Talking Walls Pt.1 (The ATL Graffiti Series)

Art is in the eye of the beholder, as is beauty. i find it unlikely that a few folks can determine what individuals should consider as art; if that were the case, we would have missed out on such genius minds as Robert Mapplethorpe and Jackson Pollock.
Graffiti is an artform celebrated by many around the world.  Atlanta has the pleasure of displaying some of the greatest graffiti in the country; of course, you will find many that will say it's just vandalism and the artists should be jailed.
I've spent many hours exploring the nooks and crannies of our great city, in search of great graffiti pieces. My search has led me to many alley ways, abandoned buildings, tunnels, and a host of places sporting a "no trespass'" sign. I've met some characters almost as colorful as the art I captured, as well as some not so savory folks.
Part 1 of Talking Walls focuses on graffiti artist JUSE.  In the street art world, his work is well known and highly respected. Some of his pieces have gone for more than a year without being tagged by other artists or being completely covered. You can find his work in various areas of Atlanta, but more abundantly in areas where street art is more appreciated, such as Little5Points, Cabbage Town, and Reynolds Town.  His work has been seen in Atlantic Station, down-town Atlanta, and even atop the now defunct City Hall East.
Nonprofit organization WonderRoot is stepping up to help Atlanta's Office of Cultural Affairs pinpoint endangered street art (basically anything that's not commissioned) that should be spared the ax, er, brush. Guess who has made the list??? Yep, the man JUSE has pieces that are said to be on the keep list.
To make your own suggestions on graffiti that should be preserved, visit www.wonderroot.org
For more of Talking Walls, visit www.n2mo.com and view the Talking Walls Gallery.

MO Better
www.n2mo.com

Fusing Photography with History

Every now and then a photographer stumbles upon a picture opportunity that invokes a need to branch out from his or her comfort zone and get answers about their subject that go deeper than what the eye can see. On such occasions, the task at hand is often that of uncovering history.  Simply taking a picture is sometimes not enough.
I had the opportunity to tour parts of historic Savannah Georgia several years ago, and captured the above picture. After returning home and reviewing my photographs, I was drawn to want to know more about the slaves from the Savannah area. As I began the marriage of photography and history, I found more and more of my photographs that led me to want to dig deeper into what was behind the picture.
Although the two seem far removed, I am starting to see that photography and history can actually go hand-in-hand. As you point your lens and capture moments, remember to take the time to get the full story, past and present; Enjoy your shooting!

MoBetter Photography

Crossing the Bridge

It's the first day of 2011, my day for "crossing the bridge". I can clearly see the beginning of my journey, yet the other end of the bridge is not yet in view. I anticipate many surprises along the way, some good, and some not so good, but all necessary to reach the other end of the bridge, and thus, one of the many completion points of life's journey.
I'm excited because as with any journey, I will encounter countless photo opportunities along the way.  Although I am not literally crossing the bridge that accompanies today's blog, I will use it often to symbolize the conquering of many things that stand before me.
Jan 1, 2011, the first steps of crossing the bridge are taken.

Wishing you a very prosperous and happy new year!

MO Better
MoBetter Photography