Graffiti Art

Today's post is less about my creativity and more about an ever growing problem in Portland. I have to say first that I admire and appreciate graffiti as an art form with the caveat that it shouldn't be destructive. The real problem truly is tagging, and there is a mile of difference between the two, not only in the artistic value but also the true intent behind them.
With that said, I took a walk along a bike path that runs around Portland back cove. I was looking forward to shooting some of the graffiti that is continually changing on this one piece of concrete wall adjacent to the Portland sewage treatment facility. The first image that I posted hopfully convey's the art work but the second image shows the cost that is paid for it. It had been a while since I had gone this route but I can't tell you how stark the reality was. In the past three years something has changed in our community and I am afraid it is gone forever. There had been two large walls that allowed artists to practice their craft and that was where it could be displayed in a way that it could be enjoyed by everyone. Recently however things have started to change and the result is evident in the second image. To me it is a seriously depressing lack of respect to show so little respect for your community. I would love to hear what you think.

Thanks, ~m

Afternoon Showers

I am still struggling with not having some real controls on my camera. The Nikon Coolpix is great for snapshots but not so good for trying to get the results you want, or at least not the ones I am looking for. I have not intended to have a running theme but water seems to be what is calling me lately. Since I live near the coast I guess that would seem to make some sense.

Freeport Wharf

Today I made a few stops looking for something to catch my eye. I took the back roads back from Brunswick to Portland and went to the Freeport Wharf. I had never been there before today. It was quintessential Maine an I will have to go back and eat at the Harraseeket Lunch & Lobster on my next visit. I as still lamenting not having a "real" camera and I am finding it tough to really get into shooting without it. I am going to have to take out my sketch book tomorrow.

Focused on Reflection

I think that the title of this image really says it all. I am spending quite a bit of time soul searching. This is a picture that I took a few weeks ago and as I was looking back at other pictures of mine I came across it and it seemed to fit my mood.

Disappointed!

I went to Fort Williams today at about 7pm just after a brief afternoon thunder storm passed through in the hopes of capturing a classic image of the Portland Headlight. When I arrived it looked as thought the weather was not going to work in my favor but I was determined to shoot a few frames anyway. I walked out on a foot path and took a few shots before I saw a side trail that led me to where this image was taken. After I made a few exposures I realized that my memory card was full, and I neglected to bring my back up. So I was trying to delete some images from the camera when the navigation wheel would not respond. No matter what I tried I could do nothing..... Panic began to set in, but nothing seemed to help. I looked up from the camera to notice that the scene before me had changed drastically. The sun setting on the western horizon had broken through the dense clouds and bathed the light house in a wash of amber light. The reflection from the light house was picked up in the chop of the sea in the cove below. The contrast of the golden light against the deep blues hues of the sky was breathtaking. I frantically tried with no better results to will my camera back to life. looking up again I gave myself to the moment and tried my best to sear this beautiful image in my mind, knowing I couldn't actually record it any other way. I took in a deep breath and savored the heavy moist air. I could hear the buoy's bell being rung by the gentle rolling sea. Just then a lobster boat rounded the cape on its way back to the harbor to unload the days catch. It put the finishing touch to this amazing sight before me.

Ok, so thats the positive spin on my day. I did however have a few choice four letter words for myself and for quite a while I found it really hard to shake the weight of my disappointment.

And so it begins..........

I chose this template because somehow I feel that I have a void in my life and black captures that for me at this moment. I hope that as time goes by and I begin to find my voice I will change the look and feel of this site. As it is, this represents a blank slate from which to begin my road to recovery. I have never kept a journal before so bare with me as I fumble my way through. I would love to receive your feedback along the way and I am really hoping to make new friends and strengthen the bond of friendships I already have. So with that, it begins........