would argue that it may be more necessary now than ever. People eat cow, fish, fowl, and pig every day without the slightest idea of where that food comes from, or the inhumane ways in which it is obtained. Avoidance of the process is inhumane in my opinion.

Now, don't get me wrong...I detest it when people hunt for the big-game aspect of it, and I think it reprehensible when people do not eat what they hunt. The connection to one's food is essential if we are to be more compassionate and understand where we stand in this world. I also heartily support those that wish to be completely void of meat...the vegetarian life is one way to do it. If you can, then by all means do it...and try growing a garden in that process. Connection and involvement. That's what it is all about.

If nothing else, hunting and fishing provides an outlet to spend some time away from these plastic and wire boxes...even if hunting just turns into "walking around in the woods" which is similar to what fishing is for me (It's really just sitting outside drinking beer). Time outside is always a good thing. So is a garden for that matter. I feel like going fishing, and coming home to garden spinach...and getting off of this box and stopping this rant.

America's Main Street Hotels

Jakle/Sculle | America's Main Street Hotels | University of Tennessee Press

The proof came in yesterday, and it looks good!

America's Main Street Hotels comes out in June via the University of Tennessee Press, and it is another in a line of books that I have had the pleasure of designing. Jakle and Sculle explore the iconic institutions known as Main Street Hotels. These once centers of the community have changed in function over the years, and this book is a great look at the history of their origins, the ups-and-downs, and the possible futures of these buildings that have become such a symbol of our cities. Plus, there are a bunch of cool pictures in it.

Pre Order HERE
UT Press