Petey Santeeny

My Next Venture:

2008-06-28T16:47:00.003-05:00

Other's Foci

2008-06-25T14:35:00.002-05:00

Remind me to be especially careful near curbs or anything hard in construction that may potentially be hazardous to the health of my vehicle.

My Morning Race Track

2008-05-14T18:58:00.009-05:00

I've been meaning to write this post for a day or two... ain't that the story lately. Life changes. Even when you don't feel it change, it changes. All of a sudden you think/realize "hey, something changed (a long time ago)." Today marks one complete year of me being staff for UWM. It actually doesn't seem that long... especially since I'd been there a little less than 2 yrs before being staff. It seems a lot longer. I usually like the morning commute, drinking coffee and listening to NPR... but, I noticed recently that the "drinking coffee" part has been delayed until I park my car and walk to campus. One, the coffee is too hot to drink any earlier. And, two, it's just too hard for me to drink coffee and drive a manual transmission car (even though 70.2% of the drive does not involve "stop and go").

Lately, also, I've been liking to come home and make dinner while staring out the kitchen window and fixating on the setting sun silhouetting the back porch against the neighbors bright white siding. I like to drift in thought. I'd like to go to Memphis for a day... just to go and visit the city at night and stop for some ribs at Rendezvous.

My Career As A Photographer

2008-05-10T14:47:00.005-05:00

I've been thinking about starting a new blog for a while... and, I think I'm going to do it. I have a bit of time, but I need to fade away from the "Petey Santeeny" blogspace and image. My new venture will be "My Career As A Photographer." I'll let you know when it has arrived. Here is a teaser/snippet/taste of what to expect:

"The best thing about this job is the adventure. The access and the places you get to go that people typically don't get to go to. Whether it's a refinery, the office of a big time CEO, the inside of a factory, or going into people's homes. It's a ticket to all kinds of things. But that's also part of the challenge... every situation you get into is new and different, and you've got to come away with a good photograph." - Wyatt McSpadden

My Focus

2008-05-06T10:34:00.003-05:00

I've had my new 2008 Ford Focus for about three months now and I still haven't taken the time to take a good picture of it. That bugs me and eats at my insides. I've only washed it once too ("Laser Wash"). Sometimes I feel as if I don't really care about it and it's this necessity I "must have" ... kinda like underwear. But... as some may know... I AM very particular about it and concerned about the shape it's in.

My 2008 Ford Focus

I also got an iPhone with the purchase of my car. That was a complete surprise.

Where You'd Least Expect It

2008-04-24T10:42:00.003-05:00

Last weekend I went Turkey Hunting, again. It's pretty boring and fairly discouraging if you don't actually get one (or see one). Last year was the first time I got one. This year was the first time my dad got one (and we ate it right away, it was good). But all weekend long I did not see ONE turkey. I heard them, but they were far far away...

The Turkey I Saw in MKE

Then, I got back home, finished one day of work, headed back to my car and BAM! ... TURKEY ... in Milwaukee ...

Later that evening I went on a bike ride (down near the lake) and if it were not for 2.47 feet I would have collided with a deer. (It was a lot closer before I took the picture. An arm's length, no lie.)

Winter Sure Was Cold and Miserable

2008-04-06T11:55:00.002-05:00

And so was 8th grade (minus the cold part, as far as I can remember).

My parents are selling their house, so I'm forced to clean out my old room and dig through everything I've accumulated and decided to leave there. Most of it is old artwork, cameras, etc. Most of it is junk. But some of it brings back memories of which I have totally forgotten.

For some odd reason, on the night of our 8th grade dance, me and my good friend, Ben, decided to talk to the DJ and have him play a song we brought along on cassette. It was a complete joke, but just to us, no one else got it. We were introduced as either "Evermore" or "The Fighting Chipmunks" ("Tin Can Massacre" wasn't until 11th grade, but that was fictitious anyway). Somehow I had enough courage to hold onto the mic the DJ handed me and scream "yeah" or "how's it going" or a simple "hey" to our 8th grade class before our song was played.... this one:

That's when my "Middle School Fear" came on stage and screamed into my face how much I sucked. I blame him for a few things. This kid was the same kid that slashed my dreams of playing basketball. Back in 6th grade I attended a "basketball camp" at the high school. I was home schooled and really didn't know anyone. I was paired up on a team with this kid (name = Will), a "hotheaded speak whatever you think" kind of kid. As we were playing I got the feeling I was no good. I even heard some parents (maybe they were his) say "he's a shooter" ... (meaning, once I got the ball I'd just shoot it right away, no matter where I was). And then after one particular game, which we lost, Will bluntly told me that I was the reason we lost.

So, in the sum of things, I was put into my place and was NOT one of the cool kids. But in the end I think I may be successful.

Muxtape

2008-03-25T16:41:00.003-05:00

All the other photobloggers are doing it, so, I had to as well.

Mine is HERE

Filling Up Short

2008-03-14T15:33:00.002-05:00

Today was another bright, sunny, and warm day... a sign of Spring inching in. Yesterday was the same. It was a heavy debate whether or not to wash my car, I put it off yesterday replacing it with a bike ride. After work, just moments ago, I was eager to take my brand-new-shiny-red-car to the car wash. I'm usually one to wash my car by hand, but I'd have to go all the way to my parents house to do that. So, another debate came up... "to get the 'regular' or 'super' wash?" It was one of those deals where if you buy 8 GAL you get a dollar off, so I got the 'super' since it would then be the same price of the 'regular' without the "discount." ANYWAY... I start filling up and realize, "UGH, I probably can't put 8 GAL in!" So my heart is pumping faster than the gas pump and "CLICK!" .... 7.5 GALLONS ... What a rip. There's still dirt residue on my windshield as well.

Leave any urgent messages here

Only in Wisconsin (and the rest of the U.S.)

2008-03-05T10:22:00.003-06:00

This morning I woke up to the radio as usual, but just like yesterday it wasn't talk of weather or traffic... no, nothing but "Brett Favre." You'd think someone died, like a very close relative... someone very important. I quickly turned off my radio and jumped out of my bed after being absolutely disgusted by one particular mom who called in to Milwaukee's Country radio, FM 106. She had this to say (of something similar):
"My 8 yr-old son heard about Favre retiring and he immediately thought he died. He can't understand what this means. (Starts crying here) I mean, i don't know how to explain it to him, Favre has been the only quarterback he's come to know. (Starts heavier crying here) He's always wanted to be just like Favre, he plays football and wants so bad to be a quarterback on the Green Bay Packers. (Starts weeping here) My son just always dreamed of being the backup quarterback to Brett Favre ...."

UGH ... PERIL.

Jungle Journey

2008-02-17T20:22:00.002-06:00

Lately "Hope" has been a great hope for me (as much as a circular encouragement could ever be.) But then it hit me, having the highest of hopes could in practice and theory become very painful. What happens when that hope you had fails you? What happens when your highest hopes let you down and everything you were counting on drop you in the muddy-gutter, even for an instant? Well, maybe those hopes were in the wrong place. I certainly don't know the answers, but maybe we should only have hope in one thing, in God (I mean, I DO know we should have hope in God), and be happy with whatever the outcome of the rest. After all, God doesn't disappoint nor fail.

Still, I hope for more, and even though I know that hope won't seem so "hopeful" at times, I'll keep it. I hope for a relief to loneliness. There's nothing that frightens me more... and I know I won't truly be alone... but as the opening of Nevil Shute's book, Lonely Road, says... "A man who lives entirely without women has only two alternatives as the years go on. He gets self-centered and dirty, or he dies." ...But really, that doesn't concern me.

Today I eagerly awaited this week's episode of "This American Life" to be available via podcast. It finally popped up around the time I decided to sit down for dinner. This week's topic was Valentine's Day, but the stories weren't about the "lightening bolt of love" hitting people as their eyes first met, they were stories made decades later, after the 18 months of "loves struck" love and into the time of "real" love. I won't go into details, you'll have to listen to it if you're that interested. But man is it a journey. It's wild this thing called "love"... and THAT is something I am very hopeful for. It's a curious thing.

Web 2.0

2008-02-15T01:17:00.002-06:00

I've made it! I have arrived! ... Actually, I've just recently made some dramatic improvements and footprints, nothing too large, but all together exciting. I've redesigned my website and put together some collections of more recent work (what one would find me talking about here.) You may have seen that I've been in the news (with Chelsea Clinton) lately and ALL over the web (Google Mapped.) But we all know it gets hard at times to keep up... So... NOW, for Mac OS X users, you can keep up with what's new by bringing RSS Feeds (from this blog) to your Dashboard in a convenient and stylish fashion with the very new "PeteySanteeny.blogspot.com" Dashboard Widget.

Download HERE or from the Subscribe section for the latest release.

One by One (I'll Knock You Out)

2008-02-13T18:01:00.002-06:00

I could say I just went to some far off Arctic Region, but that'd be false. Today, the sun was shining for me, so (1) I HAD to go for a walk.

I (2) sang out loud, "You are Amazing God," until some adolescents came and surprised me (since up until then my tracks were the only ones to be seen, besides the ones from a cross-country skier and his Jack Russell).

I (3) also came across a Large-Gaping-Hole, which was the very thing I was afraid of encountering (but only to notice it after I've fallen to the bottom). I wish my cell phone could have captured the deep growling noises it was making. It reminded me of the Dark-Monster-Cloud on LOST.

I (4) saw a rainbow.

Then I (5) came back home, to my room, and came across the trailer for "Expelled," a new documentary on Darwinism vs. Creationism (or at least something like that.)

Google Google Google

2008-02-12T12:00:00.000-06:00

Some say this was a one in a million chance.

Me On Google Maps, 2008
+43° 4' 13.50", -87° 52' 49.69"

New "Street Views" are up on Google Maps for Milwaukee, WI (as well as some other surrounding areas.) I take it they did most of the surveying at a reasonably early hour in the day. I guess it payed off to get up and head off to work early. I should do that more often.

Considering how much I love Google Maps, this is like a dream come true. My patronage must have been known. (I don't remember seeing the Google vehicle, I think. Again, it was early, who knows.)

Laute Nachbarn

2008-02-11T01:57:00.000-06:00

I don't remember if I've mentioned... I would really like to get the new book by Photographer Peter Brown and writer Ken Haruf, "West of Last Chance."

I haven't been able to sleep well for the past few months. I hadn't thought much of it, but now, just last night, I was wide AWAKE for hours TRYING to sleep. I'm almost certain that the last digits I saw on my alarm clock were close to 4AM... and then I woke up after 11AM. So now, the night after, I'm up again, posting the latest entry in this blog's history. I can not wait until someone new moves in above me... Those will be the nights...

Discouraged

2008-02-08T14:00:00.000-06:00

What do you do when the whole basketball team is laughing at how you (me) sound like Napoleon Dynamite (actually, Kip, they were just confused) while trying to take their team photo? You get one of THESE.

Ha... imagine...
{In 'Kip Voice' w/ little pinkish camera}
"Sorry, I can't take your guyzez picture until you smile and stop moving. The camera won't even let me. And I'll KNOW if you blinked."

Hope & Blessings

2008-02-07T18:02:00.000-06:00

Lake Michigan, From My Perch, 2/7/2008, cell phone capture.

It was a magnificent day at the Lake this afternoon. Some of the best light comes when there's a break from overcast skies; it's calming as well. It's not a depressing gray, or a roaring sun, but something close to a "new beginning."

I think for my current Lake Michigan (and anything else it reaches into) project, (which I may call "Between Land and Sky" or "Of Oceans and/or Seas/Lakes") I should start using Video and Sound... Ambience.

Love and/or Hate

2008-02-07T11:08:00.000-06:00

I've got this "thing" for Milwaukee. It's a bit of an attachment, but also a resentment... There are plenty of things here that I love, but now and then I just feel disgusted living here. It's gotta be something to do with the sun. I actually am one of those that loves the snow. It's very beautiful, very. Braving the elements isn't just fun, but it actually uplifts my "spirits," I feel good, like I accomplished something, and maybe someday I can get through something even bigger.

But why is it that at this very moment I feel I'm at a bit of a stand-still again? I want to move, I want to do something else, I feel alone... This was all flying through my mind on the way to work this morning... The trees were stunning, and people were generally nicer outside (because snow does that?). Just in making my way though the alley earlier, about 7 people acknowledged I was there(!), they smiled and waved, and I wondered who they were and what they did.

I've been contemplating whether or not I've been trying to "grow up" too fast. Right out of undergrad I've wanted secure success. Maybe that was too quick. Well, later I plan on seeking out some 4-7ft snow drifts I've heard rumors of (not just snow piles, but drifts, 7 feet deep, those kind.)

Internal Journal

2008-02-06T10:16:00.000-06:00

Another snow day today. The weather is ripping a hole in my back pocket, as I've only worked about 7 hrs so far this week... eeeek. I just want to travel. I want to drive, but I suppose now isn't the best time to do that. I'm afraid of breaking down on the side of the road, although (I guess) I shouldn't be afraid, since Amy Stein (alternative/supplementary link: HERE) will probably be there to take my picture and provide some comfort (?).

New/Contemporary Placement of "Milwaukee Downer College" Historical Marker, reference to 11/11/2007

This is such a clunky place for a Historical Marker. I can't believe that I'm beginning to critique their placement, but I suppose that IS a very important element. It occurred to me recently that I need a refresher on the "why" for the Historical Marker project. It's begun to be one of those things I just keep doing for the sake of doing it. I have the feeling I'll need to know if I'm going to apply for grad school in the pursuit of an MFA (wink-wink-flutter-throb...IDK).

Cran-Grape Drink

2008-02-04T23:22:00.000-06:00

I am so glad football season is over. It's just one of those sports that disgusts me. The styles and attitudes of fans and players repulses me in almost every way, yet I'll watch it at least once a year. I managed to watch half of the Super Bowl, but didn't really care. I'm more of a commercial fan, but this year they were all on MySpace, so who cares (?). What I kind of began to realize is the scale of this ONE event. Cameras zoom in on celebrities and tickets are "$$$$." Is this like a modern day Colosseum match? The Super Bowl is like the biggest entertainment event of the year, why? Why do people prefer watching large men tackling each rather than... say... Art (When Art is obviously better because of the head-knowledge and shear brilliance of it all)?

Things I Like About Home:
1) Lots of Juice in the Fridge.
2) Garage Parking.
3) Dry Floors.
4) Ample Kitchen Space.
5) All of MY Stuff.

Arctic Blast

2008-01-28T20:44:00.000-06:00

Robert Adams, in his book Beauty In Photography, describes three elements in a photograph that "reinforce what we all work to keep intact - an affection for life." The three elements are Geography, Autobiography, & Metaphor. And, even though Adam's speaks of these elements in terms of Landscapes, I think they apply to many (if not all) genres of photography. It just seems natural.

"Geography is, if taken alone, sometimes boring, autobiography is frequently trivial, & metaphor can be dubious. But taken together, the three kinds of information strengthen each other..." Too often, I think, people focus on just one piece of the puzzle. They try to get things way too complicated and use exploitation as their "vehicle," ignoring the fact that their work might just come together, like it does in the world, by itself. Let me tell you, complicated art is hard to understand:
"True art always seeks that which is natural, while too much art exceeds nature, leading one into bombast and confusion...all one gets for one's pains is that one exceeds nature and consequently becomes disordered, unnatural and confused. When has anyone ever been moved or convinced by something unnatural? When has such a thing expressed emotions and captivated the listener? Excessive art and unnatural contrivance have never been known to advance the sciences that concern the soul and arouse within us those tender feelings which, being a pleasant product of reason, distinguish us from the unreasoning animals."
--Johann Adolph Scheibe

(Not So) Happy Days

2008-01-26T11:44:00.000-06:00

Here's a Yahoo! Story about the journey of a lost camera back to its owner. Would this only happen in the digital age?

My Ceiling In The First Month Of 2008

I met "The Fonz" yesterday. Since the photos I took are property of UWM I probably shouldn't post them as evidence. He (and everyone) talked about "The Bronze Fonz". My opinion of the statue stands neutral at this point (only because I want to take at least one picture of myself next to it.)

"2" 2Day!

2008-01-25T15:18:00.000-06:00

YES, It's my Birthday! Two Years Old!

What I Look Like On My Blog's 2nd Birthday

I wish I could say there was a big celebration in the works, but we'll just save that for next year. After all, once one is 3-years-old the world REALLY starts to come alive (new vocab, motor skills, expressions, what not, etc.)

I Must Be Tougher

2008-01-24T21:23:00.000-06:00

My attitude has always been "sure it's cold, but what are you going to do about it?" OK, maybe not quite so harsh. See, back in my day, my family heated the house with wood. When my brother moved on to his own plot of soil he decided to spend some of the warm weathered seasons to cut firewood. Growing up, we cut the wood as we needed it. That means we were out in the cold firing up chain saws, tying ropes around trees, and pounding metal to metal splitting wood with a wedge and sledge... throughout the entire wintery season.

I guess all you can do is think about Spring Break. I am and I'm not even in college anymore. Or, just stay all cozied up in your heated-westernized-living-quarters and don't mess with the cold at all.

Until next time, I'll be training, once again, for Everest summit season. It's coming up!!! (May)

Seasonal Highs and Lows

2008-01-23T22:41:00.000-06:00

The other day, just yesterday, I was driving back to the office/studio after a shoot near the World's Largest Clock and drove past someone pushing their car. I never get out of my car while driving to help someone, but immediately I thought of helping the guy. He appeared to be a student at UWM and was completely alone attempting to push his stalled car out of the street, a fairly busy street right in front of the art museum. So, as my mind calculated the scenario at about 231 computations per second I thought "I'm at work, I can't just help someone..." But, all of a sudden I pulled over, put on my flashers, and jumped out of my car/mini-van to help. THEN, as I was halfway to his car I saw that someone else had already beat me there. For some reason I felt like I was a joke... like "we don't need this other guy." As we pushed it around the corner I commented "Ha, (chuckle) we got a little curb..." and the other guy said "Good enough" and the kid said "THANKS!"... so we were all on our way. The part of the story that made me feel sick was this: I started getting back into my vehicle and glanced back after realizing I had never even said anything to the kid who was now stranded. He looked up and acknowledged me, but didn't say anything. I wondered "does he need a phone? does he know what to do from here?" But I was too nervous (or something) to go back and ask. So for the rest of the day I kicked myself in the rear for not seeing if there was anything else I could do. LAME.

"Art is so
wonderfully irrational,
exuberantly pointless,
But Necessary all the same."
-Günter Grass

Cooler In My Youth

2008-01-16T17:28:00.000-06:00

I think I used to be cooler... A lot more funny and smart about it all. Now I'm just inscrutably stony.

Jake's Mini Mushroom Cloud, circa 2005.

One time, back a few years ago, I stopped in at my brother's house and all he was doing that day was blowing stuff up. We didn't say much to each other, just made "mini mushroom clouds" ... actually, they weren't that mini. I conducted a little research and executed some basic math to get an educated guess for the height of this one (pictured above). See that 5 gallon bucket to the left? I went to HomeDepot.com (and measured one in my basement) and found that they are about 14.5 inches high. So, with that info, I am able to guess this ball of fire measures close to 19 feet 4 inches in height. Or, maybe that's not even a 5 gallon bucket...

Restraint

2008-01-15T22:50:00.000-06:00

Here's a great excerpt from a (I'm sure to be excellent) book called On Being A Photographer.

In a way, a pretty big way, "photography is a record of your living," according to Paul Strand. But I completely believe it.

In 2005 I went to Panama City Beach for the first time. I also went there in 2006, in which I took some pretty good pictures of the ocean and beach. In '05 I was extremely disappointed, the pictures I took were telling of my life, I was broken, you can even tell by the imagery in the photo above. Take for instance what the construction in the foreground is doing... it's blocking me, keeping me from getting to somewhere better... where? well... see the hotel on the other side? THAT is where. MHM. The next year, in 2006, after some of the "construction" was finished and worked through, I came back and stayed in that MUCH better hotel (oh, I didn't mention, the '05 hotel was a dive). (Obvious or not it's not really about the hotel).

Falling Short

2008-01-12T12:12:00.000-06:00

"C.S. Lewis admitted, when he was asked to set forth his beliefs, that he never felt less sure of them than when he tried to speak of them. Photographers know this frailty. To them words are a pallid, diffuse way of describing and celebrating what matters. Their gift is to see what will be affecting as a print. Mute."
-Robert Adams, Why People Photograph

I absolutely love finding things in common with others, especially when they fall on a parallel time continuum. I've been reading a lot on photography as of late and even keeping in touch with my contemporaries through blogs and such. It surprised me to fall on Noah Kalina's Photography (famous for the "Everyday" portraits of himself on YouTube) and see that he too was "trying to learn" from Robert Adam's book. Now, it is purely coincidental that we're reading the same book at the same time, but it's things like that... things like that remind me that we're not alone in this world... AND not that unique.

So what DOES make us unique from one another? Is it the place we stand? Can it really be our thought processes? IDK. What I do know is that we are small. We all share this place called Earth, a tiny little location among a vast physical beauty created by an Indescribable God who loves us no matter what.

Happy New Year!

2008-01-05T00:01:00.000-06:00

Ok, that was a little late, but I'm a little late on a few things apparently (I'll get to that shortly)...
So, vacation is over, I'm back to work. It's going to be time to share EVERYTHING (just about) that's been going on. First off, I need more direction on this blog... that's the reason for the Historical Marker. I've been absolutely dying to post one (there are plenty more, but sometimes they just ain't good 'nuff). I also switched to color negative film (from transparency/slide). I don't really want this to ever be about that, but just so you know, I'm using Fuji Pro 160S.

The other day I went with my girlfriend, Erin, to Urban Outfitters. It was the first day of the year and also the start of our second year together (yay, for us!) Anyway, I'd never been there... that's not really relevant, but ... they had a nice little selection of books, kind of "quirky" books. I ended up buying one called Church Signs Across America, by Steve and Pam Paulson. It's a good read, just a sentence or two (or fragment) a page. At first (I still a little bit am) I was like "Oh! Wow! This seems to be somewhat of a relative concept in terms to my 'Historical Markers' project!" There's definitely more dialogue with the church signs. (Here, you can even MAKE ONE too!) Even the concept is a bit more deeper... like "why are there signs in front of a church, illuminated signs that are similar to that of an ice cream stand sign (or gas station)?" Well, to put that into perspective, HERE is a little history (<---what I was late on, secondly).

Jingle Jerry Triple Berry

2007-12-30T15:02:00.000-06:00

Another Christmas has past. Many people are now beginning to reflect on the year and say what they want to do throughout the next. Mostly, people want to change. I guess there's no way getting around it, the "wanting" ... What "wants" are ok? Is it ok to want a $22,000 cat? What good is it? Would I really have a need/reason to have a camera that costs as much? What is a reasonable want? What "wants" are truly just for yourself and what ones are for the good of others ... what "wants" are truly for God and/or from God?

I feel I get way too hung up in worry. My thoughts are filled with worry ... "Is this the right decision? Will this photo come out right? Was that REALLY the right exposure?" If only I didn't have that worry. Then I'd be free. Free and left to my own Creative License.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3: 5-6

FILMs

2007-12-19T17:03:00.000-06:00

Flexible Integrated Light Management System

It's really bumming be out; the choice of film and the discontinuation of certain lines of film (their families). That's one thing... with digital, you generally can't say "that was taken with a 'so-and-so' camera." For the most part they all look the same. I like that one can say "that was take with an 8x10, or 4x5, or 645, and so on. Specialization and customization, I like choices.

"The trout streams where I flyfish are cold and clear and rich in the minerals that promote the growth of stream life. As I wade a stream I think wordlessly of where to cast the fly. Sometimes a difference of inches is the difference between catching a fish and not. When the fly I've cast is on the water my attention is riveted to it. I've found through experience that whenever--or so it seems--my attention wanders or I look away then surely a fish will rise to the fly and I will be too late setting the hook. I watch the fly calmly and attentively so that when the fish strikes--I strike. Then the line tightens, the playing of the fish begins, and time stands still. Fishing, like photography, is an art that calls forth intelligence, concentration, and delicacy." -- Stephen Shore, in "Uncommon Places," 1982, (republished 2004 by Aperture)

A White Christmas?

2007-12-17T23:05:00.000-06:00

SO, I was real excited for the fall season (when it was here) to photograph the leaves. I just had the urge this year to get some pictures, in color, of the fall (autumnal equinox) color. That didn't really happen. But NOW, this month, there has been something like 23 inches of snowfall, apparently 14.7 inches more than normal.

So this is the year to photograph some snow! (I'll start soon).

Bemused

2007-12-14T11:56:00.000-06:00

... And, other things that break ...
Car batteries and anything plastic (polycarbonates)

Also, why would a Democratic Debate, hosted by Iowa (Des Moines), be on the radio in say Wisconsin and Illinois, but not in Iowa (the very state in which it is taking place)? WHY?

Things That Break

2007-12-13T10:26:00.000-06:00

List of "Things That Break"

1) Cars
    1B) Tires
    1C) Water Pumps
    1D) Heater Cores
2) Computers
    2B) Screens/Displays
    2C) Hard Drives
    2D) RAM
    2E) Logic Boards
    2F) Plastic Encasings
3) Windows
4) Light Bulbs
5) Ceilings
6) Water Pipes
    6B) Drains
    6C) Faucets
       6CB) Faucet Handles
7) Plans
    7B) Appointments
    7C) Arrangements
    7D) More Scheduled Things
    7E) ...
8) Friendships
9) Travel Coffee Mugs
10) Cameras (especially digital)

But, the sweet is never as sweet without the sour.

Persnickety

2007-12-12T10:30:00.000-06:00

It's Wednesday, but feels like Friday.

I've been saving these for a while, I think they're smart:

"We no longer judge our images in terms of how well they resemble experience, but rather we judge our experience in terms of how much it resembles our images ... The key to understanding life on earth was to see it not as a real planet at all but just as an advertisement for some other planet." -Jean Baudrillard

"Deadly boring people who pigeonhole everything call me a 'visual' person." -Lartigue

Gemütlichkeit

2007-12-07T11:40:00.000-06:00

Lately I've been imagining things. What you say? Well, many things, visual things as well as theoretical philosophies of what proper discipline in life is/would be... I've also been drinking about 3 cups (or more) of coffee in the morning and been shaken by current events.

One picture I've been painting (trailing thoughts) in my head is The Return of Jesus. Looking at Christianity today, in relation to Bethlehem and Israel, I started visualizing what it will look like as Jesus makes His appearance once again. How will we see this? Won't everyone be able to see? How is it possible... just HOW do we wrap our minds around the power of God? Can we even imagine His power? ... So, my mind creates this picture, with all of today's technology, and asks, "Will our (humans) creations be utilized?" What if everything is broadcasted on television? Could God just turn on (televise) whatever He wanted on our TV's? I guess that poses a problem since we're not all watching TV or even own a TV, so could there all of a sudden be a "TV" turned on in our heads showing us what's going on? Or will the Return be so vast that it's visible from every corner of the Earth? ... I just can't imagine that. It's so incredible. ... However it happens, and I know I have not created the correct picture, I feel comfort in Him. ... And, that imagination may be a distraction from truth.

See?

2007-12-05T10:24:00.000-06:00

LOOK! This much more snow!

Yup.... a halfway-unexpected-half-snow-day until I go spend $$$ on a new Saturn Water Pump (maybe)... BTW, I'm sorry that everyone's Christmas presents just got downgraded ;-)

I Was Right

2007-12-02T22:48:00.000-06:00

Last year there was a snow storm.
This year there was a snow storm.
Both on December 1st.

(I said this would happen nearly a week before the transpiration.)

Can You Find?

2007-12-02T00:06:00.000-06:00

Question: Can you find the object (ends with llic |lik|)?

Hint: Common iconography in Art.

Happy Holidayz

2007-11-29T23:54:00.000-06:00

To me, holidays are about awkwardness.

"Hands Reaching For Steering Wheel (or Underwear)"

Holidays, too, are about competing with family and playing pictionary... and also waiting for Double Entendres (of which are completely unintended, making them all the better).

That's Life

2007-11-28T17:29:00.000-06:00

It's not everyday that I get to have lunch with the CEO of Harley Davidson (or have dinner). And that's why today is special, I mean WOULD have been special (if I didn't have to sit in the hall, alone, or like the other night... not even invited to eat). But, such is life, and such is my job. At least I had my moment to say, "Stand there, ok, 1-2-3!"

Anyway, the Holidays are here, and that means DEPRESSION. Fortunately enough it has only lasted about a day so far, and I blame it all on the slide down from Thanksgiving. I'm exhausted, and now alone.

But as Marv Levy would say, "Where else would you rather be than right here, right now(?)"

Whole Wheat Eyes

2007-11-22T17:07:00.000-06:00

I can't seem to get it into my head that Photography doesn't have to take up 100% of my time. I also can't seem to come to a realization that taking pictures will often only use up about 5% of the total amount of my "Photography Time" (well-put eh?)

But really, what's good is getting myself to READ. If I can't photograph, I might as well read/research. And if I can't do that, then I might as well think. I'm all about thinking... I'm all about keeping things fresh, keeping my eyes open. Remember, it's not about making something new, but seeing things that are new and/or fresh to your eyes. Just noticing life.

645

2007-11-16T16:32:00.000-06:00

The past days here have been those 1/125 - f/8 @ 100 ISO kind of days, unless you're under some trees and it drops to f/5.6 ...

I've been more inspired as of late to do more of what I used to do. One may call it "Art," go ahead, I give you permission. It's most likely because of a new Mamiya 645, which takes down some borders in my creativity. I'm not always standing 15 ft away from something in fear of some lame focusing factor that my twin-lens has... what a release (sigh) ((not the Photo-Guy.)) Anyway, I feel like actually making an attempt to accumulate some real work. I know it's not so likely I would get picked up in the Art World, but someday, maybe someday I'll at least have a show somewhere. If no one lets me into their gallery, I'll just make my own. I'll call it the "Fox Gallery," I'll have it open for at least 5 days... or as long as my funding can support.

Today and/or Tomorrow

2007-11-15T10:49:00.000-06:00

So often, it doesn't feel like I'm living "today." It doesn't feel as if I have much of a "purpose" for "today." What reason am I living today? So often, I feel as if my reason isn't now, but yet to come, my "reason" is in the future.

Really though, it's very hard to actually act upon something in the moment. It's much easier to make plans. If someone were to ask me, "Peter, what's your purpose in life, what do you think you're supposed to accomplish in life?" ... I'd probably answer, "To raise a family..." and so on and so on...

Today, I'm going to continue learning how to use a new camera I have an interest in (get comfortable with it) so I can potentially take a REALLY good Thanksgiving Picture next week, and hopefully establish myself on "the other side." But there's so much more, and I hope to work on that as well.

From the Get-Go

2007-11-11T00:31:00.001-06:00

This is the first picture from the "Historical Marker" series:

This was with a 4x5 camera, it actually works a lot better for the signs, but whatever. I remember this day about a year ago. Something great about a 4x5 is that you get slowed down a considerable amount, so, while in the process of photographing something, a lot more people see you. I'd say it took me 10 minutes to complete this shot, maybe more. About (perhaps) halfway through, someone from high school crossed (in front) my lens. I'm sure everyone had this question, but since he knew my name, he asked, "WHAT are you doing?" .... I'll admit, at this time, I had no clue, but I did confess to taking a picture of a Historical Marker and spending a quarter-hour of my life doing so.

(-Note- This particular Historical Marker has been moved and will be updated shortly.)

120

2007-11-09T23:36:00.000-06:00

This is my 120th post, so I thought it fitting to include a scan from 120 film:

For my 220th post, I will try to include something from 220 film, but I warn you, it may be a lie since I've no use for it and it's the same thing anyway, for the most part.

BTW... Welcome (back) to the wonderful world of Historical Markers! ...And hopefully sooooo much more... (basically, I'm saying exciting things are to come, and I try to get you hooked by telling you so, it's the only catch I know... bookmark me... RSS me.)

Standing in the Light

2007-11-06T10:35:00.000-06:00

This is probably the best picture I have ever taken of a lamp.

Good News....! I purchased a scanner, but I don't have it yet, but that means I will be able to share more Historical Markers! Yes! I'm making a comeback (a return to fashion of an item, activity, or style/ a return by a well-known person to the activity in which they have formerly been successful)!

It Hurts to Grow Up

2007-11-05T10:09:00.000-06:00

"Everybody knows it hurts to grow up," as Ben Folds so willfully says, but doesn't it hurt MORE to NOT grow up? I pose this question because I think growing is an essential part of being and a constant variable in our process of .... Life. But, duh, that was redundant. See, even though it hurts to leave childhood behind and become more responsible, deep down this action is actually what we really WANT to do. At this very moment I am doing something that I know I want to do possibly for the rest of my life, hold a position as a "photographer" ... a professional at that. But my problem: my limitations are too near in site and I'm restricted to a point where I can only grow so much where I'm at.

Although, there's THIS... the attitude I've always been against... "Good Enough." No, see, I'm a "This is the Best I can Possibly Do" kind of guy, aren't I? Well, No. Unfortunately not completely. Give me a task with physical (tangible) substances and I will be a perfectionist. I will spend the time and money to get things done "right" and I will continue to say "it can/could be better" throughout the process. I am a noticer of flaws. But, see, so often I actually am living as if "No One Is Watching." On a social-verbal level I let things slide. On a relational/well-being level I say "Good Enough." What am I doing? I guess this stage of physical boundary has begun its intention, to work on my inside.

Packers

2007-11-04T18:39:00.000-06:00

Back to meth for a moment. I've been wondering... could that strange lurking smell outside be a meth lab? or is it really bacon from the Patrick Cudahy packing plant?

Sometimes all you can do is assume, and from this picture plus some facts I know, I'm sure this bit of trash was left behind from a meth user.

Back Again

2007-10-30T11:29:00.000-05:00

Hello World! You have grabbed ahold of me, but, alas, I have broken free once more.

I may have a new project in the works. It's something I just randomly became aware of... I just BECAME aware of things that interest me. It sounds weird, but I didn't really know I was interested in the subject. I call it (for now) "Crude Lake Drawings" ... Perhaps it grasped my attention when I learned of Meth Labs in Cudahy. I love Meth Labs. My justification for this comes from the description of the Cudahy Barbie. I tend to not venture into the depths of the "Cudahy Hood," but from what I find near the lake, I know if must be true.

I may write more on this, an actual essay seems to fit well with this project that in it's final form would be displayed as a flash presentation (interactive?) on uwm.edu/~pj3 ... but, no, sorry, it will NOT be brought to the general public as "Petey The Book".

Pumpkins

2007-09-14T17:44:00.000-05:00

I think I'm going to start watching TV less. Since graduating, I've been able to read more attentively, so maybe I'll do that.

"Worry is the Darkroom in which Negatives are made."

...

Question: Since I'm a "University Photographer," does that mean I work in the field of "Education"? I about 75% like that idea.

"Son"

2007-08-23T20:19:00.000-05:00

My kids will be well disciplined. I won't have to worry about their behavior when they take off to live with their peers in college (probably Yale).

I'll treat them with respect and expose them to Brewers Baseball (not the Cubs or the Cardinals). I'll also make sure they understand art and learn to shoot a gun at an early age.

By the Way

2007-08-17T14:03:00.000-05:00

If any of you have stumbled across a recent photo by me on the website of JPG Magazine and wondered "Why Peter? Why? What's with the photo? Peter, why?" ... Well, THIS is why ...

OK, yeah, they are very unsimilar in many ways and mine would be much better square, but, there's just something that draws them together for me. It probably has something to do with the slight similarity and then all of the huge differences that bounces my mind from one to the other... the cultural differences, time of place/incident, colour, photog trends ... but really it's just the awkward little boy that makes me laugh (with all good intentions).

MORE/A CLEARER LOOK

Again...

2007-08-14T14:50:00.000-05:00

... THIS is me being creative.

Actually, it's David Hockney teaching me to be creative.

Again, Also, THIS is where I work.

Encephalon

2007-08-09T13:36:00.001-05:00

I believe we know a lot more than we're able to show. There's a lot of info stored in that little brain of yours (mine too) that we just don't know how to access. We just store it all up, but don't really know where it is.

Last night, I had a dream, and when I woke up, I knew I had to buy gas. But, as I came to my awakened senses I began to discover that in all actuality I had just made something up... See, in this dream, I dreamt that the U.S. had just been cut off from fuel (gasoline). Someone in my dream had looked at my gas gauge and scolded me "Don't you know that we're going to be out of gas soon! Why don't you have a full tank! Soon there will be NONE for you!" (Or something like that). The real interesting part, I realized later, is that this person, which my brain made up, new every political piece of information... like the exact location of our supplies and which political-world-leaders were in charge of making such a decision. NOW, ok, I don't remember the exact "info" this "person" had, but I know it sounded pretty right in my dream... how did I know all this stuff? Maybe I'm creative after all...

Content

2007-08-03T20:04:00.000-05:00

See, today... today marks the FIRST time I ever used the drive through at the bank. It wasn't long ago when I was afraid to use the drive through at a fast food restaurant... this was a bigger step (more money handled and a vacuum tube).

I'm not sure why it took me this many years to go ahead and use the drive through, but I guess I've always been content going inside. It didn't bother me to take extra time and get out of my car to be face to face with the teller (blankly telling me "have a nice life"...). Today, when I woke up, I decided to just go ahead and break through, take the step, and quit being "content" with something that could be improved. Living simply doesn't meen one can't take risks and explore new and alternate venues, it just means one shouldn't WANT and NEED the excessives... cuz, still, anyway, I'd be fine if I had just walked inside.

Cooler by the Lake

2007-07-29T19:01:00.000-05:00

The heat of the Summer has arrived. I always picture summer to take place before/prior to this date and begin to wind down near now, but the hottest is yet to come. It's been darn right discusting outside, Hot and Muggy.

Recently, I was vacationing/camping along the shores of Michigan in Manistee. I became increasingly partial to the moderate weather over there. Somewhere within the 70's during the day and something much lower at night... it was still hot, but nothing like Cudahy, which got a big nasty thumbs DOWN today. (Even driving into MKE a gradual transition of coolness could be felt.)

I took the Lake Express over to Muskegon, with Erin, to meet her family on the other side (Objective: Meet Mom and Syblings). I'm glad we used the MKE to MKG instead of the older ferry located further north. This one uses 6 diesel engines and cruises at 40 MPH, while the other one doesn't even have air conditioning and takes close to 4 hrs cross (compaired to 2.5).

While shopping one day in Manistee I managed to find a couple key items for my collection. I knew from the start it would be a good day. First, while in the first store, an Antique store, I found a Kodak Brownie 8mm Movie Camera, which appears to work just fine. It's in acceptable condition and is the first Movie Camera to make its way into my home. But, secondly, I finally found a Polaroid SX-70, of which I've been looking for ever since I visited "The Lovely Road" (Check his BLOG as well) ... BUT, one minor/major problem. The focus seems to be jammed, fixed (focused) permanently at infinity. What I'm hoping to get is some help from a friend ... or a stranger who has googled "SX-70 Focus Jammed Stuck Infinity Fix" ... I could really use some help. As a University Photographer, I really need to exercise my "creativity," the SX-70 seems like a perfect tool to be added to my arsenal.

Suggestions:
1) View www.brianfinke.com
1B) Cheerleading
1C) Most Muscular

Plus, a note, THIS is how I kind of feel right now.

Opportunity Arises Again

2007-07-27T23:52:00.000-05:00

Take me home sweet Iowa...

Oh Iowa, Oh Iowa, my compassion for thou Fields of (sweet sweet) Opportunity (+Corn Dogs) grow fonder and fonder day by day... day after day after day... I yearn for thee.

Don't forget to check out the Butter Cow.

The Be(a)st is Yet to Come

2007-07-15T10:46:00.000-05:00

One thing is for sure, I'm glad I moved when I did, that way I was able to spend a little over a year to detach myself. I never wanted to see myself at this house for very long anyway, but when one spends a good chunk of life in a place, it's hard to see it go. Another thing is for sure... there has always been the most interesting little scenes of character scattered about within those two red gates...

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the Lord...

Jeremiah 29:11-14

Thank You

2007-07-10T22:02:00.000-05:00

I love Milwaukee.

Summerfest is over, but it lasted just (barely) long enough not to disappoint....

See, I had it all planned out to the minute. We'd (Me + Erin) leave the house just in time to get to Midgate and enter for free and be some of the firsts to get cake and ice cream on the very last day (Day 11). Then we'd take off to Muk and visit the old house and help show it during the "Open House." Then we'd head back to the East Side and attend Epikos (Church) and once again leave JUST in time to make it back to the festival grounds JUST in time to make it back in before 7 and utilize the wristband/re-entry policy.

I took a step backstage for Northern Room, whom the entire church came to see and I to photograph. But on the way back onto the grounds with all my cameras I stopped next to Erin to pick off some ripped skin on the bottom of my left-big-toe... we started walking away when a man yelled "Hey Nikon!" I turned to a hand holding out tickets and a mouth asking "do you like Toby Keith?" Now... if you read a few months ago, you may remember that Toby Keith is the only artist I mentioned in concerns to Summerfest. So obviously I said yes and he handed over TWO FREE tickets to us, a $115.54 value ($57.77 each). I don't have an idea who this guy was, but I want to say Thank You again. Apparently he's a film maker, so maybe I'll see him around... making a movie (probably about me since I'm famous here in MKE).

A Little Something...

2007-07-03T09:19:00.000-05:00

Again, I think I have a little "something" to "brag" about...

This year's 40th Summerfest acknowledges my previous efforts of capturing the performers photographically. Not only are there a few banners in MKE's Aiport (Mitchell International), but also over 50 on the Summerfest grounds and some 140 downtown along Wisconsin Ave. that showcase a photograph I took during SF05 of Kenny Wayne Shepherd. It sits between two other currently unidentified picz.

Gravity

2007-06-26T23:04:00.000-05:00

Another Summerfest has come around... it's been another year. Right now I'm exhausted. I wouldn't mind being dramatic right now... but really, I just want to sleep (plus eat, drink, play, work, be entertained, and share my life with others).

He-da-haw-da-hay-da

2007-06-22T21:43:00.000-05:00

I love to eat Cicada (homopterous insect), bugs...

I finally saw THEM. The hype was real and now I'm pumped for my 39th birthday.

*Viewers are encouraged to use the above "exoskeleton" photograph as a Desktop/Wallpaper/Background.

Every Tom, Dick, and Harry

2007-06-13T13:30:00.000-05:00

Every once and a while I get embarrassed for my position as a Photographer. It mainly happens when I'm working in front of or with a group of Blue Collar Workers whom perform physical labor to a far greater extent than I.

However, someone recently told me that we live in a visual world in which my line of work is increasingly taking off.

FYI: I am not a slacker.

Heroes

2007-06-03T15:46:00.000-05:00

Scenario/Posed Question: What if you not only knew you could change the world, but knew that it was up to you to change the world?

Well, I'm willing.

Seasonable Flavors

2007-05-28T11:20:00.000-05:00

I got my first Mosquito bite yesterday, right on the underside of my forearm (not smart), I squashed it. I aspire to have a winning season this year, maybe .684, hopefully the Brewers can do the same.

Last night and this morning I kept waking up in the middle of some quite frightening dreams. From what I remember, I slept in, resulting in a suffering attendance grade, and, I procrastinated until a few hours before class to start the assignment. Thanks goodness this is no more.

Be joyed, this is the 100th post to this BLOG. Celebrate (good times, come on!)

Hikes and Bikes

2007-05-24T10:46:00.000-05:00

My new summertime/post grad activity is going to utilize my spare time in the exploration of land around Lake Wisconsin.

Back to nearly a little over a year ago, I was asked for context ... inquiring about the location of the body of water ... in a series of Photos taken while on Spring Break in PCB FL.

To me, at the time, it seemed very unlikely that the Gulf of Mexico could be confused for Lake Michigan... or vise versa. But the more I explore, the more I see Lake Michigan as a source of Magnificence... recognizing its Magnitude and Splendor.

It's an adventure to discover new things, to wander in to new territory, to stumble upon something interesting... something I wasn't specifically looking for... just finding things. Because, remember, I am not a creator, "I do not seek, I find."

I found some Monkey Faced Eels, or some type of Goby.

The Clincher

2007-05-16T10:17:00.000-05:00

Today is my last day of class, EVER.

Actually, I'm in my FINAL critique this very moment. Once this is done it is time to move in to the next phase of my life. Time to say "Goodbye" ...

What Lies Ahead

2007-05-15T21:45:00.000-05:00

I've decided to try NEW things.

I've been stuck in a rut, a routine of the same 4 or 5 things over and over, every week or possibly even every day. This particular "New Thing" (pictured above) I picked up recently at Fulbeli Deli. The thing being... I kind of got it just for the suited monkey, so I'm not sure if it's me trying something new or not.

I'm beginning to get interested in birds.

Milestone 5

2007-05-13T23:11:00.000-05:00

It must have been the summer after 8th grade. I was daydreaming on the bench/in the dugout when I was called to bat. I distinctly remember giving a good excuse, "I was just thinking about the big hit I'm about to make." I stepped up to the plate with the "BIG" bat, the one the full-grown boys use (I usually used my own bat, a nice light-weight one, for smaller batters). The bases were loaded. I don't remember how many outs or what the score was or how many pitches I got, but I HIT that ball. I drove in three runs with a nice little line drive into right, one of two (I think) doubles in the three (I think) years I played.

It makes me wonder why I said "No" almost 8 years ago. The High School Baseball Coach, who was scouting at the game, was my 8th grade Social Studies teacher and always called me "Pistol Pete," which flew over my head until possibly two years after. This was most likely the most productive game I've ever played. What I remember most was an extraordinarily solid catch while playing center field. I ran through the catch, didn't panic, just caught the ball, and I had to REALLY run to get there. That was the grabber, I'm sure, he asked "you think you're gunna play HS ball?" I knew right then, "No, I like music now."

This Sunday, May 20, 2007, I will be handed a diploma (kinda) from UW-Milwaukee, for Photography/Art. So weird.

Wisconsin Pictorialism

2007-05-11T14:01:00.000-05:00

I mean Patriotism...

Here is a long overdue intro ...to "Wisconsin Official Markers"...I figure I'll be in Wisconsin for a while, a while more than the while I've already been, and it's about time I learn some WI history. I want to know what this state is all about. The trivial info suits me well.

I don't see this as a political project, but more of an "info sharing-cataloguing" process. However, more importantly, it's a "Historical Account" of what has already been "Historically Accounted For" as well as a "Presentation" of what has already been "Presented" ... I am native to these lands.

ALSO... BAD NEWS... the presentation part of this project will be put on hiatus until further notice (unless YOU buy me a scanner).

All the Way

2007-05-07T13:08:00.000-05:00

I'm beginning to look forward to summer VERY much.

One, I'm tired of being locked up inside, although that may not change. But school will no longer hold me indoors, but work will, and I guess that IS school... just a little different it is this time. Maybe, perhaps, I will blog outside as well. Maybe adding some fresh air to my blog will give a cleansing breath of goodness.

I can't wait to turn this:

Into this...

Actually, they're both kind of ugly. But, last night, while walking to my car somewhere around campus, I heard music coming from a party. The kick-drum-bass sounded very similar to that of a Summerfest show from a distance. Even if I don't like the music or feel like listening to it, I appreciate the atmosphere of socializing and being in a large cluster of folk, even if I, myself, don't like socializing. I just can't wait for those summertime observational opportunities.

Santa Always Flies by Cudahy

2007-05-05T13:02:00.000-05:00

I was truly just starting to like Cudahy, appreciating its community. Standing in line at the Pick N' Save the last few times I've been observing the check-out people (majority ladies). They talk to eachother across their scanners, about haircuts, when the kids are getting out of school, all that. Some of them are quiet, but on the good days everyone is smiling... Ironically, to me, one of them was once my English Teacher, Freshman year, English 102, the one who got me into all the conservation... when I became a little "nutso" about hating Subdivisions.

But just as my "conservation" views changed pretty quickly, so did my feelings for Cudahy. I approached my car, and, FLAT. Who leaves screws in a parking lot? I was most angry because I didn't even know if I had a spare or a jack. I also have a very messy trunk. Luckily, my magically appearing spare was inflated to 25 psi, enough to drive home on (60 psi suggested). Also, there aren't many spots to position a jack on newer cars, in fact, my Saturn only has one option near each tire and they are very dinky options.

When forced to do things on my own I'm pretty good at accomplishing them, that's probably when I'm at my best. But it's also when I probably appear most vulnerable. I was surpised no one approached me to offer some help when I could have "used" it most. Once lowering my Saturn with the doughnut on er' a clean-cut-gentlemen offered "what I needed" in the "time of need." He asked, "can I ask you something?" (weird, because you ARE asking me something... are you going to ask if I have a relationship with God? I'd like that)... "do you leave your options open for a secondary income?" ...blank... "Is it alright if I leave you a 12 min. CD with you? You have a CD player in here, right? Yes, you do! Just listen to this...."

So, I realized, there are many things that just plain Are Not helpful. Like THIS from CHICAGO.

Trend Setter

2007-04-30T20:52:00.000-05:00

Today, I was sick, very sick. I usually only get this sick once or twice a year, where I have to sleep and sweat all day long while my body aches with no relief in site. But this sickness resulted, I presume, from the mere idea of people stealing my ideas and profiting from them.

Trends I've Started (besides the fascination with Historical Markers):
1) Long Hair
2) Shaved Head
3) Corn Dogs
4) Snap Button (Western) Shirts
5) Sharpie Markers

KaKaw

2007-04-24T11:53:00.000-05:00

It's the quality of the viewer that matters, not the photograph.

What I'm trying to say has nothing to do with how you may feel about my photographs. If I want to wallpaper my room, I'll wallpaper my room.

I'll remember the way I remember it and you can read it in whatever manner you may have been taught (preferably not in homeschool/any self-devised curriculum).

Book Update

2007-04-23T13:02:00.000-05:00

The book, Peter Jakubowski Photography: 2007 and Before, has been seen, fixed, and approved of. The Second edition has been published and I'd encourage all/any of you to purchase a copy. Unlike other "Blurbers," I do not add any cost as profit. What you pay is purely the printing price... it's a deal.

Coffee vs. Pop

2007-04-20T16:04:00.000-05:00

Today was the first time I've had soda since last summer... besides the root beer I had at A&W after shooting my turkey and the Coca-Cola I had at the Daytona500 in February.

I thought soda was 50 cents. It is not. Contemporary prices are up to $1.25, which makes me think of all the money I'm saving. But, still, a cup of regular coffee down at the corner is $1.85... that, too, was 50 cents at one time, as well.

Also, at one time, I had over 20 cats.

Tippable Cow #1

2007-04-19T15:17:00.000-05:00

This particular Guernsey doesn't need a definite aim of attack. It is, however, suggested that you have multiple parties involved in the process. Probably all from the rear since the head might drag itself down once off balance.

It always seems like I find out AFTER the fact... or something like that. Like, I had no knowledge of the ties to "Billy The Kid" when there were plans of moving to Richland County, nor when I was single, did I know that there were papers with an agenda for such a person as me, a "Country Single" (at the time).

"All artists reflect the ideas of their times, but it is given to some artists to reflect the intellectual romance of their time... [T]he romance of an idea, made visible, becomes in a way a critique of the idea, a revelation of its fragile human basis, and therefore of its contingency, even its absurdity." - Adam Gopnik

Muskets & Memories

2007-04-18T10:27:00.000-05:00

After 4-5 yrs (or so) of hunting and never seeing a thing, I finally got a turkey. It's quite the story actually. I'd estimate the event to have taken place over an hour's time, I think. I took him down in one shot with my NEW double barrel shotgun (12 gauge). It was the only time I've ever shot the gun and shot at a turkey. This all happened near Boscobel, which is Wisconsin's Turkey Hunting Capitol (a fact excluded from Wikipedia [The Gideons are not]).

I havn't really decided what I want to do with it or how I want to cook it, but I'm thinking about "Grillin' Er" with a secret ingredient.

Almost 22

2007-04-11T23:05:00.000-05:00

*^Graduation Present/Gift List:
1) Nikon 9000 ED Coolscan ($1,849.95)
2) Nikon D2Xs ($4,245.95)
3) Nikon F6 ($1,995.95)
4) Mamiya RB67 ($799.00) w/ Mamiya KL 90mm f/3.5 ($689.00)
5) BMW 300 ($40,800)

Oh yeah, that's right, I'm switching to fashion photography...

*A brief list that must fit into the standard "Top 5" format, please inquire about any other gifts that you may wish to purchase. ^Photo equipment/supplies can be purchased online from BH Photo.

When I Was Seventeen

2007-04-10T13:26:00.000-05:00

It was a pretty good year...

However, at this moment, I do not want to go back to that age (of awkwardness and confusion). As a matter of fact... I would prefer it, if you, as well, could feel this way too. See, I don't really appreciate it when someone thinks I'm still younger than 17. I've always looked forward to the day when I'd be old enough to just be able to do things (legally) (even if I wouldn't use my privileges to actually do them). But, going to the mall was never on my list. Just last Saturday I was carded as I entered the mall. How insanely LAME is that? Security informed me that I appeared to be younger than 17 (since you now have to be at least 17 [?] to enter the mall after a certain hour) and offered me a bracelet after I past their inspection. I refused the thang (mainly because the stickyness gets caught in my arm hair since I can never get it on perfectly straight and aligned).

(Taken while 17 yrs of age)

Actually, I am sure it was all due to the fact that I was with my GF. See, she is much younger than me, thus much closer to actually being 17, thus, also, aiding in the confusion of security gaurds and forcing them to question me, as well.

Big Ten Parking Meters

2007-04-03T11:59:00.000-05:00

This month's suggested reading:
1) The Ongoing Moment - Geoff Dyer
2) Monkey Portraits - Jill Greenberg
3) Lonely Road - Nevil Shute
4) The Botany of Desire - Michael Pollan
5) Individuals - Gap

Pre-History

2007-04-02T10:20:00.001-05:00

"For me, the purpose of photography is to see in an objective way. Why should I try to project my own sentiments or my state of mind onto something, which is already expressing itself? Of course objectivity is the opposite of subjectivity, we have trouble separating the two, one beginning where the other leaves off. And objectivity doesn't mean that the truth has been found... far from it. It means that the object represented is allowed to speak for itself." - Hilla Becher

Once I’m done (graduated), I will start new projects, such as: “Cows: Tippable and Untippable”. They will be put into categories and for the tippable given the suggested direction of attack (shove).

Spring Break

2007-03-28T23:04:00.000-05:00

First stop.... Dixon, Illinois!

Also home to (or near) a very significant piece of John Deer(e) History. I have no clue what it was/is since there weren't any signs to photograph that told me anything "Historic". However, not 20 miles east one will find the "Birthplace of Ronald Reagan" of which I fully intend on visiting next time through (field trip).

Next stop, Iowa!

Even lamer than having double sided Historical Markers is having two unrelated sides to a Historical Marker. (Reference to "Possibly Maybe")

All together, March of 2007, in my mind, will forever mark the place of a very successful Spring Break.

*Not Pictured:
1) Coralville Dam
2) Coralville Fossil Bed
3) Boaz Mastodon
4) Dad's Large Barn
5) Huge Sun Setting In Rear View Mirror (Upon Departing IA)

*All of which may or may not be pictured later.

Book

2007-03-27T14:57:00.000-05:00

*Announcement*

My book, of photos, has recently been released, to the public, to purchase. With over 100 images dating between 2000-2007 (2001 not included) showcased in this Collection, it will be very hard to pass up (for this I am sure).

Photography: 2007 and Before

By Peter Jakubowski

This is its First release and hasn't even been seen in print by the author, yet. More news on this will follow.

With photographic work ranging from primitive black and whites to action filled Sports and exciting Music (as well as Parking Meters and Historical Markers etc.) plus essential Self-Portraits, I'd suggest to Buy it while it's Cheap!

Muscle-Buffer Capacity

2007-03-15T13:13:00.000-05:00

Just because I say bag (b-AY-gg) and egg (AY-gg) and whatever you say sounds exactly the same to me, doesn't mean you have to get all bent out of shape... YES?

(Please state your name and reason for conversation IMMEDIATELY when calling my number for the first time... I can deal with the confusion in the lack thereof in any other communicating method much easier, so I supply you with but only one guideline/restriction.)

Suddenly, today, I realized that there are plenty of other cities in the United States, many of which appear just as fun -if not MORE fun- as MKE. Therefore, I'm happy as long as I can run.

"See Jesus Run"

2007-03-13T14:25:00.000-05:00

Memories. I've been stuck lately in the idea of how Photos aid memory. But, since my head IS in fact (pretty much) a "Dark Chamber" and "Most" photographs are made from such a thing, I then accept the brilliant conclusion that I am mostly taking pictures ALL the time.

-Supplementary Viewing-

Please don't show me something abstract, for those types of things I am not a fan (of). I'd much rather view a snapshot from a family album than stare aimlessly/confusingly at something of that which I do not know. Maybe I am one for getting emotion out of a story/life and not from a random emotional evocation extracted from the subconscious.

ALSO, I can not wait for Toby Keith at SF's 40th Anniversary bash!

Phantasm

2007-03-09T15:45:00.000-06:00

I was debating naming this post "Buy Me Gifts, Make Me Happy" but I don't want to give away the path to my heart so easily.

Tomorrow, March 10, 2007, I am running a 5K and am going for a PR. My goal is to finish in under 25 minutes, 24 seems logical. But since this is my first 5K, I really don't know what to expect.

“Vibroglaze"

Quotidian

2007-03-07T22:14:00.000-06:00

What would you think if I told you that "the truth, if there is truth, is unapproachable and unknowable" - Lewis Baltz ... ? Anyway, while you think about that... I may have recently (today) become aware of some more similarities (things I agree with) with Mr. Baltz. I won't tell you what they are/it is, it's too conceptual.

Remember Floppy Disks? Remember PCs? Welcome to Mac.

ANNOUNCEMENT
Several private news releases have been hinting at the production of Peter Jakubowski: Photography, a picture book highlighting the past several years (collegiate career and before) of Santeeny Photog., to be seen sometime in the Second Quarter.

Oh, yeah, things that are private... OSHA. I wonder if my records are public anywhere...?

"Remember, America, I gave you the Internet, and I can take it away!"

2007-03-01T11:55:00.000-06:00

I can't believe so many people are still afraid to have their WHOLE name listed on the internet. Google any of my names and you will find quite a bit of info... like that one time (found through "Petey Santeeny" Google search) I was featured in an MKEonline.com article on "Breakup" songs (mine was really not on a breakup, but I couldn't pass up the opportunity to have myself included... success). The entire idea of cultural change is a fascinating topic. I'm all for embracing new technology. Without access to the internet I'm almost certain my communication/social life would not be the same (as in I would still be quiet, painting portraits of roosters, in my room, alone). But thanks to Al Gore, I can use photography/video in explanations across large distances (262 miles/4 hrs 22 min).

Things I Use My Laptop For:
1) Communicating - Chat, Audio Chat, Video Chat, File Transfer, URL Links, Blog Posts, E-Mails...etc.
2) Studying - Wikipedia
2B) Studying The Bible - Online tools and programs aid in diving deeper into The Word.
3) Researching - Learn of new/old materials/technologies.
4) Watching Movies - (Copy DVD's)
5) Cataloguing Photographs

Travis, You Have Arrived

2007-02-21T12:30:00.000-06:00

I'm actually pretty popular and know a number of people. I am also fairly well versed in popular culture.

Finding things/stuff is more interesting than creating something/a thing. Just the other day (July) I found $70 on the ground, just laying there! I took it. That much joy could not be given by planting $70 on the sidewalk and pretending to find it ten minutes later. Creating joy is not the same as getting/being given(gifted) joy.

Squirrel(girl)friend

2007-02-20T23:08:00.000-06:00

I've finally made it to that point in my life where looking back 8 yrs or so I can find Quality work/stories/memories/photos.

"Spanky" Grand Canyon, AZ, 2000.

Top Names For a Pet (or my middle name):
1) Scooter
2) Brahm
3) Essay
4) Josiah
5) Skeeter

Meltdown! (40 deg F)

2007-02-19T09:44:00.000-06:00

Sophomore year (+2 yrs ago) I volunteered/interned at Greening Milwaukee. I was really into the whole environmental and conservation deal. Milwaukee County apparently only has a mere 16% canopy coverage due mostly to the Dutch Elm Disease epidemic in the 50's. A good healthy city = 40% canopy coverage. So, when I moved to Cudahy, I was pretty glad to see that I was living in "Tree City USA." But I don't really care too much about trees anymore... see, if I live in Cudahy for three more years, I WILL be healthy. It's all in the plan.

Oh, and, I DO get jokes.

End of an Era

2007-02-15T16:53:00.000-06:00

Looks like it might be time to hang up the tags (even though they're always hanging). Just when life gets comfortable it changes and stress moves in with a heavy load. Questions: What do I do next? Where do I go now?

When I left the private Christian School after 2nd grade I left behind plenty of friends. Twelve years later I met up with one of them and was invited to a party where I would meet up with more of them. I'm not one for parties, I showed up alone. Lingering outside I recognized someone, but didn't recognize the rest. The ones I didn't recognize approached me and gave me a hug, "how ya doin'? I havn't seen you in foreva! Do you remember me? What's my name?" Awkward. I had no clue who this was, but I was told I was going to meet Dustin, I said "Dustin?" I guess I was right because he kept hugging. I couldn't break away until the host of the party told the huggers to leave. Apparently they were just wandering the streets looking for other males to love up, I'm glad they left.

I have no clue what DC is like, but I just faxed my resume to get a job there. $10 says my organizational trends(z) aren't up to their par/level, i.e. my office desk.

Possibly Maybe

2007-02-13T10:54:00.000-06:00

What if our transition from life to death is seemless? What if we keep living in a sense where we think we're still..."living"? Yesterday came with a minor snow storm/fall. It took me nearly 3-4 times as long to reach my normal parking spot on campus since the majority of the travel time was at a top speed of 10mph. Although, at one point over the Hoan Bridge, traffic cleared up and I started driving 40mph, but without noticing I was going 10mph again. Is it possible that I smashed the car in front of me and slid off the side of the bridge and then had my death spliced into life where I left off ... in a daze? For all of this I doubt, but sometimes life is like a movie, at least mine.

Speaking of not noticing.... I can't read Historical Markers when I'm standing in front of them, they're so big and being outside distracts me in a way where I have to keep moving my eyes. Wisconsin doesn't do this (that I know of), but Iowa seems to have the need to write from front to back on their signs (WI prints identical text on both sides)... another reason why IOWA is LAME... now I have to go all the way back there just to continue (photograph the other side) growing my knowledge bank.

Another thing about noticing... after a picture has been taken there's a tendency to notice more than before. Should I like that? Whatever the answer, too bad, I like it. There's definitely a magic to remembering something and noticing more than the time it actually happened, although, *DANGER* the event can be made better than it actually was. Also, maybe I should appreciate (more) the subtle nature of how light falls on to a scene and builds mood (NG style).

Franklin Mint

2007-02-12T16:46:00.000-06:00

More Projects I Would Like To Do:
1) Primary Colors: In the World
2) Portrait of a Vehicle: Cars Covered in Snow and the People That Refuse to Brush Them Off Before Driving
3) Welcome to "Small Town"/ "Small Town" Welcomes You/ "Small Town" "What We Are About": Signs
4) "State" Welcomes You: Signs
5) 86,400 Pictures: 5-30-2007

Blank

2007-02-08T16:03:00.000-06:00

Sometimes people burst your bubble and destroy your ideas giving you the feeling that what you were talking about was absurd or not well thought out.

But they probably didn't even know they were doing it until five minutes (exactly) after they'd done it. Then again, maybe they were right and the words provided just weren't enough to illustrate the whole idea.

No Answer

2007-02-05T22:55:00.000-06:00

I'm pretty disappointed that I will miss the gallery talk on "Place Of The Transcommon" at Inova (coming up soon...) due to a trip to Minneapolis, again, concerning a possible internship with Campus Crusade for Christ. It has been suggested that I use my "talents" to worship God through art/photography, which brings me to this point: "How does one show God/religion/spirituality through art?"

"The essential property of photography is contemplation, freezing a moment to look at it unhindered by the nag of passing time, which might be Foster's true subject. As he frees himself and his old photos from their earlier roles as depictors, Foster gets closer to whatever truths lie in the material of the pictures. One might ask what part of the pictures is real, but they are not merely games of recognition. Foster twiddles and tweaks, multiplies, divides, obscures and artificializes his former pictures of the real into photographs that fairly represent the digital mind, where information passes through the microcosm." - Nicholas Frank

I enjoy hearing about people's beliefs, even if I don't agree with them. Sometimes those disagreements strengthen my own beliefs, sometimes they just straight out confuse me.

Steven suggests that "Everything is spiritual" ... so why would you try to create something that is spiritual(?). But what about those that don't view anything as being spiritual, what about those that are questioning their spirituality or have never even heard about such spirituality? Christianity is a "team sport" where we are to Echo For Eternity and spread. Historically, art has been commissioned by the church where depictions of icons were common and patrons desired biblical narratives. Expressions of the spiritual are shared this way, mainly in painting.

But how do you do this in photography? Joel-Peter Witkin may be an example, addressing the religious... Foster's photographs are all so abstract, something I never got into, something I do not know how to "read." Their meditative qualities do support why they were included in this show of spirituality, but like other digital work they drag people into the question of "how were these made?" Although, interesting, Foster's triangular imagery is often questioned as "how are these photographs?" Again, people get caught up in that, which can be dangerous to the work... talking about the surface. I will admit, I wanted to ask those questions, there's a difficulty in looking at patterns that include images unrecognizable to most of the audience. There's a depth that I can not get to, I am not there yet.

I'll give it all a couple of weeks to sink in.

Trendz and Gunz

2007-02-03T22:01:00.000-06:00

"Pop Art".... the one effect that should never be used in Photo Booth.

Even after your personalized Warhol is posted to facebook, it doesn't even look like a Warhol. Other despised effects are those that use applications of extreme contrasts and saturation, AKA the "Artsy" effects. That one is most common to the "Scenesters." Being creative is not a game, thus the reason why art is so popular and main stream. Just the other day I was given an assignment to be "creative." Sure, I can do that. Creativity. I haven't started it, so maybe I'm speaking too soon, again.

Question: How "creative" is Levi's for releasing its "Warhol Factory X" line of jeans?

In the Time of Chimpanzees I Was a Monkey

2007-02-02T13:07:00.000-06:00

Chimps, Lemurs, and Marmosets have been items of fascination ever since my early stages of youth.

Back into the days before I was even a teen, I went to a tractor show. I also love tractors, so it was double the pleasure when I got to meet a monkey wearing a leather vest. This has got to be the most memorable of encounters with an animal because of our emotional interaction. I don't think I even tried to pet the monkey, but we stared at eachother. His/Her eyes were simply beautiful, their moisture glistening in the overcast light, exposing the creatures innermost feelings. Bill Nye the Science Guy gave me the idea that these types of thumbed animals will go straight for your throat, but this one was solemn and content. As we continued to talk through our gaze, the monkey started to look away. After awhile the thing wouldn't even look at me, I was a little dissapointed. But beyond the dissapointment came victory, I had "won," my stare burned right through the monkey. It backed down, proof that I AM the dominant species.