I first began to make pictures seriously in 1960. At that time, photography appeared to me as a new art. Prior to around the middle of the 19th century, photography did not exist. In 1960, in historical terms, the 19th century seemed just around the corner. My own grandfather, who I lived with, had been born in 1871. I knew enough about Art to know that great, perhaps unsurpassed achievements in sculpture went back to the Ancient Greeks. Great paintings has been made since the Renaissance. (In fact the Romans and Greeks also left great works in painting, though I think I was ignorant of it at the time.) But photography? Photography was new. (via The End of the Age of Photography by Danny Lyon)

Ah, the golden age. More than ever, people are experimenting with photography. A camera can be found in just about every contemporary mobile communication device. We’re printing fewer photos, but continually sharing billions of digital images online.

In the Late 1980′s, William Eggelston used the term ‘democratic forest’ to describe his photographs of commonplace or ordinary objects and scenes. With the proliferation of capture capable devices, it’s become increasingly difficult to not employ the photographic medium to chronicle our daily routine, supplement our memory, and provide an expressive outlet.

But if it’s everywhere and all the time, and so easy to make, then what’s of value? which pictures matter? Is it the hard won photograph, knowing, controlled, previsualised? Yes. Or are those contrived, dry and belabored? Sometimes. Is it the offhand snapshot made on a whim. For sure. Or is that just a lucky observation, some random moment caught by chance? Maybe. Is it an intuitive expression of liquid intelligence? Exactly. Or the distillation of years of looking seeing thinking photography. Definitely. (via Photography is Easy, Photography is Difficult by Paul Graham)

The goal is more than a number.

Last summer, I was looking for new digs around Portland and an apartment located near the Springwater Corridor (pdf map) was high on my list. My search was intense, but the market was willing and I have been living it up in the greater Sellwood/Brooklyn area since September ’09.

Apart from easy access to the river and downtown, the corridor is simply is dotted with blackberries. There are a host of berries along the river, but the further West one follows the Springwater’s path, the more the frequent the brambles. This past Sunday, I threw a couple 32oz  containers in my pack and biked out for a recon run of the current berry situation. I picked a couple lbs of berries and succeeded mapping out some excellent picking locations.  Berry season peaks in early August, so I have a solid 30 day window in which to glean.

Last year, I hauled in roughly 14lbs of wild blackberries and 25lbs of asian pears. I’m upping the ante this year and hope to pull in about 25lbs 20lbs of berries. With all the fresh produce available at my local farmers markets it would be a pity to only consume local foods during harvest time. So instead of spending August days noshing on berries, the whole of my efforts are going directly into the freezer. Come Winter, I will still be able to eat local (and free to boot). I’m talking oatmeal and blackberries every morning.

Throughout history, detractors have lamented the advancement of everything from books and the telegraph, to  television and smart phones.  While we can underestimate the power of tools to reshape our minds, the fact that we possess re-mappable circuity is a feature that we should hold most dear.

I have noticed changes in my own thinking, but find simple procedures like consistent off-line reading, list making, pacing, and the achievement of pre-conceived goals to be as important as anything in maintaining awareness and focus. Oddly enough, this now brings us to running.

I recently read Haruki Murakami‘s memoir What I Talk About When I Talk About Running and found his journeying approach to running similar to the brain stretching exercises of long form reading/study. In the past few years have become a runner of sorts. I maintain a weekly schedule that has steadily increased as my stamina has grown. I continue to find new appreciation for the physical process and expanded mental state I receive from physical activity.

There is something about the mix of physical stimulation and mental solitude that allows for a quite concentration.  As I run (bike, kenpo-x) the way in which I remember, reason or even empathize seems to be drawn out into longer strings of thought. It is as if the run provides the ability for a deeper processing of information but the in-ability to immediately act on that processing. My whims are quelled as the physical process forces me to focus on the task at hand. I am free to think about everything or nothing allowing time and and pace to guide my journey. I’m not always pondering deep thoughts while I run, but I do believe the unwinding of my mental state, regardless of intentional direct processing, allows for a different form of thought.

Maybe this is a side effect of stress release? Could me imagination be playing a greater role? How are abstract thoughts related to physical sensation and exertion?

The Internet allows us to access information with hummingbird-like quickness, but our methods for processing that information are still tied to human memory and brain power.  Our mental facilities, regardless of Internet usage,  are constantly being reprogrammed. We must acknowledge that changes are taking place and maintain a purposeful (and personal) method of processing information and making thoughtful decisions.

60 dead minks, one fur coat.
20 dead beavers, one fur coat.
30 dead raccoons, one fur coat.
10 dead foxes, one fur coat.

I am proud to support the efforts of In Defense of Animals, Mercy for Animals and other organizations promoting a vegetarian/vegan diet and bent on ending the mistreatment of animals.

The last market is November 21st.

a damp wind blows
vegetables swallow pavement
can. freeze.

rest well persephone