Blog Archives
Catenary
“Catenary*” is a word I learned in architecture school and haven’t used since. Obviously that degree was well worth the my time and my parents’ money!
But it was still in my head, all these years later**, and when I looked at the arc of those curtains and the arcs of the power line shadows, it popped up.
Berryville, Arkansas
photographed 10.6.2018
*Catenary = a curve formed by a wire, rope, or chain hanging freely from two points and forming a U shape.
**Here are some things from architecture school that didn’t stick around in my head: anything involving calculus or structural design, most of architectural history, the difference between a muntin and a mullion, and whatever the hell hegemony is.
the quest for perfection
I guess I’m sidling my way into being a street photographer?
Hot Springs, Arkansas
photographed 10.7.2018
Bathhhouse Row
From left to right: Bathhouse Row Emporium, Hot Springs Rehabilitation Center, and the Hot Springs National Park administration office. (In case you were wondering, there are still two bathhouses in operation here along Bathhouse Row – the Quapaw Baths and Spa and the Buckstaff Bath House. I was only in town for one night and didn’t have time to check them out, but I am sure they are lovely places. And if you don’t feel visiting a bathhouse or an emporium, you could always try the Superior Bathhouse Brewery. I DID manage to go there – there’s always time for a nice craft beer…)
You may be wondering if it’s “bathhouse” or “bath house.” My extensive research indicates that the answer is “yes.” I am happy to have been of assistance.
Hot Springs National Park
Hot Springs, Arkansas
photographed 10.7.2018
It was an urgent situation
An overnight fire took out three businesses, which is sort of a large percentage of overall businesses in this town.
You didn’t ask, but I am going to tell you anyway. The fact that yesterday’s post was a fire-damaged building and so is today’s is a complete coincidence. My workflow is not nearly organized enough to plan out something like that.
You didn’t ask about this either, but I want to say that the businesses that were destroyed – Klemke’s Sausage Haus, Klemke’s Antiques, and the Slaton Family Medical Center – were well-established local outfits, and all of them had been in business for around thirty years. Small-town Texas showed the good side of itself after this fire: there are two different GoFundMe campaigns to help the destroyed businesses. And the town is hosting a street dance and fireworks show on July 6, with proceeds to benefit the businesses. Way to go, Slaton!
Slaton, Texas
photographed 6.16.2019
Exxon-no-more
Here’s another view of the hurricane-damaged gas station from yesterday’s post.
At this point, almost two years later, it’s hard to imagine this place will ever be repaired.
Woodsboro, Texas
photographed 5.7.2019
