Chicago Poetry Center Opens

I took these photos a little over a month ago, but I've been in production mode so not a lot has gotten off of my computer or into the developing tank.

This is the Chicago Poetry Foundation's new headquarters just a few blocks from my house at 61 W Superior. It was designed by architect John Ronan who teaches at my school. He's been getting some excellent stuff built in the area and this is no exception.

Here are some other articles about the building: 1 , 2 , 3

The screening is made of zinc so it should both last forever (it's what they make galvanizing out of) and get somewhat lighter over the years.

Lots of levels and nooks, a cat would love this place.

Entrance courtyard.

Finnish birch (?) plywood shiplap corner.

The scoring in the concrete continues inside much like Mies buildings.

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"If you want to really hurt your parents, and you don't have the nerve to be gay, the least you can do is go into the arts. I'm not kidding. The arts are not a way to make a living. They are a very human way of making life more bearable. Practicing an art, no matter how well or badly, is a way to make your soul grow, for heaven's sake. Sing in the shower. Dance to the radio. Tell stories. Write a poem to a friend, even a lousy poem. Do it as well as you possibly can. You will get an enormous reward. You will have created something." - Kurt Vonnegut from A Man Without a Country

These are two 8x10 gelatin-silver prints I just made of the Art Institute's south garden last winter. It's quite possibly my favorite garden in the city.

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"I believe in Spinoza's God who reveals himself in the orderly harmony of what exists, not with a God who concerns himself with fates and actions of human beings." - Albert Einstein

I really like Nietzsche, but even after reading a biography and two of his books I still don't feel comfortable saying that I know much about his work. So I ordered 5 or 6 more of his books. We'll see if that helps. Nietzsche was a great admirer of Spinoza and his writings. Which is rare, Nietzsche basically hates on everyone. Anyways, at least read Spinoza's wiki. He had some really original and interesting ideas.

This is a photograph by Henri Cartier-Bresson that is currently on display at the Art Institute of Chicago.

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"Opinion often consists of a kind of criticism. But criticism can come out of love." - Robert Frank

It's reassuring to know that my chronic condescension (or so all my friends say) comes out of love.

I found that quote at the Art Institute today by all the photography in the basement. This last photo is from the American section of the museum. It's probably my favorite spot to just sit and relax in Chicago. It's quiet but in that museum kind of way, plus its naturally lit and you're surrounded by comfy cast iron benches and some of the best statues in the world.

A Date with Myself

This has been the first week I can remember since I was a freshman in college that I haven't had or wanted a girlfriend. It is a bit depressing sometimes though, so I thought I'd go out on a date with myself... It's something I came up with a while ago. The deal is you pick something that usually only couples do. For example go to a movie then go out to dinner by yourself. Think of how hilarious that is. Now I know, that seems impossible, but it isn't. You just pick a time, dress up more than normal, and go do something fun. And of course take lots of photos to commemorate the occasion. Today's date took me to The Art Institute of Chicago.

So I grabbed some coffee (I rarely drink this brew so it has more of an effect on me than my other vices) and headed north on Michigan Ave. The museum has changed a lot since last time I was there. Maybe 3 months ago? Their photography exhibit changes a lot, and this time it was really really good. It's the best I've seen in a long time. There's also some new Italian sketches (my favorite) right by the statues of the Bodhisattvas.

I guess I didn't dress up.

Alexander Gardner.

Gilles Peress.

Front of the A.I. looking north.

The walk down Michigan Ave. is quite pretty.