pot of gold

Dayton and Monte Vista, Downtown Phoenix

To some people, the Phoenix alleys are an eyesore and they would like to permanently do away with them. It may not show the best side of the city, but to me, it was a treasure chest full of color and texture.

Amoungst the decay and neglect, I could discover something different and wonderful everyday.

taken 08-23-2005

vintage quality

Coranado Historic District, Downtown Phoenix

The old days of Phoenix are being condensed into smaller and smaller areas, due to the rapid expansion of loft condos, growing Latino neighborhoods, and stucco homes popping up everywhere there is a empty space.
Still, you don't have look too far to find remnants of the way things used to be. We sort of got stuck in time for little while, but maybe that wasn't such a bad thing!

taken 08-23-2005

do unto me

Near 7th Street & Virgina Ave, Downtown Phoenix

Phoenix used to be known as a very conservative area. With all the growth from the last several years, the city is moving towards the left (though still right of center). Nevertheless, there are still many that embody the old ways; those who just want to be left to do their own thing.

Along with this attitude is tolerance, and even yielding, but most of all an independent spirit that believes strongly in freedom and privacy.

taken 01/17/2007

if dairy queen was in mexico

16th Street & McDowell Road

Colorful hand painted windows catch your attention, luring you into a mouthwatering place. Once inside, you will not be disappointed. A choice of fruity creations intoxicate the senses, as you are compelled to decide which flavor to pick. Will it be a scoop of rich coconut, creamy banana, or tangy mango? Or shall you be more daring and try out tamarind, or even mango-chile flavor ice cream palettas? Maybe just a large cup of fresh fruit and rich cream will do you well?

If you perfer to resist the sweets, you can always settle for nachos, elotes (corn) or tortas (mexican sandwiches). Either way, the experience of these common shops are fun, colorful and satisfying.

taken 01/08/2007

work to live

Downtown Phoenix, off Thomas Road and Monte Vista

When we first moved here in 1992, Phoenix was a little big city. It was very affordable and had lots of people trying to make an honest living. About 15 years later, it became unaffordable; as investors snapped up properties, values inflated beyond reason.

Now it's coming back around again. You can actually buy a modest home for less then $125k. The big time investors have run away crying, and every neighborhood has a bunch of foreclosures. Those that moved here to make Phoenix their home, are still live around. Phoenix has come back to earth; a little more hip, a bit more urban, but still a city filled with people that still love living here.

taken 12-13-2005

eye of the camera

alley off of 7th Street and Palm Lane, Downtown Phoenix

If you take enough pictures, you will soon feel yourself transformed. The camera is no longer just an instrument to document events, but it becomes an extension of yourself. No longer are you seeing things in the same way, now it's all in a camera's perspective; a still moment, a lonely fragment, something special.

When I see something visually interesting, I want to photograph it. It's like the camera is my way of absorbing and understanding the world. It's gives me an excuse to contemplate the light, the person, the scene, in one little piece of time. And then later, in the completed photograph, I can decompress the situation, disecting the elements as if they had some special meaning that would not readily be seen, except in a photograph.

taken 01/20/2007