western sky

Main Street & Dobson, Downtown Mesa

taken 5/5/2007

decades

Downtown Phoenix, near 7th St & Thomas, alley view

Remember when Phoenix was the ideal Southwestern city? We didn't have many fancy restaurants back then, but we had lots of beautiful desert. And maybe this wasn't the place to spend a lot of time; more of a fly in, drive out, but it was very affordable. We didn't have the big store names as much back then. But we did have lots of entrepenuers that would sell you almost anything, for not very much, cause the rent was so cheap.

Now we have the Metrorail, big sports arenas and $10 martini's. We have high end people living in low end parts of town, securely protected by iron gates and big dogs. What little character there was here seems too diluted to notice anymore.

I guess, some people have changed the city, but the city hasn't changed some people.

taken 08/23/2005

a quiet response

Downtown Phoenix, alley near 12th Street and Palm Lane

There's are somethings I don't really talk about, usually meaningful moments in my life. I don't talk about them because I don't want to trivalize them with verbage. So I take pictures and I let the photos express my feelings.

I know they're not pretty pictures, or places you'd even want to spend time. I guess I choose them for their raw, uncovered, exposed nature; no hidden veneer here. To me, that's truth; the inside, the under parts, stripped of any facade.

taken 09/22/2005

another dollar

Downtown Phoenix, off of 7th Street & Thomas Rd

You sure don't have to be rich to live Phoenix. Just about everyone, of any economic status, can get by well enough here. Fancy, multi-million dollar homes on Camelback Mountain are only a few miles away from simple, single story apartments, big enough for one person to live a fairly quiet lifestyle. Life is what you make of it; you choose your way.

taken 10-31-2005

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