We Service Your Petroleum

Some strong graphics from the same area as yesterday's pictures. I particularly like the glass block in the lower left.

Too much week and I'm working today. Must find time to shoot.                        

SIgnage

If love is the answer, what if the question? I've wondered about that since it's a common phrase. Why don't we do it in the road? Who let the dogs out? What is your quest? What is the airspeed velocity of a swallow? (African or European?) All mysteries solved by love, which, of course, will create more mysteries.

These images are from the Mississippi River flood wall north of the Arch. The graffiti-permitted section is to the south. The subject of the second picture is another mystery. The only major action the city has taken in that area was to clear out a large homeless encampment, a place that had become a dangerous refuge. It's good to know that this is a municipality that keeps its promises.                  

Thursday Arch Series / The Streakers Downtown

The World Naked Bike Ride started on South Grand and then headed northeast through Benton Park and Soulard. The cyclists whizzed by the Arch, then west on Washington and Lindell to the Central West End. Then a final turn southeast with the ride ending in The Grove.

The WNBR has been around in many cities since 2004, although there are several that have lapsed. St. Louis has been doing it since 2008 and it gets bigger every year. The last time I shot it was in 2009. It was much smaller and no one was literally naked. Way more people this year. It was only a small fraction of the crowd but there were a number of people sans vêtements. And here, in St. Louis. There really is an edge to this city. Can't imagine this event in Cincinnati. 

That's it for this series. Gotta get back on the streets.                  

Go!

Get Ready, Get Set...

The staging area for our edition of the World Naked Bile Ride was a parking lot, much too small for the crowd that showed up. The cyclists spilled out into the adjacent street. No one had a clear idea as to which way to turn. The resulting anarchy seemed quite fitting for the occasion. There was something about the whole scene that kept reminding me of the first verse of Bob Dylan's Desolation Row. 

The ride goes out onto the street tomorrow.                          

 

Permission Granted

At the Maine Media Workshops, where I received my photography training, they drill one principle into you: ask permission. On the other hand, at least in this country, the law holds that if you are out on the street, you have no expectation of privacy from photographers as long as the picture isn't used for commercial purposes. Fine art, whatever that means, is always ok.

I asked for and received permission to take these pictures. A few people declined. When that happens I say no problem, that's why I ask, and the potential subject is appreciative. Later Saturday night, when the ride passed in front of the Arch, someone screamed at me for taking pictures, someone who was whizzing through a downtown street wearing, I presume, not much. (I never saw her).

I've got a tee shirt from a Diane Arbus exhibition with one of her most famous quotes across the back: one of the risks of appearing in public is the likelihood of being photographed. Should have worn it but didn't.                        

Teaser

The local edition of the World Naked Bike Ride passed through The Lou last night. Its web site says that it "is part of an international event to protest oil dependency, raise awareness of cyclist rights and vulnerability on the road, and promote positive body image." I think most people were there just for the daring fun of it, and though the pro-bike anti-fossil fuel folk were well represented.

I last shot this in 2009. More to come, but I will have to be very careful how I edit these.