Spring

This is the second annual posting of photographs of children in honor of spring.

Here's to new life, a fresh start, and new beginnings...

Nicholas Nixon, Covington, KY, 1982

Jacques Henri Lartigue, Dani, 1922

Emmet Gowin, Nancy, 1967

David Trainer, Untitled, 1991

Colin Jones

Benoit Aquin: Chinese Dust Bowl

Montreal photographer Benoit Aquin's photography explores the perils of our contemporary world, especially focusing on human actions and issues with the environment.

His subjects have included Indonesian and Sri Lankans affected by the 2004 Tsunami, Inuit hunters in the Arctic as they struggle with the warming of their frozen surroundings, and surviving Central American victims of noxious effects from pesticides used in the 1970s-80s.

The following images are from his series, Chinese Dust Bowl.

Currently in China, massive acreage of formerly useful land is becoming barren desert at a devastating rate. Deserts now cover almost 20% of China, mostly caused by the human exploitation of arable land. This current dust bowl is comparable to the North American dust bowl of the 1930s.

The dust, picked up by the wind, has given these photographs a palette that draws the viewer into a desperate situation in a subdued and soothing way. The landscapes seem magical and otherworldly. Though one is confronted with an inherent heartbreak, these are quiet images, from which haunting beauty inspires a sense of awe.

Compact Spaces: Christine Hill and Andrea Zittel

As some of you may know, I am about to move from Los Angeles to New York, with a short pit-stop in my hometown of Memphis, TN. To prepare for the huge move across the country I have been packing up my worldly possessions (books; artworks - mine, others', framed, flat, rolled; sewing, knitting & art supplies; books; bedding; spring and summer wardrobe-as is suitable all year round in LA; more books) and coordinating for the transport of these said items.

As I struggle with the complications and burdens of owning stuff I am attracted to a simpler way of life. I have been recently intrigued by Andrea Zittel's compartments and Chritine Hill's trunks.

Andrea Zittel

Andrea Zittel

If only it was so simple to own next to nothing and to have all the basic necessities for living; an apartment and all the tools and clothes needed for your career; all folding neatly into an oversized suitcase. You can basically fit these under the plane on your next flight to anywhere!

Christine Hill

Christine Hill

Change is hard because of the difficultly in giving up comfort in order to jump into the dark waters of the unknown. Though I admit that my possessions are important to me, I think change would be somewhat easier if it wasn't for the 2000 lb crate full of stuff hanging on when you jump.