Asian Archery - Japan and Korea

Japanese Kyudo Practitioner, by Reed A. George

Panasonic DMC-G1, Pana-Leica 45mm f2.8 Macro-Elmarit Lens

iso 400, f2.8, 1/50 sec.

 

Japanese archery, known as kyudo, has been practiced in Japan since prehistory. It first shows up in art a few hundred years B.C. No longer a part of military weaponry, kyudo in Japan is a contemplative art form, as well as a sport.

 

I found a related post on Walter Ulreich's blog, in his case writing about archery in Korea.

 

(Click Here) to see images of Korean archery, both today, and in some photojournalist's photos Walter found from 1961. Very cool.

 

Ulreich's blog reports the following:

 

"In the year 1894 bows were excluded from military use, but Emperor Gojong gave command to use archery for the cultivation of mind and body of the Korean people. As a result of that command, the Hwanghakjeoung pavilion was built in the Royal Palace and opened to the public. It is said, that Emperor Gojong personally enjoyed archery and often visited Hwanghakjeoung."

So, it seems that archery has made a similar transition from warfare into mental and physical concentration exercise in Korea, as it did in Japan.

 

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Twin Lens Coffee Shop in Korea

Quick post today. My friends Charlie and Bill sent me this funny little piece of photographic fun.

Image Source: http://petapixel.com/2014/03/29/coffee-shop-south-korea-shaped-like-rolleiflex-camera/

 

Now there's a place I'd like to sit and have a cup of coffee. Apparently, they don't open until 11AM, so I'll have to remember that if I'm ever in South Korea and want to have breakfast in a twin lens reflex (TLR) camera-shaped coffee shop.

 

(Click Here) to read a little more about this on Petapixel.

 

I think it's interesting how certain forms stick with us and find application in unpredicted ways. I've seen restaurants made from boats and train cars, both iconic shapes that people have interest in. I suppose if you're going to make one from a camera, the TLR is the way to go. Basically a rectangular box, the TLR offers a very traditional interior layout. If it weren't for the two big porthole windows, you may forget that you're inside a camera.

 

DMC-365.blogspot.com

 

 

 

My First Results of "Dreaming in Monochrom(e)" - War Memorials in the Rain

I've decided to try and emulate a Leica Monochrom in analog form, using my Leica M4-2 and TMax films.

 

(Click Here) to see what I am planning. I understand the differences and limitations in this comparison.

 

Here is my first installment of images for the project. I don't normally go in for photographing the monuments in DC, but on this particular morning, I thought being out in the driving rain and seeing the few visitors hearty enough to be out in it was worthwhile. It turned out to be a good set of conditions for photographing the Korean and Vietnam War memorials, and led me to think carefully about war.

 

One theme that kept coming up in my mind is the notion that "Freedom isn't free." I must admit that I don't fully understand that notion. It's like saying "Happiness doesn't make you happy" to me. Let me be crystal clear: I come from a family with significant veteran experience and respect that service very highly. On the other hand, I basically despise war and all that it entails. How's that for conflicted? Anyway, here are my impressions from that rainy morning walk amongst the names on the wall, and the terribly expressive faces on the statues of Korean War soldiers.

Vietnam Memorial

 

Korean War Memorial

 

All images were made with the Leica M4-2, 35mm Summicron f2 v.3, and TMax 400 film. Processed in typical excellent fashion by The Darkroom (thedarkroom.com).

 

DMC-365.blogspot.com

 

Moon Hoon House - A Virtual "Artist Date" Study in Design

I'm pretty disciplined about some things in my life, writing included. I write every day here on my blog. I also write a journal every day. In four years, I have not missed two consecutive days of writing.

 

Today, I'm just uninspired by photographic equipment and recent images in the sites I follow. I need something different.

 

So, I decided to take a virtual "Artist Date." One of my inspirations for me beginning the writing life was the excellent book by Julia Cameron, The Artist's Way. The book is really worth reading, but boils down to two areas of focus - "Morning Pages" and "Artist Dates." Morning pages consist of writing three pages in a journal, long-hand (as in with a pen) every morning. Artist dates are roughly one hour diversions, by yourself, to explore something creative that is outside your primary interest area. I have been religious about writing every day, less so about artist dates. So, when I literally couldn't find anything photographic to write about this morning, I decided to do an artist date virtually.

 

A quick search in Feedsy led me to some design-related sites. Here's the most interesting thing I found - a wild custom home in Korea:

 

Image Source: http://www.yatzer.com/conan-house-by-moon-hoon

 

A really cool characteristic is the stairway - open, non-uniform spacing and arrangement, it's one of the "playful architecture" features of the house.

 

 

 

 

Image Source: http://www.yatzer.com/conan-house-by-moon-hoon

 

I could live in a place like this. Weird, but certainly not dull.

 

(Click Here) to read more about the house.

 

I'm sure you didn't come to my blog this morning to read about a custom house in Korea. Sometimes I have to go off a little, just to keep my own interest up. Design is a great subject to study, to keep things churning in your creative mind. When you think of a house, you probably think of the square with a triangular roof on top, like you draw as a child. This house design challenges that, making it something to explore. It is also a little disorienting, giving a feeling of instability. Instability can be good.

 

Thanks for taking a look. Try Julia Cameron's book (Amazon link below). It may stimulate you to think a little differently.

 

DMC-365.blogspot.com