A full view of "The Blue Cloak" dated 1559 by Bruegel. Each character in the picture is related to a Netherlandish Proverb. The two character's extruded from the picture are "He Bangs His Head Against The Wall" and the other "The World Turns On His Thumb-He's Got The World On A String". These two people from long ago seem at opposite ends of the emotional spectrum and possibly social standings. Nothing seems to have changed in the past 446 years as far as the human psychic goes. To be human is to be human! (series 11)

"The Harvesters" painted in 1565 by Bruegel. This is a segment of a larger painting, but I liked the individual stuck with the task of bringing water to the other workers in the fields. Labour was king back in those days. No GPS guided machines, only scythes, cordage, and putting your back into it!

A section of a Bruegel painting called "The Peasant Dance" painted in 1568. Wonderful detail of peasants dancing and having a good old time. The child and small woman in the foreground are happy and having a good time dancing with each other. I can hear the Bag Pipe playing its enchanting and captivating music. In general, dancing and listening to music are some of the joys in life.

Temporarily  disabled with a recovering broken foot, 52 year old Kate has been homeless for the past 6 months. She said that her boyfriend had a psychotic episode and were given 30 days notice  when the police and a crisis assistance vehicle came to their apartment. But just before that occurred she crushed her foot which meant a hospital stay and time in a rehab facility. She said that the grounds for eviction were blown out of proportion and unfair. She did not have a chance to stop the eviction. Kate spends her nights in a tent at a "Dusk To Dawn" camp which is filthy, but somewhat safe. Kate smiled often, was positive and hopeful for a better future. 

"Landscape With The Fall Of Icarus" painted in 1558 by Bruegel. What I love about his paintings are the wonderful details. The clothing of the time. People going about their daily tasks. The shape and form of the landscape. Enjoy.

This image represents a small portion of a larger painting called "The Blue Cloak" painted in 1559.  This individuals action is painted by Bruegel and is a pictorial representation of a Netherlandish Proverb that says, "He resents the sun shining on the water (he is so stingy that he even resents the sun)". Wow, seems like human nature has not changed so much. It takes all kinds to make up this world of ours!

 This painting was created by Bruegel who lived from 1525-1569. The painting is called "The Peasant And The Birdnester" created in 1568. What I love about Brugel are his depictions of daily life in the 16th century. The expressions of the people, what their clothing looked like, their homes and in general their daily lives. Almost as if a photograph was taken. A picture into the past. In the above painting the isolated Peasant becomes a bit more alive. It does to me and I hope you find it interesting too.

A dear friend of the family for over 50 years and going strong. She is a trained singer, piano teacher and actor. Her life is filled with many memories of success and applause. The artistic life of sharing ones talent with others is an expression of inclusion. We all benefit.

MY FAITH IS IN

(AT ONE WITH)

GOOD  =  TRUE

(SAME AS)

THE USUAL FIGHT AGAINST OPPRESSION

HAS ME POOR

ANY HELP IS APPRECIATED

41 year old Erinn sat on the street corner outside of a local health food store. Her sign read as above. she was communicating her pain and her hope with anyone who would take the time to read it. She told me that she has been homeless for the past 6 years and that she travelled down from Salem too Eugene  6 months ago. She was quick to smile and wanted to tell me her story of love, hope and secrets. It was a difficult story to understand, but she was passionate and adamant with her feelings and I could feel the truth she shared. Everyone needs to be heard with respect and patients. I asked if she hoped not to be homeless one day and her eyes brightened, her voice lilting as she said "I hope so". We parted with smiles and thank you's.

One of the first questions 72 year old JoJo asked me was did I know what HOBO meant? For those who are not familiar with the word HOBO it was a word given to people who road the freight trains across America during the Great Depression looking for work. It means "Helping Other Brothers Out". Thank you JoJo. Since 1994 JoJo has been homeless. He came from Florida a number of years ago. He did not like the heat and humidity so our temperate zone works for him. JoJo looked a bit rough, but he was present. He prefers camping to shelters. He also receives retirement checks after working for years as a construction worker, long haul trucker, plasterer, electrician and a few other skills. He said he was a few weeks away from moving into assisted living. After years outside he said that the change would be good for him. We shook hands and said goodbye.

Our good friend Peggy is such a sweet person. Concern for all people and smart too. Her hand hold denotes, to me, a sense of patients  and caring. Of course purple and green are her favorite colors. The prominent colors of mother nature.

My friend Prince gave me one challenge in that his favorite color was Cherenkov Blue. What color could that be? Researching, I discovered it is the particular color that is created by nuclear rods that are stored in radioactive pools. Very curious choice but also a very creative source for a color. I found this particular blue captivating and, indeed, attractive regardless of how it is created.

This is Patrick who had a booth at the Muzzleloaders/Blackpowder convention. He is a chemistry teacher who plays music. He also takes part in a yearly early American celebration commemoration in the San Juan Islands. His clothing is period defined. The triptych depicts his three passions. Plus it was fun talking with him.

At the end of an Irish music session I asked our Harpist friend if I could do a triptych of her. Turquoise is her favorite color. Her vase looks very elegant and she happened to be wearing cool looking boots. All in all it made for a fun conversation and she like the final results. That is what it is all about!  

At a Muzzleloader/Blackpowder reenactment gathering with many booths reflecting early American craft and wear one booth had an author. His name was Lars and he had a pile of books he had written for that time period. Adventure books. A pleasant man and an artist in his own right I wanted to reflect his enthusiasm. I bought one book called "The Wind" which I incorporated in the final piece.

My favorite cafe has beautiful carpets on the walls and an overall pleasant atmosphere. The owner smiles often and is warm towards his customers. His Lattes are the best. He also loves Steller Jays and Crows which by the way are the top two birds for smarts. I applied birds and carpets to his theme and both of us were pleased with the results.

When a person passes we have a celebration of their life which brings them closer to us. She was a renown basket weaver and teacher, loved by all and friend to many people. I created this montage of basket weaving from her collection, held close by the husband, so that he could have a poetic memory of her.

Jim is an Astrophysicist. After discovering a few of his favorite things in nearby space I applied them to his triptych. As you can see I have the night sky to fill his vase, the Rubber Duck asteroid  JO25  to be held and the Saturn Moon, Europa, to stand on. This is as close as I could get Jim to his favorite destinations in space. Sort of a travel brochure. To one day make this journey possible we would indeed need our head, hands and legs to get the job done. I think!

Cynthia loves the color red. It fits her well. She has a photographic mind which she puts to good use. Not all of us have that level of recall. By just seeing these snippets of the human frame I feel that a small bit of the person is revealed and that the viewer can enjoy this new social experience.

This is the head, hands and legs belonging to Craig. A scientist who is quiet, thoughtful and has a funny and dry sense of humor. Beside the physical visual of his triptych his favorite color is green. I think his vase is very Romanesque in appearance. 

35 year old Lisa's drug addiction began ten years ago. She has been homeless off and on for the past three years, but the latest stint on the streets has been going on for the past ten months. She does find shelter at warming stations and other facilities, but she did tell me that she had to camp out the night before. It was very rainy that evening. Lisa said drug addiction was her downfall. That is tough. Lisa told me that she has not used for the past four months and that she is actively working towards a rehab opportunity which could come to fruition within the next two weeks. I felt her determination. She has been doing the paper work and face time with professionals in that field. She is very optimistic and I felt her hope. She says she has a fiance and I hope, together, they can find a happier life. 

Strategically located near the downtown library and more important the bus station is a day storage facility operated by an incredibly wonderful organization. This facility allows, for free, storage of personal possessions during the daytime. One constant factor that I have understood is that  homeless people have possessions that are important to them. This daytime storage facility allows individuals to walk the streets without  fear of being robbed or to store backpacks while they go for a job interview. When people do not have a stable living environment, this type of facility helps so, so much. Opportunities for a better life start with small gifts.

69 year old Michael was relaxing on a public bench inside the bus station. He was open to telling me his story. He has been sleeping in bed #29 for one year at a local shelter. One year ago he was evicted from his apartment due to unfortunate circumstances. He spoke of wealthy people leaving him money, but the courts could not find a solution and everything was still in probate. His eyes moved quickly left and right as he spoke. He seemed content and we chatted about life. I am hopeful that Michael stays safe and warm. He asked me to give him a copy of his picture. I have plenty of money, he says, to pay for it, but I declined. I will print a copy and keep an eye out for him.

What is it like being on the edge of homelessness. As I sat down with Rod on the city bench he told me his story. He came from central Oregon and is  now living  in the garage of an acquaintance. It is a place for him to stay as he looks for work in the city, which is miles away. He has lost his car, his business and his wife is divorcing him. He says it is not a drug issue, or abuse. During this episode in his life, Rod told me that keeping his dignity intact keeps him a step or two or more above despair, because once you despair you begin to crumble and it is hard to put the pieces back together. Rod is articulate, smart, but between a rock and a hard place. He was having a job interview that afternoon which could help save him from homelessness. So many folks are just a pay check away from a life no one wants. We shook hands and parted with words of encouragement and smiles. 

This is 59 year old Steven. He is fortunate to sleep in a church nearby. Steven said that the church building will be for sale soon and he will be kicked out. He was a house painter and has worked odd jobs here and there, but he does not see much of a future for himself. He has been homeless for 9 years. He is articulate and had his own brand of humor. He wants to try to get on disability for a back injury from when he fell off a ladder, but does not want to leave his cart filled with his possessions behind to go apply. I hope he figures it out. I hope his motivation for a safer and healthier life sparks.

39 year old Mona Lisa Busks for her money. She has been homeless for 4 years and travels from Santa Cruz to Seattle. She wants to bring a smile to peoples faces and the only way Mona Lisa knows how to do that is by being on the corners of the cities singing her heart out.

Anthony is 28 years old and came to Eugene from Ketchikan, Alaska. He has been homeless for the past 2 years. He was cautious with me even though he agreed with what I was doing. His freedom was all he wanted. I said that freedom was like water, it flows around and through objects till it finds its home, he nodded and said that's right. When I asked for a close-up shot he said to take a picture of him walking away. And I did.

Now 54 years old, Mr. Gonzalez has been homeless for 5 years. He told me that he was bitten by a Brown Recluse spider and as a result had the lower part of his right leg amputated. He also suffered other complications from the bite. He sometimes has a radio playing Mexican music. While I was speaking with Mr. Gonzalez a few people cheerfully greeted him. It is always good to have kind words sent ones way.

This is Rod. He is 57 years old and has been homeless since 2002. I asked why such a long time and he told me this story. In 2002 both his parents died within a short  time of each other. His wife divorced him and he lost his job. Those are life altering events. He was also struck by a vehicle and had his hip replaced and a rod placed in his leg. It set him back 2 years. He is able to sleep in a church at night and do odd jobs now and then. His spirits seemed good. We shook hands and he said God bless you as I went on my way.

This is Mike and Tessa. Tessa was very quiet, but Mike liked too talk. He came here 2 years ago from Wichita, Kansas. He was surprised and shocked when he discovered he could not find affordable housing. He now resides at the Mission on a limited basses. Not an ideal situation. Mike says that the small house projects being built in gifted and unused city lots are helping people transition from the streets. It's the best solution, he says, It helps people feel safe and allows the residents self respect and responsibility. Mike says It's not for everyone, because not everyone wants help.  

This is Mark. He told me that he was homeless in Medford for 1.5 years and now here for 2 years. He was very present and aware of his environment. He said he was a master of finding places to sleep at night, pointing out spots to me right there from the street corner. He told me that he is an advocate for the homeless, being one himself, and that he has had discussions with the head of police. "I'm a numbers man" he said. "There are 1,800 homeless in town. The Mission and other shelters hold about 600 individuals. That means 1,200 people have to find someplace to sleep each night." I look at him and could only open my eyes wide and say "WOW".

A positive outcome. Known as the Bottle Twins these brothers, who were homeless at one point, now make a living collecting and depositing cans and bottles at 10 cents per item. They are supported by the neighborhood as they coordinate  their travels with recycling pickup. They are at it day after day, year round, and in all types of weather. They now have an income and a better life.

Some homeless people have addictions. Bear informed me that he and his brother are alcoholics. Bear (with sign) kept showing me his shaking hands (withdrawal he told me) and asked for me to by them beer. I bought them food instead......Bear says he was homeless in Seattle for 4 years before finding his way here where he has been on the streets for another 4 years. He does not like shelters because he says they are dirty and stuff gets stolen. They both looked very, very rough. This situation is a reality. Bear turns 36 on December 21.

This is Doug. He is a 58 year old veteran from Chicago who is homeless and living here the past 2 years. His military service disability was disrupted and his only option was to use local charities inorder to find food and nightly shelter. He is hopeful that his disability will be reestablished soon. Doug said it was a 20 to 80 percent chance that it will be reinstated. I smiled and said I was sure it would be 85 percent in his favor. We both smiled and shook hands.

BUSKING is defined as playing music or otherwise perform for voluntary donations in the street or subways. This fellow sang country western songs. He had a fine voice and played the guitar well. I don't know his situation, but when he turned around I waved and he smiled and waved back. I don't know if he was homeless. Maybe he  just needed extra money for whatever reason. We all seem to need money. It is a fact. Tomorrow when I go to the library I will drop a dollar or two into his guitar case.

I came upon these folks sitting, talking and sharing food in an alleyway while on a walk downtown. I asked for permission (I always do) to take their photo. After they asked me few questions the answer was yes. They did not offer their names nor did I ask how they came to be in this situation. The woman highlighted was affectionately rubbing her dogs head and told me, In a loving voice, that her dogs name was Princess. I felt that Princess was her heart string.

Zy Force is the name of this kind hearted person. He was homeless himself for a short while and was able to get up on his feet with the help of others. He now makes a modest living as a Bicycle Taxi. As well as using his Bicycle Taxi for work he fills it with donated food on specific days and does not go home till he has dispersed all of his goods. Zy was doing just that when I met him. He also helps distribute Burritos with a local and successful Burrito Brigade that helps feed anyone in need. A very nice person giving back to his community. Inspiring to say the least. Peace Out!

Homelessness. Tough place to be and many people are living in this reality. Also, many people are only a pay check away from having to live on the streets.... I met Pam at this camp site on the sidewalk next to the road in front of a church. As I spoke with her she shared a bit of her life on the street. I asked if I could take her picture but she does not think she is photogenic but allowed me to take her picture as she stood behind the sign. She has been homeless for two years and said she does not want to conform to social rules. With a sweep of her arm to the tents she told me that this is her family now.

I am interested in the juxtaposition of noun's (people, places or things). This is our feral cat Shadow in the herb garden. It took years before we won her trust and she now lives a good life. She has us trained as other cat lovers will understand....Peace out!

This is the first of an exciting new series. I'm jazzed up about this one and as I add to this collection over the coming weeks I hope to work my way into important social issues. The one at the forefront of my heart and mind is homelessness. Tough place to be for families and individuals. I hope to humanize this social condition just a bit. It will help me....This is a Flicker feeding on the suet holder.  A beautiful bird.

I am pulled towards nature. These Birch trees set in the Olympic Peninsula drew my attention by the serenity they created in my mind and heart. As I sit at my computer and work with the photo I am transported back to the moment. This is the joy I receive. Peace Out!

As we age we can choose to be strong like the boughs of a tree i.e., flexible, bending, stretching to the skies and staying strong through the winds and storms of life. But also graceful and beautiful in the calm days of life by the wisdom we have earned through trial and error and by the love of others. Peace Out!!

A Circus Act!!

I always seem to be drawn to a photo. There has to be something going on either in my mind or my gut that says "take the picture". The dynamics of these two photos speaks of times past and present, i.e., the wood industry. The curing and drying of wood has not changed in hundreds of years. The muscle of the process is visible pouring forth from the stacks. Today we have better industrial filters for this industry and over time this photographic image will be antiquated. I hope! Peace Out.

I was recently at the Oregon coast, beautiful place, and the dynamics of the ocean waves kissing the shore was romantic. The movement of the waves were inspiring and inviting. The color of the water was deep and rough. It was an environment that I only wished to view and not physically enter. I hope this photo creates a story, a feeling for you. Peace Out!

A Woman walking down the street. The sun casts a shadow of a tree spreading across the building. A simple day with a slight twist. I always appreciate a surreal angle with a cartoonish pinch. Reminds me of my childhood and all the comics I read. Loved them. If you can, enjoy the sidewalks of your cities and towns. Peace Out!
If any of my viewers have any questions, opinions, or just want to share ideas you can start a conversation at johntaskerart@gmail.com 

In my backyard I have lots of gravel and strategically placed cement squares covering the yard because we get lots of rain and this helps to keep our feet dry. The gravel and cement squares are monochromatic. The cement squares grew into  nice green mossy islands. So I decided to dress up the gravel by doing a bit of this and that. I'm pleased with my new backyard. Moonshine, sunshine we all shine!!Peace Out.

A wide variety of images will continue as I gather snapshots of of anything and everything that pops up and says "Take my picture". Kidding aside, the above image was originally found on a city street and as it spoke to me, I spoke back. This image reminds me a bit of the 1950's early 60's art scene. Just a feeling. Enjoy your day on the planet. Peace Out 

When my inspirational strings pull me in a direction, I know that I must follow and, as always, a positive learning experience awaits me. So now, for the time being, I will move away from the photo montages that I have been creating and focus more on my visual intuition within a single image. The single image will create a challenge and with the artistic tools at my disposal, I hope to create a story line, a feeling, a birds eye view of my world. A world with a creative twist. As an example, the above photo  is a landscape with  a  tactile surface designed from a two dimensional image. This natural composition called to me and I responded. Not knowing exactly what the final image would be is the fun part. I will try and bring social content, environmental landscapes and abstract images with an existential twist to the viewer. I enjoy the journey. My flight of fancy has few rules other than to follow the end of my nose. Have a wonderful, safe and happy day. Peace Out.