Independence Day in the United States of America - Symbolism in 2015

So much history has transpired since the founding of the United States of America 239 years ago.  Though far from perfect, the American system of governance allowed people to dream and to achieve so much.  But the times are changing, no?  And so is the country that I love.

I've already said too much.  I'll let the symbols and the symbolism communicate.

Storms Ahead

© Mark Eaton

Before the Fall

© Mark Eaton

As a Graveyard, As a New Beginning

© Mark Eaton

Inevitably, all things do pass.

Urban Flowers 2 - An Abstract Study of American Infrastructure

I usually will walk everywhere I go.  True, it does take longer to travel from one point to another, but then again I see more that I otherwise would if I were traveling by vehicle.

I saw this scene late in the morning while I was walking home from the supermarket, and I was struck by the irony and symbolism it represented.  

 Urban Flowers 2

© Mark Eaton

It seems society will build big and great things, but then move on to some other project without giving much thought to the necessity of maintaining that which was previously built.  The decaying and collapsing infrastructure is very representative of the collapsing American society.  The same can be said of relationships, too, in my opinion.

Without maintaining and nurturing, the collapse will be complete...then, in a manner of speaking, everyone will be walking.  Since nature abhors a vacuum, I doubt the new structure and relationships that will fill the void will be palatable to many Americans.  This is represented by the flowers that are growing in the decay -- though beautiful, they are not indigenous to any single place in the state of Arizona.  Additionally, the plant is an annual, not a perennial.  I know that my preference for living the life of an expat is strongly represented in this study.  As I picked up the plastic bags of groceries, I couldn't help but laugh at the irony.

The tears didn't arrive until I processed the image in the dry darkroom.

Stalagmite Shattered - Abstract Photography

I like composing abstract photography.  A lot, really.  The subject can be large, or it can be small.  The idea can be minimal, or it can be more complex.  The composition can be representative, or even symbolic.  There are times when it doesn't have to be anything at all.  Maybe, though, it is everything.

Stalagmite Shattered

© Mark Eaton

This image was not found in a cave, but instead it was composed not too far from Lee's Ferry along the Colorado River.  Symbolic, perhaps, of the care and respect I strive to maintain when I'm interacting with nature in my own way.

Ulla Reimer to Conduct a Photography Workshop in Seoul in May 2015

Ulla Reimer is a professional photographer from France who has been in the business for forty years.  That's right...four decades.  When I lived in China, we would spend time chatting, and she was kind enough to show me some of her work that she exhibited at a prestigious show in the Middle Kingdom.  Her fine art photography is outstanding.  

She currently resides in Seoul.

Ulla has had a distinguished career in the field of photography from being a photojournalist, a portraitist for the stars, and a fine art photographer.  She informed me a day or so ago that she is conducting a workshop in Seoul this coming May.  

I asked her if people could still sign-up to participate in the workshop, and she said yes.  She made it a point to tell me that people who have no experience with photography to those who are very experienced with photography are welcome to participate.

The workshop is a four day event to be held in Seoul.  Here is a poster that discusses the contents of the workshop:

There are a couple of ways to contact Ulla so that you can sign-up to participate in the workshop:

1)  Contact Ulla by email:  ullareimer@yahoo.fr

2)  If you have Kao Kao Talk, Ulla's ID is ur031

3)  Go to her website:  Ulla Reimer.  Please go to her contact page for her email address.  Enjoy the photographs on her site while you are at it.

Have fun at the workshop!

The Chapel of the Valley in Prescott Valley

Prescott Valley is next to Prescott, and both of these very small municipalities are north and west of the Phoenix metropolis.  They are situated at a higher elevation than that of Phoenix; consequently, something approaching the four seasons can be appreciated.

In Prescott Valley, or PV for those old salts who live in the area, there is a an interesting structure that sits on a piece of private property located within the boundaries of Fain Park.  There are many other sources that explain the history of the region far better than I could even attempt, but I do want to discuss briefly this structure.  It is called The Chapel of the Valley.

The Chapel of the Valley

© Mark Eaton

It is a small building, and it is well maintained.  It isn't a traditional meeting place for Christian worshipers every Sunday, but it can be used for weddings and other somber and sobering functions that I would rather avoid.  Usually the doors are closed and secured unless a local volunteer happens to be on duty in the chapel itself.  Volunteers oft times are associated with an historical society or some other organization, and it is these people who provide opportunities for regular everyday people to access that which is often inaccessible.

I happen to know one of the volunteers here.  She has been a friend for many years, and she invited me to the chapel during her volunteer time.  She advised me to bring my camera, because I just might be impressed with all of the stained glass windows that are a large part of the chapel.

I don't do much work with color photography at this stage of my life, but I couldn't resist the temptation to do some color work after I entered the building.  Each window is stained glass that depicts certain figures or events important to Christians. 

Stained Glass Window at

The Chapel of the Valley

© Mark Eaton

There isn't a regular window in the place, and on a sunny day the colors are rather amazing in such a small structure.

 Stained Glass Window at

The Chapel of the Valley

© Mark Eaton

Stained Glass Window at

The Chapel of the Valley

© Mark Eaton

Why the apparent dark section in the above image?  The very first photo of this article provides the answer to that question.

Besides the stained glass windows, there are other things within the chapel that would interest a history buff.  The pipe organ is small...well, you'll have to take your own camera for that one.

This final image of the resurrected Savior is located on the western wall of the chapel, and it was the first image I saw as I entered the doors of the chapel as seen in the first photograph of this article.  I imagine the setting sun can produce some interesting light on this particular stained glass window.

Stained Glass Window at

The Chapel of the Valley

© Mark Eaton

Should you find yourself in Prescott Valley, I hope you can get a chance to view the interior of the little chapel.