temple of the unknown

West of Black Canyon Freeway & Northern Ave, Phoenix

There is no sign to indicate what this humongous temple is about or what it is doing stuck in the midst of this urban through-fare. It is totally unexpected when you happen upon it. A double tiered cast iron fence surrounds the property. There is no way of getting near the building when its closed. It sits next to a run down vacant lot in a modest residential area. The intricate art work can be seen on the upper corner dragons and statues, if you have binoculars that is. As with many things in the Phoenix area, this place clearly serves a specific community that is not widely known to the general public.

taken 9/16/2011

smoke-n-toke

McDowell Rd & 16th Street, Downtown Phoenix

taken  8/12/2011

Wig slaves

Superstition Springs Mall, Mesa, AZ

taken 4/16/2011

azgraffiti.blogspot.com

New blog highlighting graffiti and street art in the Phoenix area

http://azgraffiti.blogspot.com/

here comes the spirit

Pima Indian Cemetery, near Gilbert Rd & Thomas Rd

Wondering around the reservation one day, chasing some storm clouds, I happened upon this primitive cemetery, still being used. Nothing fancy, or ornate, just simple graves for those who died over the years. 

Beautifully simple; a barren field with a hole dug for the body, then dirt mounded to cover the spot. Striking and sacred, I felt like an intruder visiting a world far removed from my own.

taken 12/2010

El Tiradito

Barrio Viejo District, Tucson, AZ

taken 2/26/2011

the right road

Pima Indian Reservation, West of the Beeline Hwy

milling mesquite

 Salt River Pima Indian Reservation

We recently attended a Mesquite Milling and Pancake Breakfast on the reservation. We brought with us a 10 - 5 gallon buckets of mesquite pods to have milled into flour. Plus, they provided a complete mesquite pancake breakfast - all free of charge!

There were community vendors selling edible items as well as hand-made crafts. I bought some freshly made flour tortillas, as big as a pizza, it was the best tortilla my family has ever tasted.

all photos by Liev Fletcher

little house of sausages

N. 7th Street, downtown Phoenix

lucky me

7th Street & Osborn, Phoenix

It doesn't look like much but Lucky Boy has the best burgers, fries and fresh squeezed lemonade in town. It's been around forever, managed by the same friendly family ever since I've been patronizing this joint for the last 5+ years. Small sit down section adds just the right feel to this authentically old-diner like dive. A true local favorite. Don't pass it by!

water in the desert

Tempe Town Lake

This is what happens when you try and put water in a dry river bed, and then aim to create a lucrative waterfront recreational area. 

The City of Tempe failed miserably when they ignored warnings about the  inflatable dam's deterioration. In July the dam broke apart and released thousands of gallons of water to the west side of Tempe, into Phoenix. The high end condos and buildings lining the "lake" are now overlooking views of unsightly ponds of  mud embedded with debris.

taken 7/23/2010

Arron's Grave

Pima Indian Reservation, south of Scottsdale, AZ

Driving through the reservation, there are many signs of death - falling old houses, abandon barren fields, and these roadside graves. They are not hidden or placed away from everything, they're just there, out in the open, amongst the homes, crops and roads. 

Death seems to have a different meaning to the Pima's. Rather then having a fearful approach, they seem to accept it into their rhythm of life - we live, we die, we return to the earth.

taken 7/24/2010

not forgotten

Pima Indian Reservation, along Indian School Road

taken July 24, 2010

the depth of beauty

Pima Indian Reservation, Indian School Road

taken 7/24/2010

used to be somebody

McDowell & 7th Street, Phoenix

taken 12/20/2006

more than just a haircut

University & Horne, Mesa

taken 4/14/2007 

set afloat

First Crossing, Payson

You don't have to travel very far to get away from the desert heat. Many residents head up north into the mountains of the Mogollon Rim that surround the town of Payson. Temperatures are typically 10-15 degrees lower than in the valley. A weekend escape from the summer high temperatures will only take you 1.5 hours from downtown Phoenix. This swimming hole is just outside of town.

taken 6/17/2010

tentacles and spines

Chihuly Exhibit @ Desert Botanical Gardens, Phoenix

taken 1/3/2008

set adrift

Chihuly Exhibit @ Desert Botanical Gardens, Phoenix

As if the desert wasn't already a surreal enough landscape, glass artist Chihuly adds another dimension to an otherwise stark, hostile environment by confronting us with a child-like invitation to play.

taken 1/3/2009

happy place

St. Peter's Mission, Gila River Reservation

taken 4/15/2010