With today being America’s Independence Day weekend, figured it appropriate to hit everyone with an armed services-related post.
Couple months back, I had a lull in work travels and made some time to photograph Ron Miller, the former Naval Commanding Officer at Magnuson/Sand Point here in Seattle.
Before getting in studio, I was lucky enough to hear stories and tour his old offices in what is now ‘Building 30,’ a multi-use complex that hosts a number of community events here in Seattle.
The ballroom floor above no doubt saw quite a bit of traffic, and as he reminisced about the good ole’ days, Ron revealed a number of old cassettes buried deep in his bomber jacket. Apparently, they contained the daily motivational speeches he was often known to give to his newer recruits.
One title, “Prescription for Relief from Stress” was a favorite. **(As an aside: some days later, I received a compendium of these speeches in printed form. . .)
While it’s sad to admit that Building 30 now lays in a state of semi-disrepair, there’s quite a bit of community effort to preserve it by transforming it to artists’ studios and small naval museum. The image above shows an installation undertaken by a number of Magnuson Park artists as a means to draw attention to the building’s state.
Either way, it’d be great to breathe new life into 30 and get someone else in there besides the ducks.
As we made our way out, I couldn’t help but notice Ron’s sweet bomber jacket.
Asked him about picking one up in a large, but was informed that it only came in two sizes, 1) no and 2) just Ron’s.
Much appreciation to Ron for taking the time to sit for me. Happy Fourth to everyone!
More always,
Mike
Bevvy of Updates
It’s been a busy summer over here at the Office of Michael Clinard. In the spirit of autumnal change, I figured it was high time to share some exciting personal news with everyone. I got married in August to my beautiful wife, Jenna!
Above is an image of us after exchanging nuptials on August 22nd at Kubota Gardens here in Seattle. She’s stuck with me for six years after our first meeting in the photo lab at the University of Iowa while she pursued graduate studies in printmaking, I in photography/intermedia. Can’t imagine life without her by my side, for she’s a continual grounding force that inspires strength and stability each and every day.
In other news, and completely under the radar, I updated the website to coincide with an upcoming trip to NYC I’ll be making for portfolio meetings. If you catch a sec hit http://www.michaelclinard.com to see the website refresh.
Above is the virtual Rosetta Stone of the image names that made the cut and those that have now found their way into the archives. Many thanks to all who’ve been beta-testing it and lending thoughts, suggestions and ideas. Much appreciated.
Outside that, I recently made a trek through Eastern Washington to visit a sight I’ve longed to see since childhood: The Grand Coulee Dam. Hope you enjoy taking a gander at some of the images below.
Scorched Earth somewhere in Eastern WA.
Grand Coulee Dam itself. Walked out on to the edge of a cliff to nab this one. The visitors were awestruck by my dedication to capture an unfettered view of the dam.
Official historical marker that looks like it’s been taken a time or two.
Weird murals galore.
Weird mural galore, part 2.
Old sign telling of the nightly Laser Light show. Would’ve loved to stuck around but had to get home to the Mrs.
Says it all. This thing ain’t teeny weeny.
New friends I made on the tour of one of the power plants.
Drink the Kool-aid, just not the water.
For some reason, this reminds me of Woody Guthrie.
More soon,
Mike