Alexander Supertramp

"The trip was to be an odyssey in the fullest sense of the word, an epic journey that would change everything." -Jon Krakauer, Into The Wild

Two days ago I started the book Into The Wild for the second time on this trip. I watched the film of the same name for the first time three days ago. And I finished the book this morning. The film is very beautiful, but is ultimately a waste of time. Sean Penn supposedly worked on getting the film made for ten years. The story goes that he read the book in one sitting, and after finishing it he immediately read it again, and then he began the long journey to writing it for the screen and directing it. Sean Penn succeeded at pulling on my heart-strings, and making a typical Hollywood feature. But the movie fails, in almost every way, to tell an honest tale of this young man and his "great adventure."

Read the book. The movie just romanticizes his journey. I understand artistic license, but the fact that he manipulated factual information really bothers me. Christopher McCandless would surely be disappointed in the conventionalism and fluffiness of Penn's story.

Day 270-ish, 24 days to go

The sick is over. I survived.

I photographed the High School Prom the other night... But I have nothing much else to report. The town is awesome, unique, and mysterious. I have very little energy, and have even less motivation to write on this blog. But stay tuned. The randomness will continue.

Nine Months

I've been having a great time over the last few days--shooting, eating, drinking, sleeping, drinking, shooting, eating, sleeping, etc.

I've been on the road for nine months today. Nine months! I can't believe it's almost over. Seems like yesterday that blah blah... But now, for the first time in nine months (and probably a lot longer) I'm sick. I haven't had anything worse then a small headache this entire time. But it caught up with me. I slept twelve hours yesterday. Who sleeps twelve hours!?

Anyway... I'm off to soup, tea and bed.

I Can't Paint

Noel Rodo-Vankeulen started a photography blog in December, 2007 called We Can't Paint. It's turned into my favorite morning coffee spot. I can say many things about Noel. But the bottom line is that he shows great work, asks great questions, he's extremely intelligent and there's no bullshit attached.

Over the last few months I have been sending Noel images from my Boonville work. I sent him a few pieces for an interview he did with me awhile back (Interview and images HERE), and Noel took the time to write me a wonderful review of each image. I have been sending him work ever since, and he has continued to send me lengthy reviews.

Noel has a way with words and he has an understanding of photography and art unlike anyone I have known.

I'm very excited about his upcoming project.

"We Can’t Paint Magazine and We Can’t Paint Gallery will become extensions of my blog, permitting both a lengthier viewing experience and a broader forum to contemplate issues concerning the medium. For me these two new additions are not replacing the We Can’t Paint blog, but they are natural progressions of expanded ideas and collaborations."

For more info, and to learn how to submit work for We Can't Paint--blog, magazine, and gallery--go HERE.

Pause | To Begin

Image Copyright Thomas Prior

I'm happy to announce that I was one of fifteen photographers to be accepted for the upcoming Pause, To Begin exhibition, book, and documentary. This is the first time the work from Boonville will be displayed. I'm very excited.

View the Pause, To Begin SITE to view selected works from the chosen photographers.

"In the coming months your work will be exhibited in our online gallery, in an exhibition, and in a limited edition hard bound book published by Booksmart Studio in Rochester, NY. Additionally, you will be featured in a Pause, to Begin documentary created by international filmmaker Bruno Toré.

In the next week we will be contacting you to schedule a time and date when we can come meet you in order to learn more about your work."

"the heartbeat and backbone of America"

"The last president to visit the town of over 7,000 people was Abraham Lincoln, and the last presidential candidate to visit was Robert Kennedy in 1968.

'I love coming to places that don't normally see presidents of the United States. You're the heartbeat and backbone of America,' [Bill] Clinton said when he first scanned the crowd upon his arrival [to Boonville, Indiana]."

Can I Come Home With You Tonight?

Untitled (Can I Come Home With You Tonight?), Copyright Jane Tam

As many of you know, I have received all of my monetary support for this ten-month insanity from friends, family, and artists--I'm extremely grateful. As I'm approaching the finish line, I'm now about five grand in the hole. What better time to give back, right? I just bought the above print, created by Jane Tam, and I just sent Jason L. a check for his exhibition catalog.

Spending money is not something that normally makes me happy (I'm a bit down as my previous post will explain). But if I see a good opportunity, and if the majority of the proceeds go to the artists, or non-profits that give back to the community, like Cannery Works (my support), and Humble, then I'll do what I can--and sometimes even if I can't.

Support good art.

...

Are we there yet?

I was that kid. And I still am.

I will not subject you to another round of whining. Randomly click on the archives below and you will surely find a post that will discuss my previous struggles and frustrations. This time, like all the rest, is the worst yet. Nine days and counting... but this time life has intersected. It seems like all the issues that my personal life wanted to throw at me over the last year waited until I arrived to Boonville, CA. Not a big deal, It will work out.

P.S. Anyone have an extra five grand lying around? Let me know. Thanks.

President Clinton to visit Boonville, IN

"Former President Clinton will make stops on Thursday in Boonville, Jasper, Vincennes and Clinton, though exact locations and times have yet to be announced."

UPDATE: "Clinton is expected to speak at 2 p.m. for approximately 35 to 40 minutes in the Pioneer Stadium, the Boonville High School basketball gymnasium. That facility has a seating capacity of over 5,000. The public and members of the press are invited."

Women Photographers

unite.

"when you see one of these badges on someone’s site, you know that you’re free to e-mail her and you’ll be met with warmth and enthusiasm and a helping hand." -Liz Kubal

A new blog and resource for women photographers has been created: http://womenincontemporaryphotography.blogspot.com/

"The idea is to give women a place to show their work as well as share news, book releases, and opportunities. We would like to get things started with a group show. We are sending out a call for entries, suggestions or support. "

Women in Photography
submissions: womeninphotography@gmail.com

5 jpegs from a cohesive project
Brief bio / statement

Jpegs- 5x7 @ 150 dpi
named: photogsname_title.jpg

If you are a female photographer, or artist, and have not read this NY Times Style article or seen the responses by Edna, Cara, and Liz, then I am glad I added this. If you have... just ignore it.

Day 245, Boonville, CA!

I arrived to Boonville, CA last night. I'm staying just out of town at a rustic cabin at the Wellspring Renewal Center. As they say on their site: "A Sacred Wilderness Setting for Renewal of the Human Spirit." The place is majestic.

I've only been in Boonville for one day, but I am afraid that it already has a hold of me. Boonville is a population of roughly 712, it's nestled in the Anderson Valley, it's quaint, Liberal, and they have a Boonville Beer Festival once a year, amongst many other fantastic qualities. I don't think I will ever want to leave. Sorry Brooklyn.

And no, it is not a coincidence that I am here during the Beer festival.