Labyrinth

Badwater Basin

Carl — Sat, 05 Oct 2019 20:55:01 +0000

In 2003 on my cross country pilgrimage riding my (2000 R1100R) BMW, its rear bearing gave up coming into Las Vegas. After spending the weekend waiting for parts and loosing money in the Flamingo casino I was on my way again to cautiously pass through Death Valley. Because I became dehydrated on the highway while waiting to be rescued I made sure my bike was well stocked with water after packing to leave the Inn at Furnace Creek in 121 degrees. More details in “American Ground: the Journey” (https://www.amazon.com/American-Ground-journe…/…/ref=sr_1_1…)

Cuba’s Classic Cars

Carl — Sat, 27 Apr 2019 14:00:31 +0000

The antique American cars that populate Havana are always a delight to see and a favorite sight for tourists. But while the exteriors may appear genuine what goes on under the hood is a different matter. Due to the embargo on US goods entering Cuba making it difficult to obtain replacement or spare parts except through the black market, many of these vehicles have had their original gas engines replaced with European or Russian diesel engines. And if not replaced, many of the parts have been machined from scratch or in part by ingenious Cuban machinists. These restored classics that thrive in the tourist areas of Cuba, while sometimes externally impressive, would never cut the mustard in America where restoration means a vehicle that looks perfect, even on close inspection, and with its original parts in mint or at least fine condition. Nevertheless, these beauties have value as unique hybrids that hold a special place in Cuban culture as tourist taxis’ while most of the everyday transportation requirements of the island are met by buses and European, Russian, and Asian imports.

I took these photographs in 2000 while exploring Cuba’s art education programs and 2003 while leading a group of photo students.

Paragon Park

Carl — Tue, 02 Apr 2019 14:50:37 +0000

Paragon Park was a popular amusement park on Nantasket Beach in Hull, Massachusetts from 1905 until its closing in 1984.

I made these photographs in 1970 with a 4 x 5 inch view camera. Selected images from this portfolio of 12 are in the permanent collections of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, the Fogg Art Museum, and the Art Institute of Chicago, among others.