PhotoLuminations

Those of us who know any Canaan, like Canaan dog Keren, already love and treasure the special nature of the Canaan---a mixture of affection, independence, and the untamed wilderness. But even many people who love dogs, don't appreciate this ancient Israeli breed. Owners and breeders of the Canaan feel like Cinderellas, hoping someday that our breed will get the recognition and respect that it deserves.

In the State of the Union, the most powerful man in the world, the President of the United States, was unable to deal with the issue threatening the future of humanity: "The differences in this chamber may be too deep right now to pass a comprehensive plan to fight climate change." I seek to understand how our political system is unable to act on our behalf. As Pogo said, "We have met the enemy and he is us."

It seems natural for a parent or grandparent to give things to a child. But what gifts will have a lasting impact? The most valuable gift may not be a thing, but a relationship, a value, a skill, or an outlook. I try to create books that can help build those valuable gifts.

Can children learn to be creative in a world of e-readers? Prehistoric children did not run amuck; they went to 'school' in caves where they had art and writing lessons, according to a conference on the Archeology of Childhood.

“...entertaining, educational & just plain fun”

“...a book which continues to grow along with a child as he/she journeys through life and will bear fruit all along the way.”

Living with Age will treat old age as a chronic condition to be fought at every turn.

Do you need to raise funds for your non-profit in these difficult economic times?

I record memories and relationships, because that is what a good photographic portrait of an elder provides—affordably.

Economic meltdown? The government rushes to bail out investment banks, banking instututions, and investors in mortgages. What about people, for example elders and artists? Here are some thoughts about a new New Deal.

My appreciation of Salem MA has been confirmed. Salem's historic downtown has been recognized as one of the 10 best neighborhoods

It is amazing to see the young male cat, Chunky, and the older Canaani female dog, Keren, living in harmony. Keren and Chunky have become real pals. Might this example of interspecies communication be a model for how humans of different cultures or identities could relate to each other?

What is photography? A great question to fill many idle hours! You tell me you that you, as a new and enthusiastic photographer, are confused.

What is wrong with the art world?? How does a reproduction of a photograph by another worker (I hesitate to call him a photographer) become valuable art? Is it not decadent to reward the copyist (is "thief" accurate?) rather than the original artist?

It is more difficult to find out about progress in Salem, than the impact of the plant in Columbia. The spokesperson for Dominion, the owner of the Salem Harbor Plant, has not responded to my repeated queries.

The most wonderful events, next to the birth of a human child or grandchild, are the birth of puppies...and the bittersweet moment when the eight-week-old puppy leaves with the new owner.

About 700 people visited the art exhibit in the historic Old Town Hall of Salem, with comments reported like "how special the event made our trip to Salem!"

Installing the Footbridge: Like Threading a Needle

"Building bridges" has a dramatic symbolism. But there is also drama in building a bridge. And sometimes drama comes to us. A photographer has no choice but to document the event.

Claudin Poyant is a professional photographer who does very fine work interpreting scenes and places on Cape Cod.

A year ago, when I exhibited at the Row Gallery at Artists Row in Salem, I lamented the lack of venues for contemporary art in Salem. Fortunately, that is changing.

Seeing History and the Environment in Salem, MA

Salem is a proud city with a proud past. As tourists, we see grand homes and sailing ships, shops with witch costumes, cobbled streets, and a once-busy harbor. It also has hidden areas of great natural beauty. If we look only at the surface, we make pretty photographs that tell a surface story. However, if we bring some background knowledge and thought to interpret what we see, we may see things in a different light. More, with photographs: Salem's Global Warming... http://www.photoluminations.com/assignments/salem/salem-warming.html