Seeing it Through
The idea of having a photographic project, or posting photos from a "series" has always intrigued me,
suggesting to me a discipline so sorely lacking in my chaotic rambling, snaps of snatch and grab from
wherever I happen to be. I shall sort them out one day, there are potential projects lurking in the
archives but then confusion and the familiar "who am I kidding?" feelings trickle through to reassert
themselves and before I know it, I am back out on the streets shooting here, there and everywhere. Again.
However, in all my time out there I have found a regular place of comfort, refuge, contemplation and
companionship in the misunderstood art of aloneness. Somewhere that never changes, so much so that it is
akin to stepping back in time to 1979. No hipster frappes, no soft lounge/mood music and plenty of change
out of a five dollar note. Just coffee or tea and a donut for me with a window to the world passing by.
In the company of strangers to the soundtrack of an FM station playing all the hits. I feel as though
I am sitting in a Stephen Shore photograph but really I am only sitting in a wipe down laminate, formica
Dunkin Donuts but, for some twisted illogical thread which perhaps goes back to my childhood (don't they
all!) I feel as though I am in heaven!
And so from the heavenly heights that are the depths of the sociological realities of passing time I am
so excited to announce a PROJECT - The Lost Art of Aloness. Otherwise known as The View from Dunkin Donuts.
To be continued . . .
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It sounds like an exciting and positive initiative. I look forward to “reading” each chapter of that photo project.
Best of luck!
Thank you so much Marcelo for your encouragement!
ASll together they are a serie, a serie of photograps taken by Patty.. When youy have three photo’s you might think of how to put them together.. But if you have thousends, they are a serie all together.
Thank you Han for this! Rest assured I shall not be inflicting thousands of anything upon anyone!
Ah, the sanctuary of a doughnut shop from which to espy the outside world. I have a cinnamon apple please.
See you there Carl!
wow – the black & white image is incredible, than the content of this blog is wonderful!
Thank you so much Mihran, lovely to hear from you!
Whoo-hoo! Fabulous, Patti, and you’ve just written the perfect intro to your photo book collection of the above title(s).
I love your excitement Pierr, thank you thank you!
🙂 ‘The Lost Art of Aloneness’. Looking forward, Patti.
All alone together, thank you Harrie!
Hey, I’m looking forward to seeing these images! This monochrome one is great, love the light… 🙂
Thank you Sue, always fun to catch the light! 🙂
Good luck with your project, looking forward to seeing more images. Btw, great shot above!
You are very kind, thank you so much Mark!
Yes, it is a lost art. A great photo though! What is in his beaker?. Do doughnuts now come liquid or is it a nourishing lentel soup that the bearded man is is drinking?.
He’s drinking either tea, coffee or hot chocolate . . . . I thought it was enough to take his photo without interrupting his peace. Plenty of glazed donuts shots to come!
Fantastic! Wonderful shot to kick off with. Looking forward to more, Patti.
Careful what you wish for Richard, thank you!
Oh wonderful, Patti! A nice framework for a series. We look forward to each installation!
Thank you so much DW, I’m looking at it as a lifetime project!
Great image and idea for a series Patti 🙂 Can’t wait for more.
Thank you Joe, shall do my best to keep the donuts coming!
I’m with Joe, who seems to be sitting on my head right now!
You make a fine pair, thank you Emilio!
A project that evokes such emotion (from such an unprepossessing location 🙂 ), is bound to fascinate us all, Patti – as did this wonderful opening shot, with those stark contrasts, textures and angles. Great start! 🙂
Meredith, thank you ever so much for the breakdown, thoroughly appreciate it and trust all ok with you! 🙂
Mindfulness Trish I shall hope to attend your first photo essay exhibition perhaps you shall have room for a dusty PR to spin your fable
That’s so good to hear, thank you Dianna and I very confidence you have no need to dust yourself down at all, you still have it!
Excitement is in the air. And what better place to conduct your project! I will really look forward for that to come.
Sometimes I think the sprinkles on the donuts are the most exciting elements of DD but it’s getting under all the layers . . . thank you Angeline!
You got it right, Patti! It is a powerful, serene, joyous art. I look forward to your reveries and rambles!
Rambles aplenty Annie!
This is brilliant, Patti!
I have a feeling you are going to have some fun with this :>)
Pat, I shan’t let the hard work of this project get in the way of having some fun! 🙂
nice portrait and light 🙂
Thank you kind Joshi!
Interesting shot, uplifting considerations…
Thank you so much Alessandro!
Great shot Patti…….working in themes is a very powerful way to develope your art.
Thank you Burgess, that is so encouraging!
The view from Dunkin Donuts – I experienced that many years ago in Chicago. I guess it’s still the same today. I look forward to the series (snatch ‘n grab is a series too, you know).
Great shot Patti.
Lignum, I’m sure the one in Chicago hasn’t changed and I expect if Joe Buck were to come back to NYC as an old Midnight Cowboy he wouldn’t notice much change either!
I will be keeping my eye on it 🙂 Aloneness – I like that word, and I like this photo, a view through poorly wiped window – the smudges in the window pane seem like continuation of smoke from the steaming coffee cup 🙂 (lovely light on his beard )
Thank you Paula! I am keen to make the distinction between loneliness and the state of being alone – God only knows how many photos there might be of me out there, sitting on my own, round shoulders, rough hair, staring into space with kind, caring comments being made about the state of isolation, civilization etc etc . . .
I know this feeling so well, Patti!
Good luck with your project! It sounds really fascinating and the image is simply brilliant!
You are very kind, thank you so much Anette!
I have always seen “series” when I look at your work. You capture the lifeblood of places and their people. That said, I love the new concept and the the first image!
Thrilled to read your comment, thank you so very much Elena!
I LOVE this idea and look forward to your series. I’d rather hang out in the formica table cheap coffee kinds of places rather than hipster latte smooth jazz joints any day. I always enjoy your photos, not everything needs to be rigidly organized to be interesting. Au contraire.
The formica has a wipe-down cosiness all its own doesn’t it! Thank you Julie and yes, I agree with you about the rigid organisation although I would be happy with a smidgin of it!
Google couldn’t translate for me, then suggested “Aloneness” …
for sure you took your focus on an interesting topic!
Wow Frizz, this is so moderne, contemporary and artistic! Wait till I show you the picture I took of the DD poster for the Thanksgiving Ice Cream Turkey Cake. You know you want one!
I’m sure your project will be interesting for us to view and an incredible exciting experience for you. Great idea, great photo to start, waiting to see what comes next! Forza!
robert
PS: special excellent use of the light in your photo, brava!
Thank you so much Robert for your support. Am working away quietly on this project . . . . As for the light, it seemed to burst through the panels. It also helps that almost everyone who sits down at a Dunkin Donut store is in a self-induced coma. I speak from personal experience!
Can totally relate to chaotic ramblings but I do think your Aloneness/DD project is stellar. Looking forward to following as it unfolds, Patti. And thanks for your visits, likes and comments on my blog.
Always a pleasure to catch up with you Ruth and thank you so much for kind words. If/when back in NYC, you know where to find me!
There is a story and some mystery here…
…brilliant picture!
Coming from the master of visual mystery, thank you so much indeed Rabirius!
A project. How cool is that, Patti. I am intrigued and excited for you. And yet at the same time your photography has that kind of evocative sense to it all along so you are already well on your way. Looking forward to more.
Just please always ensure that your work is backed up!
Thank you Kris for kind words and company. And the back-up reminder! Hope you are back up and running!
i am back up, and at it again, thanks Patti. my laptop is back up and running indeed. and while not all images survived, many were salvaged and i am thankful for everyone of those. 🙂
Beautiful, creative work, timeless and silent. We love how the face and body emerges from the shadows.
I am so touched, thank you Tim for your kind words!
Patti, to me your work is absolutely YOU, there is always a style and series feel, I’d always spot your photographs in the feed – I’m certain most “series” occur after the fact anyhow – though I really do love the sound of this..look forward to seeing it grow! I’ve said before, but I also really love when you write, so atmospheric, and would really like to read more. In short…you are fabulous! 😉
Wow, Cath, such an overwhelming and generous comment for which I thank you SO much!!
Very evocative Patti. You often strike a chord which resonates – with your words and pictures. Understated and lots left for us to feel and perceive.
I love your suggestion of “understated” – thank you so much Philippa!
Beautiful image Patti. Some occupations complement one another, but are very different in their essence. A series like this… a study of aloneness would be powerful. And I think it would be well worth the effort. But there is always that tug of war between working at the essence, and organizing a project for sharing with others. Maybe you could set aside one day a week, just to organize your work… and develop different series or associations for display. I am sure you would enjoy the results, even if the work itself would be less rewarding.
Thank you Shimon for your most valuable suggestion regarding the organization process not to mention your wonderful words of encouragement!
oh I love that idea Patti, especially since I am a bit of a loner myself! And you are off to a great start here…love the light and the steam coming from his cup! I look forward to seeing more! (DD has the best coffee, in my opinion)
Another comrade in aloneness, all of us here together! 🙂
Great things will come of this. I am predicting.
(Do look again at Edward Hopper’s painting, Nighthawks.)
Judith, so many of those iconic diner spots, and dive bars, are closing down but dust has to have somewhere to settle where we are not in the way! Always so lovely to hear from you and big, big thank you!
Photography beyond the family album is all about purpose. I think we’ve both bitten the street bug over time. My current photography is driven by transport and football. They’re projects in themselves, albeit somewhat long ones. Picking something more finite seems like a good idea. Good luck with your project 🙂
Thank you Martin and all best to you for your current work! The streets are all I have to work with (this is not a complaint!), or rather it’s where my comfort zone is, but something about the DD seemed to pull it together. At least in my thoughts! As for family photography, well, I did once upon a time think of that as a project but the withering looks eventually wore me down . . . .
I like the sound of ‘Aloneness’. Judging by this post, it promises to be exciting Patti…can’t wait for the rest 🙂
Hoping to make the state of alone as exciting as possible! Thank you Madhu!
Great start, love the contrast and feel to it! Looking forward to your first series
Greetings,
Ron
Thank you Ron, the series is in development!
I love this one Patti. What fantastic start to this series.
Thank you so much Beth, now to follow through . . . .
Beautiful, both your thoughts and the photo! I love the atmosphere that you’ve captured! What a great project Patti! 🙂
You are very kind, thank you Elina!
Interesting reflection, and definitely take on the project; you won’t regret it.
Your comment means so much, grateful thanks to you Alan!
Perhaps, his deep thoughts are his companion but so private he seems alone. Your photo is saying so much … love it!!
Thank you so much for your thoughts Issy!
Project DD sounds the very thing Patti . I see a soul preoccupied in thoughts …and an elongated question mark within his facial outline .. a very intriguing image !
Love what you see, thank you Poppy!
I look forward to more – but hey Patti, NO PRESSURE! I know well the distractable mind! 🙂 (That’s another great photo there!)