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. 

Absurd Excuse to Not Travel Abroad

A short time ago I exchanged email messages with a man whom I have known for many years.  He is an intelligent man.

I asked him if he possessed a current passport so that he could join me in one of my adventures abroad.  He is aware of my fondness for Asia since I have lived in South Korea for some years and in China for too short a time.  His response was that he would not visit any country that didn't provide him the right to observe the second amendment of the U.S. Constitution while in that country.  A man has a right to protect himself, he explained to me.

I was wondering if this was a joke, but then some of the misinformed stereotypical observations about the peoples of China, in particular, and Asians, in general, showed me that this was not any type of attempt at humor.  I sat in front of the computer, stunned, for several minutes.

My response wasn't too complex.  I asked him if he used Skype, because I sure would like to have a face to face chat with a friend I haven't seen in such a long time.  His reply was that he had heard of it from another friend who traveled overseas, but that he had never used it.  His reasoning that it wouldn't serve any purpose to give the government goons at NSA, or any other entity, an easy opening to observe a chat.  In his response to me, he advised any snooper reading that particular missive that they should instead read the Bill of Rights and the U.S. Constitution.

I took a couple of days to write back a lengthy response.  I explained that it is important to not allow the dictates of dogma derail life.  In my imperfect way, I tried to share information about safety and security in the areas I resided in during my time in South Korea and China.  Though the places where I lived were not perfect, true of anyplace on earth, the need to pack heat as if he were in an American municipality wasn't necessary.  In fact, living in those areas was a welcome relief.

It's been well over a week now, however, I've a feeling he won't reply.  But maybe he did send something to me, and maybe it was...intercepted...by, you know, those guys.

I suppose all I can do now is give my friend this look.

Self-Portrait: The Unusual Man

© Mark Eaton

If I could share any worthwhile advice to my American friends, it would be to cut the crap and travel abroad.  Do it before the dogma chains you down permanently.  Once that happens, you've gone over the edge.

Photography at McKenzie House in Suncheon

I was very pleased to have been able to place my photograph, Dwindling, at the McKenzie House restaurant in Suncheon recently.  The master chef, Sue, who is one of the nicest of all the people I have had the privilege to meet, told me that the photograph will be moving around a bit in the restaurant in order to interact with the other photos there.

McKenzie House - Dwindling by Mark Eaton

© Mark Eaton

If you like good food, photography, coffee, and people, then I suggest visiting McKenzie House.  When you drop in, be sure to say hello to Sue.  She will always have a smile and a kind word to share with visitors.

Sue Shows Dwindling at McKenzie House

© Mark Eaton

 A few years ago I submitted Dwindling to the International Color Awards photography competition.  It earned a Nominee in Nature award.  Check it out, along with the other submissions, here.

For those who are interested, I only have five prints of Dwindling remaining. 

Hospital Culture

This isn't a discussion about my being hit by a car in Suncheon with only two weeks before departing for the United States, but rather it is a discussion about the hospital culture I experienced while spending more than a week in the hospital due to my being hit by that car.

I was wheelchair bound during the first part of my hospital stay at 순천 제일 병원.  Groggy from the pain and from the pain medication, I nevertheless ventured out of my hospital room.  At first, I only explored the nooks and crannies on my assigned floor, but then I utilized the elevators to explore the different areas of the hospital.

 Top Floor - Large Room and Elevator Access

© Mark Eaton

As is my nature, I would greet anyone and everyone who passed me.  The first day or so the responses were guarded, as can be expected.  It didn't take long for some fellow patients to stop and to chat.  I struggled with my Korean language skills, and they struggled with their English language skills.  No one had any place to go, so more time was spent trying to communicate.

I soon saw some patterns developing.  The male patients formed communities largely based upon room assignments.  Not much interaction occurred outside those assignments.  

However, the female patients formed groups according to innate and instinctive ability that meant that a certain type of community and cohesion could comfortably exist.  Too, based upon assigned rooms, the females also ventured into other areas to interact with other female patients.  I found that three females groups existed:  1) Old Grandmothers, 2) Nice/Decent Women, and 3) Wild Women.  There was also a fourth female group, which I tabbed the School Girl Group.  Except for the bleach blond young lady who had no qualms about saying hello, the SGG members spent a lot of time peering into their phones, hence I won't discuss this group.

Due to physical abilities, the Old Grandmothers stayed mainly in their rooms except when the need to exercise or the need to use the facilities arose.  The members of the other two groups, however, were physically active and socially active.  

The Wild Women were the first to approach me as I sat on the sofa in the lounge area on my floor.  It soon became apparent that no casualties would be suffered by talking to me, so I was invited into the WW room to eat some tasty Korean food that was brought into the hospital from the outside.  In Korea, it is expected that food and beverages be brought into the hospital as a way to...supplement...hospital food.  The invitation to consume the spirited beverages was always declined by me, because I didn't know how my pain meds would interact with the...spirits.  It was fairly obvious to me what the combination did for those in the WW group.

Soon afterwards, the Nice/Decent Women invited me into the room to read, share stories, and to look at art.  There was a schoolboy in my room who spoke English.  One night the both of us were invited into the N/D room so that he could do homework.  Plenty of food to eat, but without any of the spirited beverages. 

After a day or so of this, one nurse or another would find a reason, not that any was needed, to come into the rooms carrying a medical tray or a clipboard that were never used.  And just as quickly out of the room they went, the entire time carrying a remarkably neutral face.

My offer to buy coffee for the nurses at their station was met with a brief discussion amongst one another.  The head nurse settled it and said ok.  I think they were a bit surprised when I returned from the downstairs coffee shop with the correct order.  The excess hamburgers or chicken I offered to the nurses, and they accepted with bright smiles. 

A couple of the men did invite me into their room for a chat and for coffee.  We would greet each other as we saw progress from being stuck in a wheelchair to being able to stand upright again, though with assistance.

And so on, and so on.

I want to take a moment to praise the doctors and the nurses at 순천 제일 병원.  They are competent professionals.  I was especially impressed with the nurses.  They asked pointed questions about my condition and symptoms that generated the need for further tests.  Sharp as tacks, they are.

Just a couple of more photographs of the top floor of the hospital.

Top Floor - Kitchen Entrance

© Mark Eaton

Top Floor - Access to Elevators

© Mark Eaton

Abstract Photography - Structure

Late last year I wrote a short article about why I like abstract photography.  The article, along with a couple of my photographs, can be found here.

I recently uploaded some new abstract compositions at my website.  Specifically, these images are structures of various types from South Korea as well as China.  

 Alien Structure and Moon

© Mark Eaton

Scenes photographed at night adds a surreal dimension that is not possible if photographed during daylight hours.

Nightmare

© Mark Eaton

I hope you enjoy the mystery as much as I.

Cytokinesis

© Mark Eaton

Please take a look at some of my abstract photography: Abstract Photography.

I hope everyone has a wonderful year during 2015.

Christmas Dinner and Hospitality on a Snowy Night in Gwangju

There is something special, in my opinion, about having a Christmas dinner on a snowy night.  And so it was last night at The First Alleyway in Gwangju.  Eating great food, and sharing a table with an entertaining and intelligent couple was a fine way to spend the evening during this Christmas dinner celebration.

It just didn't stop snowing, much to the chagrin of my dinner companion, but a pure delight for me.

Snowy Night in Gwangju

© Mark Eaton

While taking in the sites of the district, we popped into Manila Town to warm up a bit.  Any time spent at Manila Town is time well spent because of the warmth and hospitality offered to guests.  

I like the fact that there are places that I can visit to get my feet back on the ground.

Why I Enjoy Abstract Photography

I appreciate abstract photography because it is mysterious.  I like it because abstract scenes are taken from the ordinary and the everyday hustle and bustle of life that is missed when living is viewed too large.  I suppose it can be missed when viewed with too narrow a prism also.

 

  Reflections Past

© Mark Eaton

I enjoy abstract photography because no matter how the final image is viewed, the viewer's head tilts, the eyebrows furrow; the piece creates a mystery.  For some, there is confusion.  I like the fact that people work to solve the mystery, or even approach it as though solving an equation. 

Angles and Lines

© Mark Eaton

For me, abstract work doesn't have distracting elements, nor is it complicated.  It touches a part of my being that acknowledges that I was at a certain place at a certain time, and that it was I who was touched by something that I thought beautiful.  Of all the billions of people in the world, I saw and felt something that was important, or meaningful.

It forces me to admit that I, too, miss so much.  Too much, actually.

The Journey

Over at the Phaidon site, Steve McCurry discusses some of his philosophy about life and the concept of when to take photographs.  It is best remembered that it is the journey of life that usually presents the most memorable times, not the destination.

To watch the interview, visit the Phaidon site here.

Surgery

Fate and fortune are strange creatures.  I had a teaching position in Jinan, which is the capital city of Shandong Province in China.  During the first week of October there was a week long national holiday in the Middle Kingdom.  I made plans to return to South Korea during the holiday so that I could pick up my winter clothes that were to have been shipped to me previously, but were not.

To make the story more palatable, and to not share the bloody and gory details, it became necessary for me to have surgery in South Korea.  Fortunately, two doctors whom I have known for many years, Dr. Seo and Dr. Shim, were involved in this process.  I'll always be grateful for their dedication and skill.

The surgery took place at Dr. Shim's Dream Surgery hospital located near the Ecograd Hotel in Suncheon.  In the photograph below, the nurse and I are in front of Dr. Shim's biography sign in the hospital.  The nurse...and the meds...did much to ease the pain and discomfort.

I don't remember who took this photo, because I was more than slightly out of the real world at the time. 

The recovery process is taking longer than I want, but I suppose anyone who has experienced this would feel the same.  Wisdom would dictate to greatly curtail, or even cease, all social activities.  Alas, I am not wise, especially while under the influence of my prescription medicine.  

A few days ago I wrote about the Thanksgiving dinner that was held at the house where I am convalescing.  I had some concerns the day before the dinner about whether I could endure a full day of cooking and activities, and I expressed my concerns to the matron of the house.  I even suggested that we cancel the dinner, but I was assured that everything would be alright.  Besides, the turkey had been purchased and was awaiting the oven.  It turned out that my concerns were premonitions unheeded.  

During the course of the dinner, I merrily went about my tasks.  Everyone was smiling and laughing and having a good time, or so my observations told me.  I hadn't taken my usual nap to recharge my batteries, and I began to run out of energy.  I didn't learn this until a week after the dinner, but I had infuriated every Korean at the dinner.  I was told that when I was washing the dishes I was making everyone angry.  Well, I explained, we could have then eaten our desserts on the table sans the eating utensils, plus I was the one doing the work while everyone else continued to enjoy the company.  The dishes were similarly washed in the very same sink during last year's dinner without peril, hence my great confusion.

After dessert, I went to another room to sit alone so that I could gain some strength.  I was running on empty, the motor was operating on fumes.  I was completely unaware of the roiled atmosphere that permeated the house.  As mentioned above, I didn't learn any of this until a week after the dinner.

I pressed the matron of the house for specifics as to why the anger at the man recovering from surgery who was doing his best to see that everyone at the party was being tended to.  "It is your character.  Your American character is unusual.  You are unusual," was the response.

I asked the matron of the house if she recalled a significant event that recently occurred in my life.  No?!  The surgery?!  The friends who attended the dinner all visited me in the hospital, and all are aware that I'm still leaking, stinking, and taking prescription medicine.  With their university diplomas hanging on their walls, no one could put two and two together?  No one thought to sidle up to me, and to say, "I have this covered.  Go sit down."  No one thought to ask, "Big Guy, are you ok?  What's going on?  How are you feeling, man?"  All present are said to be Christian who attend services weekly.  So much for helping those in need.  So much for the diplomas.

I do kick myself for not listening to my concerns and for not heeding the premonitions.

Self Portrait:  The Unusual Man

© Mark Eaton

I am scheduled to go to Gwangju this weekend to attend a farewell party for a dear friend who is leaving the peninsular country known as South Korea.  I think I'll be up for it, but I'll decide that at the time.  Except for performing my commissioned work, this unusual man will then recuse himself from social interaction lest the sensibilities of the society is angered or inconvenienced.  Back into the shadow goes the photographer.  And then home again.

Waon - 와온

As I sat in my seat on the 97 bus to Waon this afternoon, the old woman couldn't hide her surprise as she looked me over from head to toe a couple of times.  She had no way of knowing, I believe, that my blue jeans were flannel-lined, but she very well noticed that I was wearing my Teva sandals and a short sleeved shirt.  My Columbia winter coat was draped over my camera bag, which was on my lap during the trip to Waon.

I suppose I am a man of contradictions.

I traveled to Waon for two reasons:  1) To experience some solitude, and 2) To experiment with abstract compositions by taking a series of three shots of a subject using long exposure times.

Earlier in 2014, I documented how the residents were busy constructing new fisheries at Suncheon Bay.  

 공장

© Mark Eaton

I was surprised to see that two women were working on a barge by prepping bamboo poles to which the nets will be attached.  The work is never done for those who earn their keep by working the bay.

To read the story I mentioned above, visit this page here.  To view more photographs of the construction of a fishery, go to my website here.  Scroll down to the third gallery image, and then click on that gallery image to see the photographs.

By the way, I did experience some solitude, and I was able to take a few shots with the camera.  

On the way back to Suncheon from Waon, there was another old woman looking at me with some surprise also, but that was because I was singing not quite to myself during the bus ride.  Too, I may have chuckled a time or two because of some long ago memory.

Thanksgiving Holiday Rituals Along with an Abstract Photography Tip

As Thanksgiving holidays shake out, this one was nice.  Given the last minute decision making and planning that is part of the Korean persona, the Thanksgiving dinner held at the home where I am convalescing from surgery showed again what can be accomplished with a force of will and an ability to direct chaotic ant-like beings to the proper place at the proper time.  Relatively speaking.

I was the only expat in attendance.  Not too surprising since all of my expat friends in this area have moved on to other locales.  Plus, it was a last minute event, which can cause angst and  create general discombobulation among those whose lives are more orderly or regimented.  More pointedly, the back-stabbing knave from the American northwest was not mentioned once by any of the Koreans in attendance.  Handling a double edged sword unwisely or clumsily is not appropriate, especially when dealing with those who are friends.

Anyway, I was in charge of the turkey, the mashed potatoes, and the dinner rolls.

 Cooked Turkey

© Mark Eaton

Long ago I was taught that most people who read from left to right will view a photograph beginning at the upper left corner of an image.  The viewer will proceed downward diagonally, and will eventually be led to the lower left hand corner.  When I compose my abstract photography, I strive to keep this in mind.  In the image above, the tips of the turkey legs connect directly with the diagonal line flowing downward from the left so that the eyes are then moving downward diagonally to the lower left hand corner.  What I consider important to the composition is connected.  

Even with the muted periphery, there are several interesting points, interesting to me at least, that allows a viewer's eyes to sweep around the image.  At this point in my life, I instinctively compose my abstract work in this manner.  A guy can't even take a holiday photo without life's lessons influencing the outcome.  

A woman whose home has my photographs on her walls was photographing the turkey, too.  She stopped for a moment to look at what I was doing.  She then stood next to me to see what I was seeing.  I stepped back, and she proceeded to take my place.  She is as tall as I am, so her view was similar.  "Oh, I like this better.  Thank you, Mark," she said to me. 

Back to the dinner party.  There was a lot of conversation, and there was much laughter.  Apple pie, ice cream, and more food for those who still were hungry.  However, the meds, the discomfort of the body fighting constantly to heal itself, and the fact that I didn't take time to nap during the day all worked together to drain the energy from my tank.  I was told later that my face showed it.  I slipped away from the festivities to sit alone.   

Air Quality in Jinan - A Photo Story

I had the good fortune to live in Jinan, which is the capital of Shandong Province in China.  Jinan is known as the City of Springs, because of its many freshwater springs as I recently discussed in a previous blog post here.  I learned quickly that the people who reside in Jinan are very friendly and very giving.  I was simply amazed by the hospitality and the kindness shown to me on any given day while I was out and about in the city.  Sure, there were the grumpy sour pusses, but they were few and far between.  

Unfortunately, my stay in Jinan was drastically cut short due to a medical emergency.  To make a long story bearable, or at least palatable, it was necessary for me to undergo emergency surgery in South Korea while I was vacationing in that country that I called home for many years.

I wasn't able to take many photographs during my too brief stay in China.  Some of the photos I did take showed the air quality in Jinan during the day.  Jinan has many industries, and the waste products released into the air heavily pollutes the air.  Even during a sunny day, the sky is ash gray.  Only occasionally did the sun shine through the pollution, and even then it was a dim orb that resembled a weak light bulb.  There was a distinct taste to the air also.  Prior to arriving in Jinan, I purchased a box of 3M 8210 Particulate Respirator masks, otherwise known as N95 masks, in anticipation of having to breathe the air while out in public.

I could gauge the quality of the air at any given time by visiting the Air Quality Index website that provides information about the air quality as well as the weather.  In fact, the site can provide the real time air quality index, or AQI, for just about any city.  To view the AQI of Jinan, click on the link here.  What is the AQI of your favorite city?

Photographing Jinan to specifically show the air quality was interesting for me.  But it was shocking to me, also.  Not too far from my home, there was a park that sits atop a mountain that allowed me to view my part of the city.  Up to a point.  As can be seen, visibility was greatly reduced because of the air pollution.

My Neighborhood

© Mark Eaton

A Sunny Day

© Mark Eaton

I didn't have to walk too far around my neighborhood to find some sort of industrial plant.

Progress

© Mark Eaton

While taking a long view of the canal in Jinan, it wasn't difficult to remember that quality of the air in the city.

Tour Boats

© Mark Eaton

Perhaps in the not too distant future I will be healthy enough to return to China.  There more pressing concern, however, is what those who are in power will do to try to restore China to its natural beauty.  Does the leadership have the will to make the changes necessary to substantially reduce pollution?  For the sake of the people who live there, I hope so.

To view more of my photographs of Jinan and the air quality of the city, please visit my website:  The Air We Breathe.

    

2014 Christmas and Winter Holiday Deal

As fate would have it, I will be in South Korea this winter holiday season recuperating from surgery.  This will allow me to do my work with photography much more freely than if I were convalescing in China.  I miss China, but South Korea is the best place in the world for me to have my medical and dental needs taken care of. 

You know the old saying, "If life gives you lemons, then make lemonade."  So here it is:  Buyers and collectors who purchase any of my prints during November 2014 will receive a coffee mug that has one of my prints on the mug.

Three Mugs

© Mark Eaton

In the photograph above, the mug on the far right is my personal mug from which I consume all manner of liquids.  The other two mugs belong to a friend who was kind enough to let me photograph them for this special.

Please visit my photography website at Mark Eaton Photography to view my work.  By email, let me know the title of the print for pricing, size, and shipping details.  Let me know the title of the image you want printed on the mug.  In the event that an image is not available, I will let you know.

Each print will be printed on Epson using archival inks, and each print will be sprayed with a protective coating also.  I will send the print and the mug to you directly from the printer. 

  

I'm presenting this special at this time in order for everyone to avoid the mad crush of the Christmas and winter holiday season.  Thank you for your consideration.

Michael Kazemi Exhibits at "2014 - The 9th Global Gathering" at Busan Citizens Park

Michael Kazemi, who is from Tabriz, Iran, will be exhibiting several of his photographs at "2014 - The 9th Global Gathering."  The event will be hosted both by Busan Metropolitan City and Busan Foundation for International Activities (BFIA), and it will be held at Busan Citizens Park in South Korea.

This exhibition is going to be Michael's largest as he will be displaying 31 of his photographs of Busan.

Lighting

© Michael Kazemi

Global Gathering is intended to celebrate the richness and diversity that foreign residents living in Busan bring to the region.  It allows many people from many different backgrounds to show off their talents to those who visit the varying venues at the event.

It is important to note that this is only a one day event.  It will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2014 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Busan Citizens Park.  To put it another way, it will only be on 2014/10/18 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Night Talk

© Michael Kazemi

I like Michael's photographic work quite a bit, because while many of his compositions are serene and peaceful, they simultaneously have a dynamic and energetic pulse that creates excitement and anticipation.

Melody of Water and Light

© Michael Kazemi

Seeds of Light

© Michael Kazemi

To learn more about "2014 - The 9th Global Gathering," and to get directions to Busan Citizens Park, visit the BFIA website here.

A reader will appreciate that the BFIA website has a lot of information that can be helpful to foreign residents living in Busan.  Take a look around; there just might be something for you.

A final image for all to enjoy:

 

 Dancing of Clouds

© Michael Kazemi

The Hammer Falls

I lived on the east side of Jinan, which is the capital city of Shandong Province in China, in an area that is experiencing a significant amount of construction.  Most obvious are the numerous apartment complexes towering towards the gray polluted sky.  

My Neighborhood

© Mark Eaton

While exploring my little part of the world in Jinan during the day, I often heard booms that echoed off the mountains that are found in the area.  I thought construction crews were blasting into the mountains as some of the newly finished apartment buildings clearly abut the mountainous boundaries.

Then one day I discovered the source of the booms.  A large crane raised a large and obviously heavy pile driver.  The Chinese version of a pile driver looks a bit different than those I've seen from the western world, but evidently no less effective.  

The pile driver is targeted over a specific spot.  With a metallic snap, the driver is released.  The object falls silently, but there is an impressive explosive sound as it slams its target further into the ground.  And the ground shakes.  The process is repeated time and time again.

The Hammer Falls

© Mark Eaton

When several cranes are in operation simultaneously, it sounds as if a giant is walking unsteadily across the land.

The Canal and the Springs in Jinan

The blast furnace known as Jinan, which is the capital of Shandong Province in China, has more than seventy springs.  Many of those springs feed the large canal that flows through the city.

Residents of Jinan often visit the springs at the canal to haul up freshwater from the springs.  The water then is poured into jugs and large water bottles.  

Bottles

© Mark Eaton

Fetching Spring Water

© Mark Eaton

The canal is lined by weeping willows, and it is large enough for boats to navigate.  A reader will note that the large view of the canal in Jinan shows the polluted air that casts an interesting light over the entire region of the province. 

Tour Boats

© Mark Eaton