Chapter 10 - Manzanar

In Chapter 10, Ansel Adams takes photographs at the Mazanar relocation camp for Japanese Americans during World War II. Many people did not understand his approach to taking the pictures. Though he was opposed to the relocation, his photos did not attempt to capture the bleak existence that the internees must have felt. Instead he showed them successfully adapting to the challenges they faced. It could easily be said that these photos had a propoganda quality about them. But as Ben said, he was not trying to trick people into believing it was OK there. He was trying to show that these families were just like everyone elses families - "they were not enemies".

Chapter 9 - Michael: Interested or bored?

Ben and I liked different quotes from today’s chapter about the taking of one of Adams most popular images: Moonrise, Hernandez, New Mexico.

Ben liked it when Adams said, “Sometimes I think I do get to places just when God’s ready to have somebody click the shutter!”

I liked Adams response to being criticized for not including people in his images: “… there were always two people in his pictures: the photographer and the viewer.”

As a non-photographer, I had never considered the importance of what takes place in the darkroom. I had always seen the ’picture’ as being captured at the moment the shutter was opened. I was thinking about how Adams would have ‘processed’ the same shot today from a digital image. It took him nearly 30 years to get the print that captured his visualization of the moment. With some Photoshop skills he could have easily manipulated the image in a few hours. Additionally, the initial image would not have needed to be nearly as close to the printed image.

I wonder if/where Adams would have drawn the processing line.

Ben and I both wondered what 8 year old Michael was thinking as he traveled with his father. It is ‘romantic’ to think he would have loved the adventure but I cannot help but think that he would have been very bored stuck in the back seat of a dusty hot car. Hours of driving and looking, followed by tedious setup followed by a few captured images – then back in the car. I wonder what visualization of the ‘moonlight’ moment Michael carried with him into his life and how that compared to the image produced nearly 30 years later that best captured Ansel’s vision.

Chapter 8 - anti-Yosemite

Adams seems to me like a pretty confident guy but he was definitely not feeling that way as he walked the streets of New York to the gallery of Alfred Stieglitz. He was intimidated by the city - which must have seemed like everything that Yosemite was not. (Remember how the Futurists of the early 20th century - like Gino Severini - were creating art glorifying industrialization? I was thinking that a picture of New York City would be a futurists counterpart to Adams photos of Yosemite.)

He reached a turning point in his professional life when he decided not to go back to Steiglitz' office but his wife presuaded him to do it.

Can you list some of the turning points - moments that changed the course of Adams life - that we have read about so far?

The thing about turning points is that we are usually not aware that we have reached one at the moment we make the choice. Can you think of an example of something you did in your life that significantly changed your future - but you did not anticipate that at the time?

Back At It

A variety of distractions got us off track but we getting back on track with Ansel again.

Chapter 6 - History

Ansel and Virginia Adams were married January 2, 1928. What other things happened in the world on that day?

Can you find a newspaper frontpage online from that day?

Chapter 5 - John Muir

Today, April 21st - the day before Earth Day, is John Muir's birthday. He sounds like he was a very interesting character. (As a Wisonsinite, I appreciate the many things he did before moving to California.) He died in 1914 so he never met Ansel Adams.

Chapter 5 shows an evolution of the Sierra Club from the early years as an organization advocating exploration, to an organization focused on conservation.

In Chapter 5 we also saw a new side of Adams. What did we learn about his personality?

Chapter 4 - Quotes

I found two statements in Chapter 4 revealing.

The first was on page 29 where Adams said, "Photographers are, in a sense, composers, and the negatives are their scores." I like the quote because he is comparing his experience as an aspiring pianist to his other love of photography. I also like what it says about photography. It would be easy to think that the photography takes place at the moment that the shutter button is pressed. In today's digital age where the negative has been removed from the process (though some still shoot to film), it is interesting to think of Adams sitting at his computer processing a photo with Photoshop. I wonder where/if he would draw the line on that.

I also appreciated the statement on the next page, "He emphasized that he was not trying to duplicate reality, but to make a work of art." It must have been clear to him early in his experience as a photographer that there was nothing he could produce that would replace the impact of standing on the spot next to the camera. I wonder if the limitations of the medium was frustrating to him. This statement would indicate he understood and accepted those limitations.

In the early years of Adams career, photography was not considered art. What argument do you think Adams would have made to try to change people's minds?

Chapter 3 - Eye Opener

Ben and I were discussing the moment in Chapter 3 when Adams saw Yosemite for the first time. He had wanted to go there after reading about it in the book, "In the Heart of the Sierras" by J.M. Hutchings. It is not noted if the book contained any picture, but even if it did, they certainly could not have matched his first view of the valley. "He was overcome with awe".

Can you write about a moment when you were 'overcome with awe'?

Chapter 3 - Math Question

On page 19, in the discussion of the Adams' first bus ride into Yosemite, it says the bus rose "two thousand feet in ten miles". What was the percent grade of that road?

Chapter 3 - Camera Obscura

Adams is kept in a dark room as he recuperates from the measles. It must have been incredibly boring. He noticed a light from the top of his window produced a projection on the ceiling that showed the outside world. This is similar to a Camera Obscura. By allowing light through a small point into a darkened room, we can produce an image from the outside. The image is upside down. Ben tells me that is the same way our eyes work - with our helpful brain flipping the image over for us without even asking. With my understanding of how a Camera Obscura works, what Ben is telling me makes sense. So Ben, why is the image upside down in the first place?

This looks like a fun experiment so we are going to make a Camera Obscura in the best place to do so in our house - Ben's Bedroom.

Chapter 3 - Connections?

Read chapter three and make a list of people, places, or events discussed that might be interesting to explore further.What items are the most interesting to you? What items would better help understand the context of the story?

Photo Project - Week 2

Get a package of different colored clear report covers to use as filters to recreate Adams process for the Monolith picture. Place the camera on a tri-pod and take the same picture with at least four filters (red, yellow, blue, green). If possible take the picture on both a grey day and a sunny day.

- be sure to get a picture that includes sky.
- watch the camera settings. If using a 'auto' mode, does the filter change the settings?

Upload the pictures to Flickr:
- Original photo and Black & White copy.
- 4 filtered versions and the Black & White copy.

Create a 8 X 10 image in Fireworks. Arrange the color and b&w versions side-by-side. (Landscape page, 2 colors per page, four photos total per page.) Upload them to Walgreens and print a 8X10 copy of each.

Chapter 2 - Self Schooled

The last World’s Fair held in the United States was in 1984 in New Orleans. I thought that they no longer occurred and was surprised to learn that there is a major fair scheduled for 2010 in Taipai (Taiwan) with the theme of “Garden and Horticulture”. It would be fair to say that recent World’s Fairs do not carry the same significance that they did earlier in the Century, as the 1915 Pan-Pacific Exposition in San Francisco did. The fair then represented a unique opportunity to showcase information from states, countries, and companies. Today information can travel much more quickly and in many forms not available in the 1915. (The first Transamerica phone call was placed during the 1915 Exposition.)

First Ansel Adams experienced the destruction of the 1906 Earthquake, and then he had the opportunity to see all the best the world had to offer at the 1915 Exposition. Ben and I saw the irony of a father sending his 12 year old son off for a day of self-schooling in this incredible venue. Adams had the curiosity and determination to take advantage of that opportunity.

Do you think the Earthquake or the Exposition had a more important impact on the man that Adams would become?

I am sure Ben’s flute playing would improve if he had a $70,000 flute, but I do not think I would encourage him to go out and buy one. Ansel’s father seems like a very interesting man. I am sorry the book does not explore him in more detail. (Quote liked: Ansel disliked practice but 'soon discovered play improved greatly when he worked hard'.)

Do you think the location that Ansel displayed his diploma said something about his work ethic?

Chapter 1 - Environment

In Chapter ,1 we read about Ansel Adam's early life and formative experiences. The most significant event of his young life was the San Francisco Earthquake of 1906, when he was 4 years old. Probably more significant though was simply the place in which he lived. His home was on the north western edge of the city near what is now Baker's Beach. "He did not know what would have become of him if he had not been borne near the ocean."pg5. This location allowed him to engange his natural inquisitiveness and curiosity.

With that time 100 years removed from now, it is difficult for us to appreciate what his life was like then. Historical accounts of the earthquake give us a glimpse at that time, though he was only 4 years old 1906. He certainly remembered the quake but you wonder how those memories changed over time.

Ben and I were talking about a similar type of experience in his life. September 11th, 2001 occured when Ben was 5 years old. When someone writes a biography about Ben's life, will it be important for them to include that event? Why or Why Not.

How does learning about the earthquake help us to better understand Adam's life?

Photo Project - Week 1

It will take us 6 weeks to read the book. Each week you will be assigned a different photo project. This week's project (due no later then 4pm, Saturday, 4/11) :

1. Create an account for yourself at http://www.flickr.com/
2. Pick a favorite / interesting object to photograph.
3. Take at least 10 different pictures of that object. By 'different' I mean any or all of the following: location, lighting, distance, setting, camera, etc.
4. Review the photos and choose the one that you feels best captures the object.
5. Upload at least 5 of the photos to your flicker account. Add comments to each photo that indicates what you like and do not like about it. Your favorite should be the last in the collection.
6. Return here and reply with a link to the flicker slideshow of your pictures.

About the Author

In getting ready to read the book “Ansel Adam’s – America’s Photographer”, I started by looking for some information about the author. I could not find a personal website or much biographical information about her. I find that ironic because her career as an author has been primarily writing Biographies of others for a young reader audience.

In addition to Ansel Adams, she has written about people with varied backgrounds: Norman Rockwell (artist), Robert Louis Stevension (author), Jimmy Carter (US President), E.B.White (author), Sandra Day O’Connor (Supreme Court Justice), Agnes DeMille (dancer), and Georgia O’Keefe (artist).

What did they share? “They all had in common a gift for making a difference in the world around them.”
(http://www.arnenixoncenter.org/finding_aids/anc0004.htm)

About her work, and Ansel Adams specifically, she said,

I'm curious about people's lives. Some call me a terrible snoop because I love reading diaries and letters to discover the secrets within. I think that's why I write biographies.

In his eighty-two years, Ansel Adams wrote thousands of letters to his friends-- about his travels and what he was trying to accomplish in his photographs. His letters convinced me that he was a warm human being and a critical artist, always attempting to improve his work.

He worked hard, traveling the United States to record the natural world. He climbed the highest peaks in Yosemite and other national parks, photographing breathtaking sights. He returned to his darkroom, to carefully develop his negatives and artistically shape the scenes. His work has preserved these scenes and convinced presidents and environmentalists to protect our precious wilderness.

I am grateful that he also preserved his long, detailed letters so that I could learn from his words how he made his art.”
(http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/Beverly_Gherman_(1010598)_Article(1).htm)

Applewhites Archive

Essential Questions

1. How can first impressions be deceiving?
2. How do emotions like fear or anger help us or hurt us in dealing with challenges?
3. Why is it essential to be allowed to develop as an individual?

Quotes:
"Publicity is Publicity....The important thing is to fill the seats."(Ch 26, p186)

"They might moan and groan and grouch and complain about how much there was to do, but they put everything else aside and did it."(Ch 24, p173)

"Passion is necessary in life. All of life. Meditating, working, cooking, eating. Especially Eating!"(Ch 20, p141)

"What gives you joy?....Once you know that, you will know what you want from an education...."(Ch 18, p123)

"I didn't do anything! I just feed him a little and pet him once in a while. Nobody else seems to take any notice of him at all." (Ch 16, p111)

Now that he thought about it, acting was what he had been doing all his life.(Ch 14, p98)

The Jake he knew, the Jake he had always been, was disappearing. And there was nothing - nobody - to put in his place.(Ch 12, p87)

Every last one of them lived to be the center of attention.(Ch 8, p70)

Bad Kid. Living up the that Label was what Jack did best.(Ch 6, p43)

Finished

We finished reading the book a few days ago and have not returned to write about it. Ben enjoyed the book and is working on a picture - a first dinner and last dinner drawing of Jake and Destiny.

We will post it here soon.

The Show Will Go On

(Ch 25&26)
While the rest of the Applewhites (as well as Jack) were fretting over the cancellation of the show, ED found a way for it to actually go on, purple eared 'Hans' and all. ED's creatively - while maybe not what we would normally consider 'artistic' - has saved the day.

It seems likely now that the show will actually be performed. What will the complications be? Any final predictions? Any loose ends that you would like to see tied up?

The Show Must Go On!

(CH 23&24)
The signs are all indicating that the show will be canceled when Randolph notifies Mrs. Montrose that Priscilla will not have a shrieking part in the play. However, Chapter 24 ends with Jake convinced that the show will not die. His evidence? The Passion that the Applewhites have demostrated toward making this production successful make him beleive that they will find some way to make it happen.

What is the difference between 'liking' something and having a 'passion' for something? Can you state a personal example?

Spicing things up

(Ch20-22)
So the fasting Guru turns out to me a great cook! I must say that I got rather hungry reading these chapters. (I will have to remember that Grape Koolaid cuts the heat trick.)

It is becoming clear that Jake may end up being the most normal person living on Wit's End.

I think it is also clear that ED is one of the smartest. I liked the way she quickly saved the Play from being canceled. She must be enjoying the work. Everyone is complaining about what they have to do to support Randolph but none of them want it canceled. What are their reasons?

These chapters seemed to be setting up something happening when as the girls 'audition' proceeds. Any prediction?

Epiphany

(Ch 18 & 19)
In today's reading, ED experiences an epiphany. What is it? (Yes - start by looking up the word.)

At the beginning of Chapter 18 it says that Jake had 'finished gelling his hair' as he looks in the mirror to figure out if he can pass for 17. I was unclear if 'gelling his hair' meant he is still sporting the Mohawk. What do you think?

The transformation (dare I say metamorphosis) of Jake continues. What is happening with him? Is it believable? What would this suggest was at the root of his previous shocking behaviour?

Ego

The word that came to mind as I read Chapters 16 & 17 was ‘Ego’. It is a word normally used in a negative way. I found the following definition on Answers.com (only one of 3 definitions is shown):
a. An exaggerated sense of self-importance; conceit.
b. Appropriate pride in oneself; self-esteem.

The meaning (a) was the one I was thinking about. It is easy to see how Randolph, Sybil, Cordellia, Archie and Lucille could be labeled as having big Ego’s. I would say that Zedediah could also be said to have a ego – but from the meaning (b).

But what about ED and Jake? I suggest that Jake came to the creative school with an (a) Ego and events are beginning to redefine his Ego as (b). Can you site events in Chapter 16&17 that would support this?

Also, I think the Author is using Winston as a symbol for something else going on in the story. Do you see a connection?

Skunked Dog

(CH 13-15)
I laughed out loud when Zebediah asked ED (skipping the periods in E.D. from here on out) "Who Skunked your dog?"

(Can you think of any similar metaphors? i.e. My dad used to ask - "What got your underwear in a bundle?")

Many things are bothering ED. List them, with the one you think is bothering her the most at the top. Justify item #1.

Nice Hairdoo

(Ch 11-12)
I enjoyed the images of Chapter 11, especially what must have been the look on Jake and E.D.s face when they reentered the school room. Jake had thought he have been pretty clever with Destiny but was proven very wrong!

When reading Chapter 12 I was reminded of the old philosophical question: "If a tree falls in the forest and nobody hears it, did it make a sound?"

Explain how this question is pertinent (meaning?) to Chapter 10.

Jack's destiny?

(Ch 8-10) If Jack could get his mind off of the miserable food offerings, he could have learned a lot about the various Applewhites at dinner. What could he have learned about each family member? (either list each person or update the character tree).

I am starting to like Destiny. We have not definitively learned the source of his name. Any guesses?

(What do you think a bowl of Cheerios with Goat milk would taste like?)

Bad Kid

Chapter 6 starts to bring a little depth to the character of Jake Semple. He has not said much so far, and what he has said has been rather 'Paulie'ish. In Chapter 6 we learn that he may be a little more contemplative (meaning?) then we would have thought from earlier Chapters.

What evidence do we see in Chapter 6 that would support and not support labeling Jake a 'bad kid'?

Chapter 7 brings some other characters to life a little. There seems be some significant inter-family tensions. Can you give some examples?

Family Tree

After reading the first two chapters we put together a little family tree.
(Click on the image for a better view)

Get Reading

We will read the first couple of chapters of Surviving the Applewhites on Tuesday. Many characters are introduced so we will be making a 'Applewhite Family Tree'.

A Day No Pigs Would Die Archive

Characters
Robert Peck: Main Character, young boy
Pinky: Robert's pig from Mr. Tanner.
Haven Peck: Robert's father
Lucy Peck: Robert's mother
Carrie: Robert's Aunt
Benjamin Tanner: Neighbor
Aunt Mattie: family friend (not aunt), former english teacher
Edward Thatcher: kid that teased Robert

Phrases
(77) you look like a potato dug up on a rainy day
(74) I can't undo what's already ben did.
(70) your husband's kin=husbands relatives
(68) The sky's a good place to look, and I got a notions it's a good place to go.
(66) I'd give uppie for breakfast if I could of growed like she growed.
(64) didn't mean spit to to=meant nothing
(62) dont cotton to=do not like
(57) 'didn't have brains enough to dump sand out a boot.'
(53) 'because it sure gave her the vapors'=upset her
(48) 'if'n I'm not to home come chore time, Hell won't have it.'
(45) 'be there until Hell froze and got hauled to the ice house'
(44) 'Papa wasn't one to smile every year'
(42) 'didn't find it near as comely'=not as attractive
(38) 'simple as beans'
(37) 'we suffer the less for not paining with worldly wants and wishes'
(34) 'proud as pie'
(33) 'falsing a witness'=lying
(29) 'or I'd got skinned'=punished
(24) 'nervous as a longtail cat in a room full of rocking chairs'
(23) 'and in a Shaker household, there wasn't anything as evil as a frill.'
(21) 'it's not the Shaker way to take frills for being neighborly'
(20) 'clean as clergy'=very clean
(18) 'ready as rain'=very ready
(17) 'smell like Sunday morning'= smell clean/good
(14) 'disremember'= don't remember
(14) 'I don't cotton to'= don't want to
(13) 'I ought to lick you proper'= punish/beat
(13) 'I'm preferenced to'=I'd rather, prefer
(12) 'burdended me'= carried me
(11) 'clean as a cats mouth' = very clean
(11) 'holler out all the dirt'= bleed clean
(10) 'worse then proper' = badly
(10) 'We're beholding to you' = We owe you
(8) 'wrong as sin on Sunday' = very wrong
(6) 'hanging on to wait christmas'= held tightly
(5) 'got a purchase on' = got a hold of

Favorite Phrase
A good teacher does not lose her temper, no matter how stupid her pupils are. (Aunt Mattie, p58)

(related)"How was the first (english) lesson (with Robert)?""Next time, " said Aunty Matty,"I'll teach the pig."

Unfamiliar Words
blundersome=difficult/heavy
brood sow=used for breeding, not eating
capstan=leveraged axle
Goiter=Thyroid growth
Lammis (Table)=?
mirthful=funny
misdo=mistake
Muslin=Cotton cloth
Pomade=Hair 'grease'
remedy=bad medcine
Spruce Gum
Succotash=Bean Stew
Sumac Whistle
tomfool=crazy
tutor=tooter :)