Scott Heide - visual artist

Visual Artist Promotional Video

2011-04-26T14:38:00.005-07:00

Here is a link to a shortened version of my video showcasing work which is now on Utube. I've been using the long version in a loop during shows and exhibits. It has greatly increased my exposure at shows, and I know has added to sales of my work. Hope you enjoy it.

Click Here for the video on Utube

Tweleve by Twelve Show At Prescott Fine Arts Association

2011-04-05T16:25:00.001-07:00

What can you create in a 12” x 12” contained format? The square format was uncommon in art until the advent of 20th century abstraction. Composing in the square is an artistic challenge.

As lead curator in this upcoming show, I'm excited at the potential of work from our may wonderful and talented artists. The Twelve by Twelve show should prove to be an interesting show, and my work will be a photo-montage of a raven.

Please join us for the opening reception from 5-7pm on Friday, May 6th the 4th Friday Art Walk on Friday, May 27th from 5-7pm. During the Art Walk, solo guitarist, Bob Karney will be on hand for the art walk to entertain you with his rock and blues music. You won't want to miss it!

Additionally, we have scheduled a Collagraphy Workshop with Sandy Louttit on May 17th from 10am - 3pm. Limited to 10 students, the workshop cost $125.00 per person and all the major supplies are included in the fee.

The “Twelve by Twelve” Gallery Exhibit runs from May 6 – June 11, 2011 at the Prescott Fine Arts Gallery, located at 208 N. Marina St. (Willis St. Entrance), Prescott, Arizona. www.pfaa.net

Photography Show At Tis' Gallery

2011-04-05T16:12:00.001-07:00

My photography work entitled "Around the Corner" has been excepted and will be included in the upcoming Photography Show, which opens on April 21st, and closes on May 3rd at the 'Tis Arts Center and Gallery, located at 105 S. Cortez Street in Prescott, Arizona.

Established in 2007, Tis' furthers the promotion of local artists and various styles of art, is an outlet for art education and makes economically priced art available to the Prescott Community. It is an honor for me to be included in this show at one of the premier galleries in the area.

The Photography Show at Tis' opens Thursday, April 21 with a reception during the 4th Friday Artwalk on the 22nd. Please come by and see me and my work, plus all of the other wonderful images in this exciting exhibit. The show runs through May 3, 2011

Showing At Eumundi Indoor Market: April 2011

2011-04-05T16:09:00.000-07:00

Please stop by the Eumundi Indoor Market during the month of April 2011 to see my work at the Prescott Fine Arts Association space. I will have framed work, prints and greeting cards available for purchase.

Open each Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Eumundi is a festive eclectic Indoor Market in Prescott on Miller Valley Road, near the post office and across from Napa Auto Parts. There are over 50 unique local businesses and they pride themselves on a wide variety of unique products and services and immaculate service. Eumundi is a great place to stop by on the weekend and just take a wander around, have a delicious coffee, get a bite to eat and find that perfect gift for your friend or loved one, plus they offer live music every Saturday 12:00am - 3:00pm

I will be hosting the Prescott Fine Arts Association's space on April 10 & 30. Please stop by and see me.

"EXPOSURE" Exhibit at the Raven Cafe

2011-01-08T16:10:00.002-07:00

Getting ready for the upcoming Raven Cafe exhibit EXPOSURE. This juried exhibit is exclusive to all Yavapai Digital Art & Photography Club members. Two of my pieces have been selected, "Bovine Horizon" and "Locked Up In Jerome" will be on display and for sale from January 10 through February 19, 2010 at the Raven Cafe on Cortez Street in Prescott, AZ.

Look for me there at the artists reception on Thursday, January 13 from 5:00 p.m till 7:00 p.m. Come on by to see all the exciting photography by very talented photographers. The Raven Cafe has awesome food and a full line of beverages. - See you there!

"What's Your Story" Gallery Exhibit - Prescott Fine Arts Association

2010-12-23T06:21:00.001-07:00

Early 2011 will be a busy time for me, with work in 3 separate venues in the greater Prescott/ Prescott Valley area of Arizona.

My award wining "Moth" image has been excepted into the first show of 2011 at the Prescott Fine Arts Association Gallery. Please drop by for appetizers and wine on Friday, January 7th from 5-7pm during the Artists Reception.

I was one of a handful of local PFAA volunteers "hanging" this show, and the gallery space looks wonderful with all the magnificent work by local artists. I look forward to seeing you all on the 7th.

Showing At Pony Espresso

2010-12-07T17:33:00.000-07:00

I'm getting ready for an art and photography showing at a local coffee house located in Prescott Valley, Arizona. This showing is a 3 month long stint in the rustic, western "Pony Espresso" coffee house along with 5 other artists. My work will be available for viewing through mid March 2011.

There will be a reception on Saturday, December 11, 2010 from 4pm to 7pm. I'll be there with other prints and greeting cards, plus my popular video of work. I hope to see you there!

Pony Espresso is located at 3101 North Robert Road in Prescott Valley.

"Art To Go" at the Bagel Cafe

2010-12-02T06:01:00.000-07:00

Last Friday's "Art to Go" was a great evening of food and drink, and the opportunity to show my recent and older work. Many friends came by, and I was able to sell some of my work. Thanks to all who stopped by.

"Art to Go" see's it's second installment tomorrow, (Friday, Dec. 3), from 3-7pm. I'll be there again with my work, plus some additional artist will be joining us for the evening who weren't there the first night.

Drop by for some wine and food and treat yourself or loved ones to great original art by local creatives.

Fall 2010 "Art to Go" Trunk Shows

2010-10-26T17:05:00.002-07:00

My work is up for sale and viewing at the upcoming "Art to Go" trunk shows at the Bagel Cafe located in Prescott on Gurley Street. This show is a combined effort by local artists to increase exposure of our work. Owner Melanie Gurvits of the Bagel Cafe is committed to the many local artists and continues to support the 4th Friday Art Walks.

Work will include small, medium and large prints of my photography plus new greeting cards...perfect gifts for the holidays. "Art to Go" is on November 26th, December 3rd, 10th and 17th, from 3:00-7:00pm. The Bagel Cafe is located at 212 East Gurley Street in the Day Octagon building. Please stop by for some great food and wine during the 4th Friday Art Walks.

Fall Photography Trip To Greer, AZ

2010-10-16T11:53:00.000-07:00

Fall in the White Mountains of eastern Arizona is inspiring and I'm able to take some wonderful photographs. This trip affords me time, however brief, to settle myself from the busy-ness of life. I'm able to slow down and hone my craft.

As I write in my journal, "The beauty of the changing season is most prevelant here with contrasting colors of yellow and orange against white aspen nestled amongst the dark green of high mountain pine. Leaving this grand lodge will be difficult, as this area reminds me so of my beloved Montana. As I reflect on the many aspects, from the very close by elk bugling mere steps from the porch to the osprey high atop the dead pine to the doe seen at dusk, it has all been wonderful."

And so it is with things.

2010 Thumb Butte Festival Show

2010-09-30T12:12:00.012-07:00

The Thumb Butte Festival, a multi-faceted weekend, October 24-26, held in the greater Prescott area saw me at my first art fair type show in since 2007. This opportunity to show off my work, and participate with fellow artists during the studio tour portion of the festival held at the Prescott Fine Arts Association Gallery, was a great time. Sales were slow at the "Meet An Artist Day", yet I did sell one print. This print, photographed at the Little Big Horn Battlefield in Montana during 2008, has sold numerous times in different sizes.

Additionally, this opportunity was great for redesigning my display items, and incorporate a new and fresh look. What I found the most value in this experience is the opportunity to show a large portion of my body of work in a 15-minute video presentation format. This self-produced video encompasses many of my photographs taken since 2006, in addition to many digital and traditional art, plus illustration pieces. This is the first time a somewhat complete representation of my work is shown in one place and I'm able to look at it all in a cohesive manner.

"Celebrating Prescott Style": A Prescott Fine Arts Gallery Show

2010-08-16T18:07:00.001-07:00

As lead curator of the upcoming Prescott Fine Arts Association gallery show, we are looking forward to previewing all the great works of art from the many fine local area artists. The deadline for entries is August 28th. This upcoming show will be the first exhibit after the renovation of the gallery space on Marina and Willis Streets in Prescott. Opening night is Friday, September 17, 2010 with light refreshments. The show runs through October 16 2010.

As part of this exhibit we are planning a "Meet an Artist Day" on Sunday, September 26th in the gallery. This special event is in conjuction with the Thumb Butte Festival. A handful of artists will be conducting demos of their processes and allowing special sales of their work. I will be there and my work will be available for sale. Please stop by to view the exhibit and see an insight to some technique of the creativity of many local artists.

If you need further information, please contact me. Thank you.

Montana Photography Trip

2010-08-15T08:06:00.000-07:00

I spent two glorious weeks in the Bitterroot Valley of Montana, and had the opportunity for some great photography. A long hike around the north shore of Como Lake and at the end the Como Falls. A wonderful sight indeed.

Acceptance in "Arizona Visions: An Old West Story" Gallery Show

2010-05-27T06:02:00.004-07:00

"Adobe on the Rim" is accepted for the upcoming Prescott Fine Arts Association gallery show, "Arizona Visions: An Old West Story." The show's theme is defined as: "Centering on the interpretation of Arizona's landscapes and sunsets in addition to the rich history of this state, including the Old West." This show is yet another wonderful opportunity to be included in a juried show within a quality gallery setting, along with other fine artists. This is my sixth show with PFAA.
"Arizona Visions" runs from June 18 through July 25, 2010, with an opening reception at the gallery on Friday, June 18, from 5:00-7:00pm. Sadly, I will be unable to attend this opening due to a prior engagement. The Prescott Fine Arts Association gallery and theater is located on the corner of Marina and Willis streets, with the gallery entrance on the Willis street side. Please take the opportunity to visit the gallery to view my work, plus the other outstanding art from local artists.

Website Flourishes

2010-05-08T07:10:00.008-07:00

New images of my work are continually being added to my site, scottheide.com. If you wish to see new art as it is included, click on the "notify me of new art by this artist" located in the lower left hand corner of the home page. You'll be asked to enter your email address, and a notification will appear in your inbox when I post new art. This morning, I included "673" and "From the Bed."

"673" is black and white photography of an architectural scene in a local Arizona ghost town. One fan asked me if it was taken in Italy. No, I've not been to Italy...yet!

"From the Bed" is an acrylic work. 27" x27" on recycled chip board. This image was created in my Raven Creative Studio in Prescott, AZ in February 2010. It was a quick exercise in creativity and a lesson in allowing the flow of artistic nature to be fluid in expression.

Thanks to all of you for your support in my life and work. Together we can make a difference in the world.

Photography Prints Available

2010-04-11T07:33:00.002-07:00

The gift shop at the Prescott Fine Arts Association, located at 208 N. Marina Street in Prescott, has on display some of my photography work for purchase. Please feel free to stop in and take a look. The gallery is in the lower level on the Willis Street entrance. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday 10am - 3pm, and Sunday 12pm - 4pm. The gallery is closed each Monday.

Spring 2010 Gallery Shows

2010-04-10T06:07:00.007-07:00

"Animals in Art"
As co-curator of the upcoming "Animals in Art" gallery show at the Prescott Fine Arts Association, I have been admiring all the entries that have already arrived. There are so many talented artists in our community. My entry for this show is a huge stretch for me personally.

My piece, entitled "Through the Trees" is my first showing of a traditional acrylic work. Typically, my entries tend to be illustration, photography or digital creations. This 28" x 34" acrylic on hardboard piece includes birch type trees and a flying raven.

The "Animals in Art" gallery show opens on Friday, April 30th, with a wine and light refreshment reception from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. The show closes on June 12th, 2010.

"Wit and Wisdom: The Mature Eye"
This wonderful show has recently closed at the downstairs gallery at the Prescott Fine Arts Association. "Wit and Wisdom" explores the talent of artists in their mature years who have achieved artistic freedom and a high degree of creativity. My two works, HDR (high dynamic range) photography pieces entitled, "Decay To The Clouds #5" and "Door To The Underworld #3" were among the wonderful artistic creations by local community artists. This show's dates are February 26th through April 4th, 2010.

New Web Site

2010-01-05T17:21:00.001-07:00

Finally, after months of waiting, my new web site is now operational. Launched on January 3rd, 2010, this site will include a gallery of my work,which includes traditional art, graphic design and photography, plus both a bio and artist statement, a way for you to contact me, and a link to this blog. This is a great way to start a new year and a new decade, which has promise for us all.

Please visit me often at: www:scottheide.com.

January 2010 Art Showing

2010-01-05T17:16:00.002-07:00

January has started with a bang! Beginning Friday, January 8th one piece of my current work will be included in the new "Music & Dance" gallery show at the Prescott Fine Arts Association, which runs through February 21st. My illustration entitled, "Riff" is now hanging on the wall amongst other outstanding work by local artists. Additionally, photography prints in 3 separate sizes, plus two framed pieces are now in the gallery gift shop available for purchase. Prescott Fine Arts Association's gallery is located at 208 N. Marina Street in Prescott. The gallery itself is on the lower level, with the entrance on the Willis Street side. Please stop by to experience all the amazing work.

Artist Studio

2009-05-22T15:40:00.012-07:00

For many years, I have dreamed of an artist studio. Frustrated by the lack of space my bedroom supplied, I came to terms that I needed a dedicated space. Most of my supplies, tools and materials are in boxes stored in closets, under the bed and in cabinets not easy to access. I had thought of purchasing some sort of outdoor shed for this purpose. There are many on the market. These sheds come in a variety of sizes and materials. For a time I would look at these sheds for my art purposes, but it just did not make sense. The expense of the shed, the prep work to set it in place, plus the conversion to a workable space seemed a bit overwhelming. My budget was around $1,500. A bare-bones structure will take most of this. In early March 2009, I abandon this idea.

I live with my 79-year-old father, helping him as best I can. His health is good for a person his age, and most of my help is just moral support and occasional pep talks. He keeps busy with the band he is in with a number of his retired friends. Junk abounds in the garage of his home. There is no insulated or enclosed ceiling, and many of his belongings have not been touched for years. Finally, I went to him with a proposal of dedicating half of this space to an art studio, he is receptive to this idea.

The first chore is to clean out the clutter. We have a garage sale in late March and the items not purchased, given to local charity organizations. We also make two separate trips to the transfer station with loads of trash, old lumber and items that have outlived their usefulness. My father makes $250.00; I make about $50.00 from the garage sale. It is not about the money but purging and getting rid of all these items. It amazes me just how much the energy of the room changes once we are rid of many of these items.

The next phase is the most expensive and labor intensive aspect of the project. I battle back and forth with the realization that I really do not want to insulate or sheet rock the ceiling myself. It is not that I am unable to do the work, have the technical and physical ability, I just do not want to. My father calls around and secures bids, while I begin the process of running electrical wiring in the ceiling. He has lights and switches in parts of the space that sufficed for his usage, but I needed more light and for it to make sense. I additionally retain an old ceiling fan from garage sale and the transfer station trip. My goal is to modify this rather ornate fan with some paint and use it rather than purchasing a new fan. I feel good about recycling it. Knowing I want some sort of music in this space, I ran speaker wire in the ceiling through electrical boxes and down the west wall near where I envision the desk unit to be.
The second week of April, both the insulation and sheetrock contractors arrive to initiate this work. I’m away at my day job, and my father is there to insure the work is complete. It is quite magical to come home one day and find the ceiling enclosed with insulation and the next with sheetrock. I cannot recall a more satisfying scene.

The following weekend I paint the entire interior garage a flat white color. The years of wall scrapings, dings and dents, plus some water damage are covered. It looks fresh and clean. The music equipment installation goes well and I use an old Awia stereo system I bought in the mid eighties that still works like a charm. I also at this time purchase a shop vacuum. My father had one that he sold at the garage sale, it worked fine, but was huge and a pain to move around, being just too large for the space. The one I purchase is smaller, and of a design nature to be mountable to a wall. The smallness is much more agreeable with the space, and the easy access will enable the space to remain clean.

FURNISHINGS
Conducting research on the Internet of studio spaces of other artists, I found little representation in the form of photography. A few artists post photos of their space, but it is limited. Additionally, little is available on artist studio design or layout. I know I want a space that can include change. Mobility is a key issue. If a sense of the space becoming stagnant occurs, I want the ability to move pieces. Most of the furnishings therefore must have the capability to be moveable on wheels.

My father’s musical band equipment is mostly equipment he has purchased from friends in the field, and is a bit old and heavy. A number of years ago, upon my suggestion, he purchased two chrome metal shelving units to house this equipment. As these units are on wheels, they are easily maneuverable in and out of the cargo trailer he purchases. A year after this, the band purchases a more compact system alleviating the need for the heavy equipment. The cargo trailer is sold; the shelves are stored in the garage and collect unused items. I inquire if I can use these shelves for an art station.

The two shelving racks are of a perfect height for standing, or the utilization of a draftsman chair or tall stool. I secure 24” x 48” sheets of MDF board to the tops and wheeling the two units together creates a 48” x 48” workstation. Additionally, these units separate into two units or configured into an “L” shape, or countless additional configurations. The options and ease of movement are perfect for my needs. I will need to finish the tops with some color and polyurethane to seal from liquid or paint spills.

Many of the furnishings I have in my studio are units I have used in the past as computer desks. A number of years ago I purchase a corner desk, with large hutch made from heavy MDF. This unit is finished with a birch-like veneer, and is much too large for my small bedroom space. I quickly dismantle it and keep the vertical file cabinet and small tower cabinet thinking I can use these in the future. These two units are the uprights of a low desk in the studio space. Purchasing an interior hollow-core door comprises the desktop, by laying the door in-between the two units. This low desk is the only furnishing piece that is not on wheels, but is in a space of which it can remain solid and in place along the wall.

For the last year or so, I have searched for small to mid-size cabinets or shelving units on wheels. A good source is your local thrift store. To my delight, I find a small plastic drawer unit on wheels, as well as an old metal microwave cart, also on wheels. A bit of cleaning up serves these well, plus a coat of blue spray paint on the microwave cart brings new life. I also find, on clearance at a home furnishings store, a small wooden file cabinet with three small drawers for office supplies. It does have a bit of damage near the back, but functions perfectly. Again, this cabinet is on wheels and moving it away from under the desk is optional. I position it in the space one would insert one’s legs when sitting at the low desk. The beauty is this unit can be moved away if one needs to sit at a normal desk height to conduct computer work or other such activities.

The garage houses commercial steel and MDF shelves. They still house many items left over from the sale, plus storage boxes. As part of the studio, the items, boxes, etc. are a distraction of the creative process and line of sight. I devise a means to cover this shelving to create more of a wall effect. MDF panels are installed, with a 1”x3” pine framework. The design of the panels is to be removable, on both the front two bays and the end cap. I’ve designed swivel clips from some retained aluminum strips from an old file cabinet, which are cut, grinded smooth and affixed to the pine framework. A small strip of lathe material keeps the panels secure at the bottom. Enclosure of the entire unit, except for the top bay, which is open for flow and ease of entry for supplies, makes for a much nicer look. The top shelf is affixed with a bull-nose self and houses art books, magazines and black boxes with other supplies. This unit is now more of a part of the studio, rather than an eyesore junk shelf.

ART DISPLAY
I want some sort of display means to show my work, plus inspire me. Something that will enable work to hang, yet be easily moveable is necessary. I install a 10’ electrical conduit pipe high on the wall with a couple of recycled gold color hooks, which I spray paint black. Next I purchase some inexpensive shower curtain hooks, and attach office binder clips. The shower curtain hooks slide easily on the conduit, and the small binder clips hold work well. Larger binder clips can be used for larger works, even stretched canvases. This system works well, it’s an inexpensive way for displaying work and the ease of changing out pieces is easy and carefree.

CONCLUSION
As I begin the wind-down from designing the space, creating the space and furnishing the space, the thought of working in the space is less than friendly. For years my creativity has been halted to a degree by the assumption it is too difficult and time consuming to pull materials and supplies out of boxes to work with, only to have to put everything away later. The thought of having all materials and supplies in a workable space dedicated to the creative process, I find the whole thing foreign. I know that time will allow me to begin feeling better about creating in this space. I just need to find the inspiration and time to go there and think about creativity, rather than creating the space.

UPDATE
It has been almost one month since the completion of the studio. Time has indeed helped with the creative process, along with some great tools of educational means. I suggest one in a mode of not knowing where to start read, study and contemplate on the many exercises in “Fearless Creating: A Step-By-Step Guide to Starting And Completing Your Work Of Art”, by Eric Maisel, PH.D. This book by Dr. Maisel is informative, easy to read and full of help in this arena.

Indeed I have started and find many projects once in my creative mind now coming to fruition. Some have been merely experiments for work in the future, some continue to be works in progress. What is important is the letting this creativity manifest rather than just becoming frustrated by the thought of it.

2nd Annual Friends of Yavapai College Arts & Crafts Show

2008-10-14T18:28:00.001-07:00

The day was windy and rain threatened with skies grey and dark. Yet through it all, display of my most recent photography in 8x10, 11x14 and 16x20 formats was available for the brave seekers of art. The first few hours proved to be quite successful in terms of traffic, but with the overall economic situation, little purchases are made. This is not to say that all within the show went without sales. The praise continues which gives credence, enabling factors and an overwhelming energetic notion to continue with my work.
Filling this day is a number of friends and associates within the digital art and photography club I am instrumental in creating and maintaining. TheYavapai Digital Art and Foto Club is an organization of like-minded individuals with a passion for photography. This is the club's first outing in a festival-type endeavor, and no doubt there will be more to come in the future. Our 10x20 shared space was a bit overcrowded, as many of the participants having never been involved in this type of setting, not knowing what to expect or how the process transpires. Yet, each individual's images spoke, and all who stepped into this space enjoyed the visual experience.
I personally spoke with many wonderful individuals who are no doubt inspired by what is presented and the scope of this organization. Many indicate their desire to join our organization. Whether for a glimpse into their own creativity and passion for photography and what that means to them, or for the social aspect of community. If that is all that transpired for the day, all is well.

Montana: A Photography Perspective

2008-09-05T19:50:00.004-07:00

During late winter, 2007 ideas of producing a book of photography work centered on my love of Montana enticed, inspired and generated a sense of excitement. This work continues to be one of the forethoughts in my mind.

After two trips during the summer of 2008 for research and planning, a draft of this work is now more complete. I can see my ideas becoming reality. Many locations photographed for this research, will need refinement. As I move forward with this project, many other images will take shape and need capturing. Many of my favorites will be shot over a period of time to enable the best possible lighting, composition and elemental aspects to convey the overall beauty of this part of our great country. I am overwhelmed with the beautyof this state, from the mountains of the west which form the backbone of ourc ountry, the Continental Divide, to the plain's of the east, with abundant wheat field and agriculture. Montana is diverse and an expanse of greatness, with aspects of nature, people and weather combining to make a microcosm of immense proportions. The landscape is as wide-ranging as are the people who inhabit this great land.

Most of the images I am capturing for this work, centering near the western and southwestern area of the state, hold names such as: Flathead Valley,Lake Mary Ronan, Bitterroot Valley, Trapper Peak, Big Hole Valley, Skalkaho,and the Missoula Valley where 5 valleys and 3 great rivers converge. These are truly names of great value, romantic in their own manner and resonate within my soul.

As time progresses, look to this journal for updates of publication date.

Photo Safari Grand Canyon South Rim - September 2008

2008-09-02T18:44:00.009-07:00

The weather was wet, the canyon full of clouds. This is how I spent the last weekend of September 2008 on a photo safari with members of the Yavapai Digital Arts & Foto Club. Fourteen of us enjoyed each other¹s company, yet we each had the opportunity to be within ourselves - to see and capture images in our own manner.

Upon my arrival Saturday afternoon through visiting the Watchtower on Sunday, rain and wind enabled us all to be creative in our craft. The usual images of the Grand Canyon, mostly hidden by clouds, enabled my own creativity to transpire allowing some interesting visual interpretations of this dynamic, and inspiring location.

Walking to the visitor's center in the driving rain, becoming soaked thoroughly from head to toe, to the encounter in the dark, early dawn hours with a breakfasting bull elk that was most upset at our presence, the trip was not what I expected. Sleep eluded me Saturday night, furthering this experience and although very fatigued, enabled me to slow down and see differently. Nearly two hundred images I captured, with only a handful proving to be of use. This does not surprise me in the least, it is the status quo, and although many images will never be printed, the joy I have in viewing them reverts my mind to this time.

Somehow, with the clouds obscuring most of the beauty, I knew this might indeed be the last of my travels there for sometime. As I go forward with my life I know that many places I now, or have photographed are becoming physical records of time. My time, my life on this plane, this place, this experience, or whatever the reason we are here and cognizant of. This is what photography is all about, capturing time. Time we can go back to with visual representation and live again in our minds.

Whether "waking" or "sleeping", our minds play out the aspects of our lives, and who is to say which is real, and which is not?

Photography Trip To Northern Arizona

2008-08-18T19:42:00.002-07:00

July 19 & 20, 2008 saw a visit to the Flagstaff area, with the Yavapai Digital Art & Foto Club "Photo Safari" held on Saturday afternoon at Sunset Crater and Inner Basin/Lockett Meadow. A car full of club members arrived at the crater visitor's center around 12:15pm, and we headed out on our adventure in photography and sharing. Around 2:30, we headed for Lockett Meadow, and what a wonderful surprise. After driving on some very precarious mountain roads, we finally arrived in a lush, aspen tree lined meadow. Stopping a few times again for some photography and anointing ourselves with the realm of nature in this beautiful place, we finally arrived at the end of our adventure. I said my goodbyes to the members from the club and we parted ways.

On my way back to the hotel, I stopped at the small Eldon Ruins along Highway 89. I had seen the sign along the road on a previous trip in the area, and decided to stop this trip. I took a few moments to photograph this area, and by the look of things at this site, numerous archeological digs are in the process.

The following morning, I ventured out - after stopping at a local coffee shop, to Walnut Canyon. This is a national park hosting many cliff dwelling ruins. I had been there in my youth when our family lived in Flagstaff during the late 1960's, yet haven't been back since. I thought this day would be a good opportunity to do so, but I was disappointed. The island trail has been closed since December 2007, due to massive rockslides. There are, in the visitor's center, images of five-ton rocks on the trail in several locations, and park staff and archeologists are attempting to remove these massive boulders without the aid of explosives. Therefore, I was unable to take the trail and get close to the ruins. I had to set my sights on the rim trail, and although some ruins were there, it was not the same. If you go, call ahead to see if the island trail is open.

Being with a great amount of time, I decide to drive out to Waputki Ruins on Highway 89 toward Page and the Grand Canyon. My entry fee on Saturday to Sunset Crater allowed me passage into this national park as well, being a seven-day pass. Along the way, I stopped at a couple of minor ruins before visiting the main Waputki site. Again, I'm engaged in many photo opportunities here, and shoot about 60 shots. Leaving the ruins, I drive the 16 or so miles back towards Sunset Crater, and back on Highway 89. From here it's through Flagstaff and onto I-40 East and finally back in Prescott around 3:00pm.

Research Trip To Montana

2008-07-14T19:41:00.006-07:00

During June of 2008, I was able to take a research trip to western Montana for a photography book on the beauty of the state. This included a five-day side trip to the central and eastern side of the state, along with a run along the "high-line" near the Canadian border. Over 900 images were captured of various scenes, including the Little Big Horn Battlefield, and Pompey's Pillar.

The beauty of this state was intensified by the amount of lush vegitation due to the amount of winter, spring and late spring moisture. Everywhere looked like a golf course, with large amounts of native grasses and plants.