In Our Path In the 1980s and 1990s I photographed the building of the Century Freeway, or as it's more commonly called, I-105 in Los Angeles. Running east from LAX this was one of the last freeways to be constructed in the state's regional master plan (although there were many additional freeways proposed and many where completion was still in limbo). A seven year court injunction was filed by homeowners, the NAACP, and the Sierra Club in the early 1980s to stop construction of this freeway. It was during this time I began to photograph. In the early 1990s, with the injunction lifted and construction resuming, I was commissioned to rephotograph the area by the public interest law firm which handled the litigation for the homeowners. This public works project is significant because, for the first time, government money was mandated by the court for replenishment housing for those who were dislocated and for training programs for women and minorities within the freeway corridor. Both series are included in this Web site, along with a group of historical photographs of Southern California freeways from photo collections now housed at the Los Angeles Public Library.
posted to Projects by Taken Outtacontext at 11:01 AM on March 23, 2008

Eye Level: The Smithsonian's First Blog I wanted to let you know about a project I've been working on for about six months: Eye Level, the blog for the Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM). It's one of just a few museums forging new ground with new media (and the Smithsonian's first blog!). Today's the official launch and I hope you'll check it out (and check in frequently).

When the Smithsonian American Art Museum reopens its renovated historic main building in July 2006, it will be a showcase for American art that celebrates this nation's vision and creativity. SAAM's blog Eye Level is part of the museum's continuing effort to explore the stories central to the American experience and to search for what connects Americans today.

Using the museum's collection as a touchstone, the conversation at Eye Level will center on the ways in which the nation's art connects to its history and culture. The discussion will extend beyond works at the Smithsonian American Art Museum to include other collections, exhibitions, and events.

Eye Level presents an extraordinary collaboration among curators, conservators, historians, enthusiasts, critics, designers, and of course bloggers-all participants in the story of American art.

posted to Projects by Taken Outtacontext at 7:40 AM on November 28, 2005