September 26, 2012- Places Journal/Design Observer

Title: Landscape Photography- New Visions, Part 5
Link: http://places.designobserver.com/feature/landscape-photography-new-visions-part-5/35508/

     My main reason for picking this article, was it was actually about photography. The past few article selections haven't had any pieces about photography, and since there was finally one about it, it seemed appropriate to do my blog post about it.
    The article discusses how photographers are starting to find beauty in how nature and man-made structures merge together. They talk about how where they grew up and even now, people don't take enough notice of the beautiful nature that surrounds their suburban homes. So often we build highways that cut across the country to shave a few minutes off a road trip, but by being in such a rush, we miss the beauty nature has to offer right outside the car window.
    I was actually very excited that photographers are trying to spread their enthusiasm about nature and suburbia meshing together. I came from Helotes, which is a small town outside of San Antonio so I had the small town feeling mixed with the big city living. It was nice having places right outside my own window where I could see how nature and humans can live together in one space peacefully. It makes me sad that people don't take the time to walk anywhere any more where you can enjoy nature as you make your way through your daily life. One day, they're going to blink and all the beauty nature possesses is going to be gone.
    I would definitely like to learn more about this subject. I think that I could even try to recreate some of their work since I live in a place where nature and suburban living are so closely placed. I think it's great that some one is finally trying to focus on both nature and humans, not showing the beauty of one or the other, but how both intertwine is truly spectacular.

Everyday Photographs

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Scavenger Hunt 2

September 19, 2012- Conscientious

Title: Towards the 21st Century
Link: http://jmcolberg.com/weblog/2012/09/towards_the_21st_century_thomas_ruff/

      The thing that drew me into this article was the fact that it talked about the progression of photography into the 21st century. Even though I was born at the end of the 20th century, I have noticed a changing world of photography, such as the switch from film to digital.
     This article wasn't very long, but it provided a link to Thomas Ruff's work, and the author of this article thought he was one of the best examples of photographers keeping up with the changing times. It says he experiments with all different subjects and mediums of photography and fearlessly tries new techniques to keep up with the ever changing art.
     I really liked the article, and it made me wonder if I was further along in my career as a photographer would I be able to handle the change as well as some of the more established photographers have. Would I be able to roll with the punches and take the opportunities I'm handed to adjust my style to keep up with all the change.
     I'd love to learn more about the different changes occurring in the world of photography. I know we've almost completely switched to digital, but what else has changed. What is now acceptable that wasn't when I first began being interested in photography.

September 12, 2012- New York Times Arts&Design

Title: Disputes Over Cost Delays Opening of 9/11 Museum

Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/09/nyregion/bloomberg-cuomo-dispute-delays-opening-of-sept-11-museum.html?ref=design

       I felt since it is September 11, 2012 this would be an appropriate article to use for this assignment. When I saw that money was slowing the opening of a museum that would educate future generations about what this country went through on that day, I was slightly disturbed. It seems that something as important as educating people about the terrorist attacks on 9/11 should be more important than how we can save a dollar or two. Granted, our country already has a large debt, but this is a major part of our history that should be remembered. We have two museums dedicated to the Holocaust, which was a major part of several countries history. The attacks on the Twin Towers and the Pentagon are a major part of our history, why would we not build a museum to make sure no one ever forgets the pain it brought?

     This article discusses the feud over which government agency should pay for the construction of the 9/11 Museum. Both Mr. Bloomberg and Mr. Cuomo hoped that the approaching 11 year anniversary would create pressure for a last minute deal, so far no deal has been reached. Ira M. Millstein says "they really ought to sit down in a room and look at each other. It can't be solved with emails." If no solution is reached it would be a tragedy not only to the American culture, but also a horrible let down to those who lost their family members on that tragic day.

     I would definitely like to learn more about this particular issue. I think that a museum that honored the fallen heroes and victims of the 9/11 attacks is exactly what this country needs. Not only would it help educate our future generations on a major part of American history, it would also provide a small piece of closure to those who lost their loved ones, knowing that no one will ever forget the tragic day of September 11, 2001. 

Scavenger Hunt