Fall 2022 – Supporting Our Trails

I am a lifelong environmentalist.  For almost two years now, I’ve been registered with the National Park Service as a trail steward in Doughton Park on the Blue Ridge Parkway.  I’m supporting our trails.  I’m responsible for keeping tabs on the Cedar Ridge Trail, observing and reporting whenever any major trail work needs to be done.  The NC Mountains-to-Sea Trail, or MST, also follows the Blue Ridge Parkway through Doughton Park before it turns to descend the escarpment into Stone Mountain State Park.

So I also spend a lot of time hiking on the MST, unable to help myself, staying in “observe and report” mode as I also explore opportunities for beautiful photography and timelapse captures.  I’m working on an essay describing my adventures finding and protecting several Carolina Lilies along the MST in the park (stay tuned!).  This adventure was the catalyst for me getting to know the leaders of the Friends of the MST a little bit better.

 

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The MST is a state treasure, running 1175 miles from Clingmans Dome to the Outer Banks.  On the sections I’ve hiked, I have to say that is an excellent trail.  In order for the MST to stay excellent, it needs a lot of maintenance: volunteer hours and donations of dollars.

In addition to volunteering, I’m raising funds for the Friends of the MST by selling special edition signed and numbered prints of several recent photographs I’ve captured along the MST, either in Doughton Park or Stone Mountain Park.

Fundraiser Details

One of the things I like most about these signed matted prints is that, if you want to frame it, it is a standard sized mat, which means it will be easier to find a frame you like that fits the decor of the space where you choose to hang it.

There are twenty-five prints total: four sets of five numbered prints, and five individually numbered prints.  The prints I’ve created are mounted, matted, and protected in a cellophane sleeve, as shown here:

One of the signed matted prints for sale.

Profits beyond cost for the matted prints will be donated to the Friends of the MST.  If I sell all the prints, the total donation will be $1,375.00.  If I can raise this total by the end of November 2022, I will personally round it up to an even $1500.00!

If you’d like to purchase one or more prints, they can be shipped anywhere in the United States, or picked up in person at my studio office in Sparta, NC.  I’ve included a purchase link for each photo print, which will take you to my Square checkout site for ordering online.

Beware: Prints are available on a first come, first served basis!!!

Below you’ll find a description of each photo print available.

MST – Doughton Park (series of 5)

Print size is 8 x 12 inches, gray matte size is 12 x 16 inches

$100 – Purchase this print

The MST is just out of the frame, to the right of this big rock.  This is one of the most iconic spots in Doughton Park.  I love the way the light hits the grass.

Fall Colors Over Stone Mountain (series of 5)

Print size is 8 x 12 inches, gray matte size is 12 x 16 inches

$100 – Purchase this print

This is a great view of Stone Mountain from the Blue Ridge Parkway, near one of the overlooks.  You can’t see it, but the MST goes down through that valley.

MST – Doughton Tree Rock (series of 5)

Print size is 8 x 12 inches, gray matte size is 12 x 16 inches

$100 – Purchase this print

This is one of my favorite trees in Doughton Park.  Where I was standing to take this shot, the MST runs directly behind me.  I’ve always enjoyed capturing natural shadows on different surfaces.  It’s like a sun signature, perhaps?

MST – Bluffs Cloud Mirror (series of 5)

Print size is 8 x 12 inches, gray matte size is 12 x 16 inches

$100 – Purchase this print

This is one of my favorite photos in my collection.  Seriously.  I came up on this familiar spot after a particular rain with lingering puddles, and got lucky enough to capture this shot.  This is the Bluffs.  One of my sanctuaries.  Clearly shown is the trail marker for the MST.

Stone Mountain (1/1)

Print size is 9 x 12 inches, light gray matte size is 16 x 20 inches

$150 – Purchase this print

This is one of the better shots of Stone Mountain I’ve ever captured from below grade.  If you didn’t know, Stone Mountain is a monadnock, which is “an isolated hill or ridge or erosion-resistant rock rising above a peneplain.”  It’s one big solid rock.  I love how the black and white shows off its beautiful texture.

MST – Storm Clouds Over Doughton (1/1)

Print size is 9 x 12 inches, light gray matte size is 16 x 20 inches

$150 – Purchase this print

This is a shot straight down the MST, headed southbound, or eastbound, toward the ocean.  One of the best things about Doughton Park (and all of the escarpment) is the constantly dynamic skies.  Never the same skies twice.  Every second should be savored.  This is also what makes Doughton such a great spot for timelapse captures.

Unknown Creek Reflection (1/1)

Print size is 9 x 12 inches, light gray matte size is 16 x 20 inches

$150 – Purchase this print

I’ve always been interested in capturing reflections.  Sometimes it’s best to slow down, be still, and look down!

MST – Foggy Morning Spider (1/1)

Print size is 9 x 12 inches, light gray matte size is 16 x 20 inches

$150 – Purchase this print

The open corridor of the MST is a haven for spiders.  With all the fog we get up here, this is a very common scene.  The early bird gets the morning dew (or fog) on the webs, with perfect angles of light!

MST – Wildcat Sunrise (1/1)

Print size is 9 x 12 inches, light gray matte size is 16 x 20 inches

$150 – Purchase this print

Basically every time I go to Doughton, I visit Wildcat Rock.  Since I was a small child.  So, I’ve been coming to this spot for over forty years.  This is a sacred space.  The MST runs along the pasture on the left, which is where the Storm Clouds shot mentioned above was captured.

Juried Selections in 2022

Today, I received notice of another juried selection for my photography, so I thought it would be a good time to update everyone on all my juried selections in 2022 so far!  I’ll go in reverse order, starting with the most recent.

Art Through The Lens 2022

Pinhole Sunbeams

2022 September // Pinhole Sunbeams.  Art Through The Lens International Juried Photography Exhibition (Juried Selection). 

Sept 24 – November 12 at the Yeiser Art Center.  Paducah, KY. https://theyeiser.org/art-through-the-lens/

12″ x 18″ – $1000

This photo was captured using a Thingyfy Pinhole Pro S “lens” adapter on my Canon 6D.  If memory serves, this is from one of two locations on the New River in southwest Virginia.  I shot it in December 2019.  And you thought it was never OK to stare straight into the sun?  Think again. 🙂 Continue reading Juried Selections in 2022

New Limited Editions

I’m pleased to announce that a few of my photographs have been selected as new limited editions, exclusively for sale on the TurningArt marketplace!

TurningArt?

What is TurningArt, you may ask?  As a company, TurningArt bills themselves as “Artwork as a Service”.  They work with companies, real estate firms, designers, healthcare organizations, hospitality groups, and more to install local, original artworks for display across the United States.  They call it “turnkey art programming.” Continue reading New Limited Editions

Beerlander 2021 05 – Stick Around

Here’s the latest episode of my podcast in the 2021 season.  I read you a short story I wrote, titled Stick Around.

At 1960 words, Stick Around is the story of an accidental medical emergency between children on a local neighborhood shuttle bus in Tempe, Arizona.

Stick around to find out how it ends. You’ll be surprised. 🙂

You can find me on Google Podcasts and Spotify.

You can listen to the episode using this embedded player. Continue reading Beerlander 2021 05 – Stick Around

Beerlander 2021 04 – The Ravens Commute At Sunrise

Here’s the latest episode of my podcast in the 2021 season.  It’s an essay I wrote, titled The Ravens Commute At Sunrise.

Just over 1500 words, The Ravens Commute At Sunrise briefly explores our relationship with a majestic bird, and our attitudes about anthropomorphism, anthropocentrism, and human supremacism.

You can find me on Google Podcasts and Spotify.

You can listen to the episode using this embedded player. Continue reading Beerlander 2021 04 – The Ravens Commute At Sunrise

Beerlander 2021 03 – [phos|cūra] – A Portrait Of A Camera App

Here’s the latest episode of my podcast, where I read an essay I’ve written about photography and, well, vanity.  The essay is called  [phos|cūra] – A Portrait Of A Camera App.  You can find me on Google Podcasts and Spotify.

You can listen to the episode using this embedded player. Continue reading Beerlander 2021 03 – [phos|cūra] – A Portrait Of A Camera App

Beerlander 2021 02 – Turtles, Towers, Time, And Temporary Towns

Turtles, Towers, Time, And Temporary Towns is the third episode in the inaugural season of my podcast, The Beerlander.  You can find me on Google Podcasts and Spotify.

You can listen to the episode using this embedded player.

Please consider becoming a supporter of my show.  Thank you.

Below you will find contents (and linked resources) that I mention in this episode. Continue reading Beerlander 2021 02 – Turtles, Towers, Time, And Temporary Towns

Beerlander 2021 01 – Steal This Episode!

Steal This Episode! (Just Skip The Ads) is the second episode in the inaugural season of my podcast, The Beerlander.  You can find me on Google Podcasts and Spotify.

You can listen to the episode using this embedded player.

Below you will find contents (and linked resources) that I mention in this episode. Continue reading Beerlander 2021 01 – Steal This Episode!

(Coming Unstuck In) TimeTracks

What time is it?

Right now.  What time is it?

Right then.  What kind of clock did you view to check the time?  Your watch?  Your phone?  A wall clock?  Analog? Digital?  Sundial?

Did you guess the time before checking for a definite answer?  Why, or why not?

What is the date?  Which calendar did you reference?  Gregorian, Assyrian, Ptolemaic, Zoroastrian?  Do you even know?  Does it even matter?

How far back into your own past (and the pasts of others) must you (or anyone) reach to find relevance in this moment?

Will that moment we just shared (in an asynchronous author-reader sense, anyway) be relevant in the future?  Is relevance relevant to you in this moment?

While it would be great to delve into multiple scales and perspectives of time right now, we just do not have time.  There is too much else about time relevant to this concept of TimeTracks, including its own history and future, as well as that of its creator, your friendly author.

Listen: there is just enough time (and space) to give homage to what are typically considered the two primary contrasting viewpoints of time: the arrow of time (entropy, etc.) and the experience of time.  Maybe there will be more time further along this collection of words to dig in a bit deeper, depending on how (un)stuck this essay becomes.

Where to begin with TimeTracks? Continue reading (Coming Unstuck In) TimeTracks