When is enough enough?
When do we stop to take stock of who we are, what we have amassed or what we have become?
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| Simon Hewson©2014 |
Showing posts with label Image of the week. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Image of the week. Show all posts
27.6.14
IMAGE OF THE WEEK #56
We all live in hope of a better something, be it a better tomorrow or material desire.
When is enough enough?
When do we stop to take stock of who we are, what we have amassed or what we have become?
When is enough enough?
When do we stop to take stock of who we are, what we have amassed or what we have become?
26.9.13
IMAGE OF THE WEEK #55
A lone house sits in the late afternoon sun. The gentle warm wind makes a faint whistle, as it blows through the holes made by the wrecking ball. A home half intact and half forgotten. As I look closer I see the wallpaper of a kids bedroom, whats left of it adorns elk and pine trees.
This house has its memories laid bare, the sounds of laughter absorbed and the tears shed are both evident. Who knows if this house still stands, or if the very next day the wrecking ball swung once more to lay its final blow? Houses are more than structures, they are warmth, light, safety and most importantly they are happiness.
This house has its memories laid bare, the sounds of laughter absorbed and the tears shed are both evident. Who knows if this house still stands, or if the very next day the wrecking ball swung once more to lay its final blow? Houses are more than structures, they are warmth, light, safety and most importantly they are happiness.
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| Simon Hewson©2013 |
10.9.13
IMAGE OF THE WEEK #54
A dry and dusty 38 degree heat blew as we roamed the town. We stumbled into one of the stores and I found candy cigarettes, taking me straight back to my childhood. I bought 3 packs in an instant. The lady that served us was dressed in full gold rush attire. She wouldn't have looked out of place in an episode of 'Deadwood'. We got talking and she told us it had been hot up on the hill and things were dry. The horses had all but died in the heat, "They hadn't been looked after real good" she said with hint of anger. "They took em someplace else, someplace undercover where they get fed." She followed with a resigned "They put that sign up. But they ain't coming back. God hoping they don't."
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| SImon Hewson©2013 |
28.8.13
IMAGE OF THE WEEK #53
Arshel's. A place to get a hearty feed and a genuine smile.
As we sit, I ponder on how many folk stop by, weary from the road and craving some kind of interaction, however fleeting this may be.
I order the home made soup to start, it's pretty bloody good and I tell them so, in return I get an assured "We thought so!" Next is Fried Chicken, also great. Once my plate of food has been devoured I start to wonder why we are the only two eating there? Is it the wrong time of day? Is there someplace else to eat? Is everyone staying home as it's a Sunday night? On reflection, I came to the conclusion that, in places like this people don't go out for dinner, unless there is something to celebrate. I have a strong sense that these four walls have seen their fair share of celebration over the years, sadly, just not in recent times.
As we sit, I ponder on how many folk stop by, weary from the road and craving some kind of interaction, however fleeting this may be.
I order the home made soup to start, it's pretty bloody good and I tell them so, in return I get an assured "We thought so!" Next is Fried Chicken, also great. Once my plate of food has been devoured I start to wonder why we are the only two eating there? Is it the wrong time of day? Is there someplace else to eat? Is everyone staying home as it's a Sunday night? On reflection, I came to the conclusion that, in places like this people don't go out for dinner, unless there is something to celebrate. I have a strong sense that these four walls have seen their fair share of celebration over the years, sadly, just not in recent times.
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| Simon Hewson ©2013 |
29.11.12
IMAGE OF THE WEEK #52
There has been a silence on the blog of late. The silence has now been broken, the clouds have parted so to speak. With clouds in mind, enjoy these stormy ones over the beach of my childhood home.
Until next week (unless things get crazy again!)
Until next week (unless things get crazy again!)
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| Simon Hewson©2012 |
26.10.12
IMAGE OF THE WEEK #51
"Enjoy uninterrupted views, pristine beaches and crystal clear water"
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| Simon Hewson ©2012 |
18.10.12
IMAGE OF THE WEEK #50
Your probably thinking... what's going on with all this nature stuff?!? All I can say is, I feel very connected to the land and mother earth's powers are strong within. But never fear, next week we will no doubt be back to images of mans love of destruction and the gentle decay of the fabrics of society!
So behold this wonderful sunrise over the Grand Canyon. I thought I would be the early bird, but no. As I arrived at my scouted spot from the previous day, I descended upon hundreds of other sun seekers. Not wanting to hang around or push and shove to get a clear shot, I ran for the hills so to speak. Perched on a rocky out crop, I got the clearest view I could find, I also had the joy of watching the morning unfold by myself, alone with my surrounds, soaking in all of natures glory.
So behold this wonderful sunrise over the Grand Canyon. I thought I would be the early bird, but no. As I arrived at my scouted spot from the previous day, I descended upon hundreds of other sun seekers. Not wanting to hang around or push and shove to get a clear shot, I ran for the hills so to speak. Perched on a rocky out crop, I got the clearest view I could find, I also had the joy of watching the morning unfold by myself, alone with my surrounds, soaking in all of natures glory.
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| Simon Hewson ©2012 |
13.10.12
IMAGE OF THE WEEK #49
This weeks instalment is from a new series that I have been working on.
'Lantana and other weeds' takes a brief look at how society attaches labels.
A flower can be a thing of beauty in one world, but in another it can be considered noxious.
If a plant grows strong, pushes through adversity and flowers to spread seed, then why do we not take joy in such things?
Is this not a metaphor for life?
'Lantana and other weeds' takes a brief look at how society attaches labels.
A flower can be a thing of beauty in one world, but in another it can be considered noxious.
If a plant grows strong, pushes through adversity and flowers to spread seed, then why do we not take joy in such things?
Is this not a metaphor for life?
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| Simon Hewson ©2012 |
4.10.12
IMAGE OF THE WEEK #48
A rather fetching array of colour for you this week.
This photograph was made in Aigues Mortes, France. No more explanation needed.
This photograph was made in Aigues Mortes, France. No more explanation needed.
30.9.12
IMAGE OF THE WEEK #47
A little late with this weeks image... Lot's of projects are up in the air. I have never been able to juggle more than two balls. Take that how you will!
This weeks image is from the archive, taken back in 2004 in Japan.
After a long and some what failed night in Tokyo, I awoke to a beautifully crisp morning.
On opening the curtains Tina Turner instantly blurted out "Steeeaaamy windows... Comin from ya body heat." In my head of course.
This weeks image is from the archive, taken back in 2004 in Japan.
After a long and some what failed night in Tokyo, I awoke to a beautifully crisp morning.
On opening the curtains Tina Turner instantly blurted out "Steeeaaamy windows... Comin from ya body heat." In my head of course.
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| Simon Hewson ©2012 |
21.9.12
IMAGE OF THE WEEK #46
A warm fridge, containing only moisture. Carpets that bare nondescript stains, some so darkened with age that there may well have been a bloody battle fought and lost. Curtains that let in the light of day, but are threadbare enough to allow the laziest of peeping toms a good look come night fall. A mattress supported by a number of milk crates, all of different heights and strengths. Wood panel walls that provide an easy clean surface and an odd odour.
We made the decision that we could stretch the budget form here on in.
We made the decision that we could stretch the budget form here on in.
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| Simon Hewson ©2012 |
12.9.12
IMAGE OF THE WEEK #45
This weeks image is a little sneak peak into my new series. It will be produced in book form and if the stars align, it will be available by the end of November. I don't want to give away too much now, however I will tell you that this series has been on my mind and the focus of my lens for about 6 years. This photograph was made in the old town of Belchite, Spain. The entire town still stands locked in time. Civil war broke out here in 1937. Once the battle was over, Franco ordered that the ruins of Belchite be left as a monument to a bloody civil war, the remaining residents were forced to build a new town next to the expanse of ruins that they once called home.
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| Simon Hewson©2012 |
6.9.12
IMAGE OF THE WEEK #44
I sometimes find staring at certain photographs very soothing. A sense of peace and calm take over, as the internal chatter goes quiet.
To me, this is one of those photographs. Have a stare. I hope you feel the same.
To me, this is one of those photographs. Have a stare. I hope you feel the same.
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| Simon Hewson©2012 |
30.8.12
IMAGE OF THE WEEK #43
What better way to close a chapter, than with a sunset. Our travels were over. Our hearts and minds full of thought and inspiration. The key is keeping that feeling alive. Especially when you know your heading home to a pile of bills and an empty fridge. We were however, pleasantly surprised when we finally got home. On the opening of the fridge, our lovely house sitter Anna, had made us a welcome home cake.
Not a bad start to the next chapter.
Until next week...
Not a bad start to the next chapter.
Until next week...
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| Simon Hewson ©2012 |
22.8.12
IMAGE(S) OF THE WEEK #42
This time last year we experienced one of the worlds most interesting automotive events, Speed Week. This happens once a year on the revered Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. Man and machine combine to become one for a run up the salt, wringing every last drop of speed out of themselves and their machine, in the hopes that they might set a record. The salt is similar in appearance to snow, it's kind of wet and sticks to everything like glue. I saw one guy pull up at the start of the salt, he filled a small container, quickly scanned the surroundings and jumped back in his car and went on his way. I'm not sure what this was for, I'm doubting it was for his fish & chips.
It's not the usual type of motor sports event, you can get up close and personal. There is very little in way of boundaries, you can pretty much roam to your hearts content, you can even stand just metres away from the start line. The only rules that stood out, are to not step foot onto the courses and everyone must be off the salt by dusk (which we only just managed). The machines come in all shapes and sizes, be it two or four wheeled. This is reflected in the folk that descend to the salt too, they range from extreme petrol head to fascinated passers by. A few things that are universal is a smile, a smile the size of a ripe banana and tans that would give a dermatologist nightmares.
It's not the usual type of motor sports event, you can get up close and personal. There is very little in way of boundaries, you can pretty much roam to your hearts content, you can even stand just metres away from the start line. The only rules that stood out, are to not step foot onto the courses and everyone must be off the salt by dusk (which we only just managed). The machines come in all shapes and sizes, be it two or four wheeled. This is reflected in the folk that descend to the salt too, they range from extreme petrol head to fascinated passers by. A few things that are universal is a smile, a smile the size of a ripe banana and tans that would give a dermatologist nightmares.
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| Simon Hewson©2012 |
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| Simon Hewson©2012 |
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| Simon Hewson©2012 |
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| Simon Hewson©2012 |
16.8.12
IMAGE(S) OF THE WEEK #41
This week is a slightly special image of the week. Firstly its not just one image. Secondly the people in these photographs all share a special bond. They are all hobo's.
A hobo is someone who travels to work , they are not a bum or a tramp. Their mode of transport is the railroad system which is ingrained into their long history.
I made these photographs a year ago to the day (almost). We were heading west through Iowa and we pulled up in a quirky little town called Britt. Britt has become the official home of the hobo. Each year it holds the 'National Hobo Convention', this is a week long gathering which culminates in the crowning of the new 'Hobo King and Queen'. On our arrival we went to the Hobo Museum, fascinated, we got chatting to the lady at the desk, she told us that some of the hobos were already in town and were camped out beside the railroad tracks. We decided to go down and have a chat. Seven hours passed, we learnt so much, met so many wonderful people and listened to years worth of tales. It truly was one of the best days of ours lives.
Tommy or "Oops" as he is know in the hobo community (apparently named this because he has fallen from a moving train) was celebrating his birthday, he spends the entire year travelling the length and breadth of the country. He shares this lifestyle with most hobos, some have become too old to jump trains but they still travel. Connecticut Shorty, a past hobo queen, started jumping trains in the early 90's and only recently stopped. She misses it, it's part of her family history, her father rode the rails his entire life. Her older brother still rides them. She now travels around in a van with her sister. Tuck was the 2007 hobo king, he still rides the rails. A positive outlook on life is something they all share and Tuck is no exception, he travels to work and when there is no work, he makes things to sell to get by. If you ever pass by the little town of Britt make sure you pop in, take a look around, you never know, you might just be as lucky as we were.
A hobo is someone who travels to work , they are not a bum or a tramp. Their mode of transport is the railroad system which is ingrained into their long history.
I made these photographs a year ago to the day (almost). We were heading west through Iowa and we pulled up in a quirky little town called Britt. Britt has become the official home of the hobo. Each year it holds the 'National Hobo Convention', this is a week long gathering which culminates in the crowning of the new 'Hobo King and Queen'. On our arrival we went to the Hobo Museum, fascinated, we got chatting to the lady at the desk, she told us that some of the hobos were already in town and were camped out beside the railroad tracks. We decided to go down and have a chat. Seven hours passed, we learnt so much, met so many wonderful people and listened to years worth of tales. It truly was one of the best days of ours lives.
Tommy or "Oops" as he is know in the hobo community (apparently named this because he has fallen from a moving train) was celebrating his birthday, he spends the entire year travelling the length and breadth of the country. He shares this lifestyle with most hobos, some have become too old to jump trains but they still travel. Connecticut Shorty, a past hobo queen, started jumping trains in the early 90's and only recently stopped. She misses it, it's part of her family history, her father rode the rails his entire life. Her older brother still rides them. She now travels around in a van with her sister. Tuck was the 2007 hobo king, he still rides the rails. A positive outlook on life is something they all share and Tuck is no exception, he travels to work and when there is no work, he makes things to sell to get by. If you ever pass by the little town of Britt make sure you pop in, take a look around, you never know, you might just be as lucky as we were.
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| Oops, Simon Hewson ©2012 |
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| Simon Hewson ©2012 |
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| Tuck, Simon Hewson ©2012 |
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| Oops, Simon Hewson ©2012 |
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| Connecticut Shorty, Simon Hewson ©2012 |
6.8.12
IMAGE OF THE WEEK #40
A year ago today we pulled up in Dixon, Illinois. What at first sight appeared to be a relatively sleepy city, happens to be the extremely proud home town of the late Ronald Reagan. It seems apt that my 40th image of the week is about the 40th President of the USA, especially as most countries are feeling a great sense of patriotic pride from watching their sports people put their everything into the London Olympics. Reagan himself was quite the athlete in his time. In 1927 he was a lifeguard at Rock River where he saved 77 people from drowning. A large statue of him horseback stands as testament beside the very same river. I was too young in the early eighties to know much about Reagan, I only really knew of him through the satirical TV show 'Spitting Image', although funny, it may not have been the closest portrayal of a man that gave a country hope and warmed the hearts of many. He was a positive man, he tried to make a difference and in many ways he did make a difference. It seems to me, that in this life that is all we should really aim to do.
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| Simon Hewson©2012 |
31.7.12
IMAGE OF THE WEEK #39
After a week of fun, food and relaxation in NYC we headed for Niagara Falls. We decided to drive through Canada for a day or two and re join the USA at Detroit.
I have been fascinated by the falls since childhood. This was sure to be a pilgrimage.
Alec Soth's wonderful book 'Niagara' explains Niagara's story so beautifully through the visual medium of photography, that I would not even attempt to try to put into words what he did within his book, all I will say is if you haven't seen it, get it!
The "What's on your bucket list?" question comes up all the time. I would have to say that Niagara Falls was firmly on my list. The Maid Of The Mist boat ride really moved me, to be able to be so close to such an awesome natural force. I may have even shed a tear, but that might have just been spray in my eyes, hard to tell. So us humans are so awe struck by its sheer natural magnificence, size, energy and power, however, some find it perfectly acceptable to casually drop litter on or in one of our fragile earths most amazing natural wonders. I really try to believe that we all care about our planet, but sights like this test my belief.
Alec Soth's wonderful book 'Niagara' explains Niagara's story so beautifully through the visual medium of photography, that I would not even attempt to try to put into words what he did within his book, all I will say is if you haven't seen it, get it!
The "What's on your bucket list?" question comes up all the time. I would have to say that Niagara Falls was firmly on my list. The Maid Of The Mist boat ride really moved me, to be able to be so close to such an awesome natural force. I may have even shed a tear, but that might have just been spray in my eyes, hard to tell. So us humans are so awe struck by its sheer natural magnificence, size, energy and power, however, some find it perfectly acceptable to casually drop litter on or in one of our fragile earths most amazing natural wonders. I really try to believe that we all care about our planet, but sights like this test my belief.
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| Simon Hewson©2012 |
25.7.12
IMAGE OF THE WEEK #38
As we neared ever closer to our first major pit stop in NYC, the road had been throwing us all sorts of adventures. On the same day that I made this photograph in Exmore, Virginia, we passed by a wreckers yard. I stopped to photograph a beat up 1956 Cadillac hearse. I asked for permission first as I didn't want to run into any problems, as it turned out it was a good thing I did.
I got chatting to they guy that owned the place, a nice bloke with a really positive outlook. We soon fell into deep discussion. We got onto the subject of guns. A subject that is currently a strong talking point in the media, due to the horrific shootings in Aurora, Colorado. He explained how he carries a concealed handgun and that he was waiting for his license to be approved for a machine gun. This baffled my wife and I. "Why?" we asked. He explained that it was his right and that in the right hands they are harmless. But the question still remains why/ how do they end up in the wrong hands? Surely the idea of having the right to bear arms is in need of some tough review. It seems to me that the idea of having more and living up to old ideals is holding back this beautiful country.
I got chatting to they guy that owned the place, a nice bloke with a really positive outlook. We soon fell into deep discussion. We got onto the subject of guns. A subject that is currently a strong talking point in the media, due to the horrific shootings in Aurora, Colorado. He explained how he carries a concealed handgun and that he was waiting for his license to be approved for a machine gun. This baffled my wife and I. "Why?" we asked. He explained that it was his right and that in the right hands they are harmless. But the question still remains why/ how do they end up in the wrong hands? Surely the idea of having the right to bear arms is in need of some tough review. It seems to me that the idea of having more and living up to old ideals is holding back this beautiful country.
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| Simon Hewson©2012 |
18.7.12
IMAGE OF THE WEEK#37
A year ago to the day we decided to stop in New Orleans, we looked forward to a few days of rest and an abundance of hearty food.
Allow me to set a scene for you, the air is humid after summer rainfall. An older man plays a weeping saxophone on a wet street corner, he's being listened to by a group of foot taping musicians digging the saxophone mans vibe. The sun is slowly setting as night creeps in, you can feel the energy in the air, it's alive with music.
Ok so that was my naive idea of what New Orleans was going to be like... not so I'm afraid. It has suffered the same fate as many a great place, tacky tourism = live sex shows, guys on bucks nights drinking till they pass out and an abundance of tourists in ill fitting shorts.
But we must forgive this and look at what really makes this place so special, the food, the music and most of all the people.
We were lucky enough to find Verti Marte a place to eat that is open 24 hours, chefs go there to eat once they knock off for the night. Their Po-boys are like nothing you have ever tasted and the people that work there are great. I dare anyone to go there and not get into a conversation with someone about how great the food is!
The music, we found out pretty damn quick that Bourbon Street is best avoided at all costs. So we had to ask around and we were put onto Frenchman Street. This little street has it all going on, there are a bundle of places all next door to one another, most don't have a cover charge, you just have to make sure you tip the musicians well and enjoy the music.
Lastly, the people, as we headed into New Orleans we drove over the bridge, we scrambled for money for the toll, as we got there the guy waved us through, I stopped anyway as I thought I was misunderstanding something. We were then told that the guy in the car in front of us had payed our toll for us, amazing. Almost everyone we crossed paths with were really warm and open, they are certainly effected by the devastation that Katrina caused and I'm sure the wound will never truly heal, but they have such a wonderful spirit about them which is what keeps them going and that is what made New Orleans so special for me.
Allow me to set a scene for you, the air is humid after summer rainfall. An older man plays a weeping saxophone on a wet street corner, he's being listened to by a group of foot taping musicians digging the saxophone mans vibe. The sun is slowly setting as night creeps in, you can feel the energy in the air, it's alive with music.
Ok so that was my naive idea of what New Orleans was going to be like... not so I'm afraid. It has suffered the same fate as many a great place, tacky tourism = live sex shows, guys on bucks nights drinking till they pass out and an abundance of tourists in ill fitting shorts.
But we must forgive this and look at what really makes this place so special, the food, the music and most of all the people.
We were lucky enough to find Verti Marte a place to eat that is open 24 hours, chefs go there to eat once they knock off for the night. Their Po-boys are like nothing you have ever tasted and the people that work there are great. I dare anyone to go there and not get into a conversation with someone about how great the food is!
The music, we found out pretty damn quick that Bourbon Street is best avoided at all costs. So we had to ask around and we were put onto Frenchman Street. This little street has it all going on, there are a bundle of places all next door to one another, most don't have a cover charge, you just have to make sure you tip the musicians well and enjoy the music.
Lastly, the people, as we headed into New Orleans we drove over the bridge, we scrambled for money for the toll, as we got there the guy waved us through, I stopped anyway as I thought I was misunderstanding something. We were then told that the guy in the car in front of us had payed our toll for us, amazing. Almost everyone we crossed paths with were really warm and open, they are certainly effected by the devastation that Katrina caused and I'm sure the wound will never truly heal, but they have such a wonderful spirit about them which is what keeps them going and that is what made New Orleans so special for me.
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| Simon Hewson©2012 |
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