Wednesday, January 23, 2019

Chris Demarest

Chris Demarest putting the final touches on his painting.
One of the things I like about photography is that you never know what sort of things you will find when you are out and about.  When traveling, I expect to come across landscapes and creatures and events, but I was quite unprepared for what was discovered on this day.

We had made a trek to Palm Springs in the spring of 2015.  It was March break and the time off was perfect for heading out to the gem of the Coachella Valley.  We met some friends there and enjoyed the stay at our timeshare.  Good weather, good friends, and lots of things to do; it was excellent.

One of the events we took in was a trip to the Palm Springs Air Museum.  They have a large number of vintage planes, most in working order, and I am always up for such an adventure.  My dad was an aviator in the late 50's and 60's, and we always enjoyed watching those classic WWII movies together.  Instead of being entertained by colourized film, there was the opportunity to see the real deal; it was something I could not pass up.

While there exploring the collection (go here:  https://palmspringsairmuseum.org/aircraft/) we came across something that reminded me of Norman Rockwell's prints.  The difference was that the fellow responsible for them was currently at another one.  It was amazing to see him work.  Pain staking attention to detail, minute movements intense with purpose, and doing a great job to boot, he was focused on his latest creation.

I found out his name was Chris Demarest, and he was doing a painting of a WWII scene.  He had other works of his on display.  Each one showed his commitment to excellence and his well practiced talent.  We chatted, although I don't remember the conversation.  Whenever I do this type of photo I always ask permission to shoot.  I also wrote Chris by email (yesterday) and got permission to post this picture in my blog.  I want to thank him for both opportunities.

I call this a character shot - it is a photo more of who someone is rather than what they look like.  I always enjoy character shots as they unveil things about a person you may not already know.  The shirt, the hat, his concentration and attention to detail, and the images present in the background all speak about who Chris is.  I would like to think that he would approve of the shot.  I can imagine him saying, "Yes, that is kind of who I am." 

Thanks for reading.  www.ericspix.com

Monday, January 21, 2019

Its a sign.

Kathryn at the "Welcome to Hobbiton" sign, New Zealand
Signs are everywhere.  What does the song say?  "Sign, sign, everywhere a sign."  There is not much you can do about them, rather than to deface them or remove them without permission, both of which are illegal and will likely get you into trouble.  So, instead of fighting them, embrace their presence and use them in your shots.  When doing a show of your adventures, a page for your album, or just for your own reference, incorporate a sign saying where it was you were or what was happening there.  

Then, to embrace the concept further, take a picture of a sign with one of your travelling companions.  Instead of it being an eye soar, it now becomes a memory.  Capture the moment that testifies, "We have arrived," to prove to others and yourself that your quest has been fulfilled.  And it is not something you dug up on the internet because, lo and behold, there you are with it.  An amazing event to be sure - perhaps not as good as being at the actual place it advertises, but still an impressive accomplishment.

Think too of the time you went hiking or were travelling on some trail with less than impressive markings.  There, at the start, is a sign - a display board - with a map of where you will be going.  Right beside it is an empty box of map reference sheets which, if present, would help you on your journey.  You also could have downloaded a map from the internet, but didn't for one of a hundred reasons.  So, what do you do?  Take a photo of the sign and refer to it as you walk.  Press play on your camera and scroll through the images until you find the one of the map.  Then press the "+" sign, which likely does double duty with another function (for example, canon users will find the + and - functions associated with the focus position and exposure lock buttons).  With every press you get increased magnification.  Use the navigation keys to zoom in on your particular area and use the information to complete your journey.  

Then, of course, there are the signs which are fun to shoot just because they are so interesting.  Silly signs, funny signs, signs which are no doubt embarrassing to some, and signs questioning the sanity of certain politicians.  All are worthy of your photographic patronage.  My favourite sign says, "Welcome to Saskatchewan, where every creature belongs, right next to the mashed potatoes."  I have a few such shots in my collection.

There are signs which are a pain.  Once again the song says, "Blockin' out the scenery, breakin' my mind."  I am referring to those gargantuan bill boards meant to solicit products or services.  OK, I am not a fan of those, and have never photographed one with or without a person in them.  However, I suppose they are a sign of the times.

Thanks for reading.  www.ericspix.com 

Saturday, January 19, 2019

Feeding the birds

Feeding the birds - low cost entertainment
Who doesn't love feeding the birds?  It is a cathartic activity which benefits both man and bird alike.  The birds get food and have a positive interaction with man.  Man gets attention from other creatures and the joy of watching them compete over those morsels.   When birds are being fed, who among us doesn't look on and view the scene with pleasure and a wee bit of envy?  "I would love to do that," is a common consensus unuttered by the mulling public.

Entrepreneurs who grasp the enchantment feather their pockets with cash from the participants.  Others, more careful with their nest-egg, would bring something shareable from home; a favourite being popcorn or perhaps some stale bread torn to pieces.  One might find vending machines loaded with tasty treats which are coveted by bird and fish alike.  A bird's eye view would show a host of interacting species - an ecosystem built on this mutualistic activity.

There are those who are exorbitantly opposed to feeding wildlife of any sort.  Their cry would be that it desensitizes people to the dangers of wildlife, and it makes wildlife more likely to have negative encounters with people.  Bites, scratches, stolen food unintended to be shared, parasites, diseases such as rabies, and uninvited deplorables such as rats all being consequences of the fodder being offered.  They would point to wildlife such as raccoons, bears, skunks, and rodents that have turned on the hand that fed them.  We, who would dare to share our bounty with the birds, are inviting disaster.

If you look, eventually you will see signs that say, "Don't feed the birds!"  Typically these are posted at or near outdoor eateries such as fish and chip establishments.  The concern, or course, is that all that food, those delicious smells, and the likely waste will attract wildlife; hoards of them.  Being bombed by feathered assault craft is no fun, and the possibility of being the target of free falling body waste together makes the concept deplorable.

Feeding the birds is fun and beneficial, but do it in a place where those nearby don't pay the price for your generosity. Whether or not you support feeding wildlife, you can agree that, its for the birds.

Sunday, January 13, 2019

Charles vs Albertasaurus

Charles versus Albertasaurus
There once was a man, people would say,
Who had beat many others in fights;
Some he would challenge during the day,
While others he fought only at nights.

All who opposed him met with defeat,
Sooner or later their fate was set;
Knocked out or a hasty retreat,
Victory for him was a safe bet.

Others feared him, he was a great man,
Yet gentle and kindly he could be;
Only those who would have as a plan,
His defeat in mind, ultimately.

One day he went to a museum,
Dinosaurs present on the docket;
Very long had he wanted to see them,
If one attacked him, he would sock it.

Ancient reptiles, many would stare,
At the man of stamina and strength;
None would touch him, they wouldn't dare,
No, they would not go to that length.

Then a shadow, T Rex's cousin,
It filled the room, and it filled the wall;
Came to fight, looking for a bruisin',
He didn't think he'd be the one to fall.

The two of them met in such a clamor,
The fight of the century some say;
During the fight, one dropped the hammer,
The other fell to become a display.

The shadow had lost, but was not done,
For its' bearer had come to the brawl;
It was time for the champ who had won,
To be removed, for once and for all.

The dust had settled, the writing confirmed,
The champ had finally been defeated;
He had lost, his defeat was affirmed,
Nary a battle to be repeated.

The dinosaur, now a champion,
Was put on display for all to see;
The fighting was finished, it was done,
So it could rest for eternity.









Wednesday, January 9, 2019

Dell and the cabin

Josh, Charles, Dell, and Eric at "The Cabin" - 2008
Each of us is a product of many things, including family, friends, and events which leave their indelible mark on us.  Genetics certainly plays a role in determining who someone is, but that is only the fabric upon which life paints.  It is the process of living, those total experiences combined with the human biology which encapsulates our being, which defines who we are.  I have had many people impact my life.  One person who has had a significant part of making me who I am is Dell.
Dell Price, born George Silk in 1956, changed his name to that of his grandfather.  It was one of the thousand things that made him unique.  Dell was never comfortable with doing what everyone else did; he questioned everything and had his own rule book regarding living.  He was a character of incredible strength and spirit.  His work ethic and sense of play were equally intense.  Anything he took his hand to he excelled at.  Never a fan of school, he got most of his training on the job and became an independent business owner doing concrete.
I got to know Dell through my relationship with his brother, Charles.  We were fast friends and Dell's enthusiasm was contagious.  I helped him out occasionally doing concrete.  The Silk family showed enormous generosity in letting me stay there one summer as I was working in Red Deer and had no other place to call home.  While there I got to know him and his whole family quite well; I felt as though I belonged. 
It was during that summer that we made seven trips out to what we generously called "The Cabin".  It was a good two plus hours away near the community of Nordegg.  We spent many a weekend there and built the hulk which you partly see in the above photo.  Rustic would be an over the top description of the bedlam of logs which we created, though it gave us a place to channel the "Lost Boys".  It was during these times when I got to know the real Dell.
Dell was a natural leader.  He always led the way when back packing; if he was ever lost you never knew it and it just added to the adventure.  He led a troop of scouts for a number of years and has had a hand in the development of many fine young men.  He helped me to be a better person and was always there if I should be in need of anything. I think the feeling was mutual, as it should be, because he could ask anything of me and I would happily capitulate.
It was in 2010 that his life fell apart.  Stubborn, determined, intense and proud, he fought a battle with the City of Red Deer that he could not win.  After loosing everything and no longer allowed to practice his craft he took his life.  We were all devastated.  This man who had done so much to help others and be the natural leader that he was would be no more.  All that was left were the stories about who he was and what he did.  They will live on forever.
Just a note:  he had a daughter, Jennifer Silk, that was his pride and joy.  Although she spent most of her time with her mother in Edmonton, Jennifer was well loved and supported by Dell.  She benefited from his enthusiasm on life and enjoyed many wonderful adventures with him. She too is her own person, something her father taught her well.
I have not been able to enjoy the company of my friend now for eight years; every day I think of him and appreciate what he has given me.  He has made a difference in so many lives.  Although he poured concrete for a living, he poured his character and nature out to all who knew him.  Concrete sets in hours but lasts for a very long time, especially if done correctly.  Dell's influence on others was like that; it didn't take long to get to know him, but he stayed with you for a long time.  He is deeply missed.  Rest in peace, my friend

Dell's obituary

Born right on the farm near Carrot Creek, Alberta, Dell was always full of vim and vigor. Dell worked full time for Jubilee Beverages during high school. He began a tradition of trekking that led him to build a cabin near Rocky; ascend the scree slopes of Pinto Lake; conquer the endless ladders of the West Coast Trail; traverse most of the Red Deer River, and travel the world in 1980. Dell was the proud owner of a concrete finishing company. He loved competitive games, collecting tools, and designing things. Dell married Delight Shtybel and in 1982 they became the proud parents to a beautiful daughter, Jennifer. Later in life Dell took great enjoyment in re-establishing past relationships and became a grandfather to J. D. He found lasting comfort in his relationship with Debbie Gadsby. Dell was a creative genius and a spokesman for individuality who prided himself by living outside the box. 

Friday, January 4, 2019

Happy New Life!

Eric and Kathryn Svendsen and family, Christmas 2018
The above photo represents our family, its current iteration at least, and includes parents, children, and dogs.  The dogs are surrogate grand children; not as noisy or messy as little ones but far cheaper in the long run.  The angel in the background is symbolic for the fact that we have been quite blessed with everything - there is much to be thankful for.  It wasn't always like that though.
Go back a few years and turmoil abounded.  Going into specifics is inappropriate as this is a public post, but it is not too much to say that each of us has had some very challenging obstacles to overcome.  They range from medical through to emotional and venturing out to career and spiritual issues.  Each person has had their own demons to face; their own overwhelming burdens running rampant over the fabric of their lives.  I can speak for myself that this is true, and it is true for each member of my family as well.
So, why go to the trouble of telling you all this without providing any juicy details?  There is one reason; hope.  I do not doubt that some reading this are facing disillusionment, failure, or depression; perhaps even all three.  Our lives are so complicated and the relationships that we build so fragile that it seems miraculous when all things are going right.  Perhaps the truth in all this is the concept that life is about overcoming challenges.  Wouldn't it be great if there were never any problems - no conflicts - no issues.  Think about that for a moment; it it were true we would have nothing to aspire to.  If all goals could be achieved without effort, where would the victory be?  Achievement is about overcoming adversity, not just flowing along the river as a mindless particle.
I am certain that things will, once again, become complicated.  Health, career, family, spirituality all a target for things going wrong.  It is natural, it is part of being human.  Rather, we should search for a means to overcome the problems, whether done individually or communally.  The goal is to get over the next hump along the pathway which represents our lives.  Until the next one comes along.
My point in all this:  Understand we all face problems along our route through life.  Some days are better than others, some days worse.  Enjoy the good days and strive to overcome those which are hard.  Share your victories with others and get help from others when things don't go so well.  It is hard to see the beauty of life when you are stuck in the trenches, but be assured that things will improve.  When things get better remember the hard times and help those that are where you used to be.  
I want to wish all of you more than a happy new year; I want to wish you a happy new life!  All the best for the future.

Thursday, January 3, 2019

Troll experience - Wellington, New Zealand

Eric, Kathryn, and Charles at the Weta Cave in Wellington, New Zealand
We are, of course, the dominant species here on Earth.  Everything bows to our whims.  The land is moved, water bodies are filled in or created, and all the plants and animals throughout the biosphere are impacted by us in one way or another.  It is our brains which have given us this supremacy; that and a pair of opposable thumbs.  Together, in ever increasing numbers, we have conquered the planet.  People, Homo sapiens to be specific, have been at the controls for a very long time.  
Go back far enough and it would have been different organisms at the top of the food chain; not just one globally the way man has done.  Nature tends to provide a few organisms to fill the top trophic level, but they are different creatures depending on the ecosystem they are in.  Polar bears, for example, are the lords over the Artic (that is, until we came along).  Tigers used to rule the Asian Jungles and lions the Savannah.  We have become too smart and too resourceful for our own good.  We control everything.
Now, all this would be fine if we were wise benefactors to the environment.  However, evidence abounds which convicts us of gross stupidity in the extreme.  Attempts are made to mitigate the damage we have done and continue to do, but it is not and will never be enough.  The driving force for our eco-disastrous behaviour is money and power.  Yes, we can blame the politicians, but who elects them?  When leaders put the good of the environment over that of the economy, people complain.  They vote for change.  Gas, electricity, and water prices are too high or there is not enough of it.  The more we as a populous grow, the more pressure Mother Nature is under.
Imagine, if you will, that a day came when we were no longer the apex.  Trolls or some other abomination were spit forth from the deep, and they behaved as we have.  Not interested in preserving humans as their own needs presided, we became the carpet upon which their feet were wiped.  "Oh, sorry, did we just decimate a city of yours to put in a recreation area?"  Or maybe, "We just had to cut down those sky scrapers; they were restricting our view of something."  
Maybe we should see ourselves as the creatures of the wild do - alien invaders who put their own needs and whims ahead of all else regardless of the devastation it causes.  How would we feel to be replaced by trolls - I think that is the position Mother Nature finds herself in. 

Tuesday, January 1, 2019

Ogopogo captured - plesiosaur shaped predator discovered

Ogopogo captured; species identified as Albizia saman
Renowned explorer and photographer E. Svendsen caught the sought after saurischian, Ogopogo, while on one of his recent adventures. This reporter managed to track down the sequestered adventurer and was rewarded with an exclusive interview.  The story that came to light was both fascinating and provocative.
"It all happened by accident," Svendsen admitted.  "We were enjoying a holiday on an isolated stretch of an exotic island when all of a sudden there was a disturbance in the water.  As we were on the beach at the time we thought it might be a whale or perhaps a school of fish avoiding a predator.  Then next thing you know, a leviathan's head breached."
Svendsen indicated that he was perplexed by the exibition; Ogopogo was a legendary monster of  Lake Okanagan in southern British Columbia.  A similar beast had allegedly been sighted in Loch Ness, Scotland.  It's been given a variety of names, Nessie apparently being the most popular.  Both have been thought to have been a previously thought extinct plesiosaur.
What happened next truly amazed this reporter.  Apparently Svendsen had some rope with him and he made a slip knot then coiled the rest of the rope up.  Throwing it out onto the water, he was rewarded with a struggling behemoth.  "The pull was enormous," Svendsen said.
"Fortunately there were some native islanders nearby.  They witnessed the struggle and came to my aide.  It took over an hour to usher the creature into shore.  After the battle we were all exhausted; the great beast lying utterly spent upon the sand.  That's when the strangest thing happened."
It was the next words uttered by Svendsen that startled this reporter the most; never has any news story been so odd.  "It turned into wood.  I wouldn't have believed it if I had not seen it with my own eyes.  One minute it was a living, breathing example of prehistoria, the next it was merely an enormous curved log.  It startled everyone."
Currently the serpent is on display at Moanalua Gardens in Honolulu.  Svendsen posed with his prize for a photo.  "You would think it was just a branch by looking at it," he stated.  "But we all know it is much more than that."
Legend has it that, if the "branch" is tossed back into the ocean it will revert to its original form.  That is a story this reporter would be interested in witnessing.