Michele talked about photography's relationship to history, how it makes a clear statement when you can show how things once were while you're telling the tale. She brought it home to me: part of what I do here I think of as making a record. Not all, but part. A lot of City Daily Photo bloggers do this, whether they mean to or not.
Michele Zack's contribution to our area can't be measured. You must read her book, Altadena: Between Wilderness and City, because she tells truths you'd never guess about the place. Southern California Story, about Sierra Madre, is another must-read. And Ibarionex is a good interviewer, not to mention an Altadena treasure himself.
Full disclosure: Michele briefly mentions me on the podcast. She mentions the Altadena Hiker, Karin Bugge, too. Further disclosure: I took the photo above on private property in Altadena, on on 5/29/11, a day when that property was open to the public. Just in case the owners, who don't know me, wonder how the hell I got a close-up of their sweet old Ford.
17 comments:
I'm glad this lovely old vehicle was put put to pasture rather than a scrap metal pile. Great find, Petrea.
Isn't it pretty? I couldn't resist.
I listened to the interview, and aside from the dismissive knock of histories printed by Arcadia Publishing, I found the interview a good listen. I know part of my response to that comment comes from my being in the circle of authors who have written a book for Aracadia.
Michele has worked hard on several projects from which Altadena has benefitted. The pocket park that is at the intersection at Woodbury and Marengo is just one example. A good reminder that nature is apart of our daily lives. A place where folks can enjoy that up close. Thanks, Michele.
The real surprise for me was hearing Ibarionex. What an astute interviewer he is! I've never met him so I had no idea what he might sound like. I will make a point of listening to some of his other interviews. Thanks for pointing my ears in his direction.
Oh, I got all worday and forgot to write how much I love the truck picture. Those red rims!
You know, I didn't even notice the Arcadia dismissal. I love those books; so many of them delve into niche subjects where a larger publisher won't go. "Latinos in Pasadena" by Roberta Martinez, for example.
Readers of this blog know I'm a big fan of Ibarionex. He is an artist, a teacher, a talent and a gentleman.
That Ford truck was built to last!
Now I will check into those links you provided - they sound very interesting.
What a smart interview, both questions and answers. Thanks for posting.
Hamilton, I hope you enjoy the links.
I agree, Karin, I enjoyed listening to their conversation and thought both questions and answers very astute.
Great old truck cloaked in perfectly- faded red; I wonder if the original color was the red on the hubcaps. I like the wine barrels in the foreground too; very California. The podcast sounds very interesting so I'll check it out. I'm still bummed I missed Ibarionex's class in SF; hope he comes back up here!
Really enjoyed the interview with Michele: I could listen to her for hours and hours. Nice she mentions you and AH. Now I feel inspired to photograph streets and front yards in my neighborhood. The people in a house on the road behind mine took a photo of my road from a top window in 1920. Their grandchildren showed us it when they sold the house recently. I was so thrilled to see what would later be my front yard in the picture, and the newly built craftsman houses opposite. Your PDP blog will, hopefully, be archived.
Forgot to add that I love the old truck, it looks straight out of Radiator Springs.
Such a classic truck! Love it!
I'll have to check out the interview.
I bet he'll come back to SF, Katie. If so, I'll make sure to let you know.
Bellis, I love that story. That photo is a great find. I've kept meticulous archives of my stuff; I hope it'll be useful someday. Who knows?
It is a great truck, isn't it, Ms. M? Hope you enjoy the interview.
Wonderful truck. At this point it's more like a piece of sculpture.
And I'm listening to the podcast now.
Kevin, you and Ibarionex should meet. I know you'd admire each others' work.
I will listen later today, Petrea. Sounds fascinating. As you know I bought Ibarionex Perello's book Chasing the Light which I'm absolutely loving and learning so much from. What a talented guy and great teacher. Beautiful photography.
With our blogs we are recording history now and referring back all the time to how it was one day. Here, it's a question of recording the old customs, photographing houses before they are gone forever and so on. A good blogger needs to feel a passion for where they live and the need to share it, as you and many others do so well.
Jilly, you'll love the podcast.
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