Organic Chemistry

2010-10-05T20:11:00.001-07:00

This blog has moved.

Sun, Moon

2010-08-03T00:27:00.000-07:00

Summer Prints

2010-07-08T10:54:00.000-07:00

Summer is finally here! To celebrate, I would like to make available any print from my portfolio. Here's the deal:

You can purchase any print from my website or blog. The 8x10 artist proofs will cost $20 and that includes shipping. Please email details including what print you would like, where to ship, and contact information. In return, i will send you information to make a PayPal payment. If anyone is interested in trading prints, I will gladly consider this as an option.

Happy summer!

My Fourth of July

2010-07-05T18:29:00.000-07:00

First Photo

2010-06-07T12:29:00.000-07:00

This was the first snap of my shutter for the week. I was volunteering with my son's fourth grade class on a field trip where the kids traveled a mock Oregon Trail. I saw this reflection in the water at the beginning of the trip.

With Longer Days Ahead

2010-05-25T00:53:00.000-07:00

The views are shifting with the season.

The absent portrait

2010-04-06T17:18:00.001-07:00

I think this picture needs a body...

Recent Film Scans

2010-04-02T17:05:00.001-07:00

Updated!

2010-04-01T22:21:00.000-07:00

I just added the 2008 project "Living Within Limits: A Collaboration With Nature" to my website. Please check it out. Also, if you are interested in the self-published book, you can find it here.

So...

2010-03-26T00:24:00.000-07:00

I took a picture of George Foreman tonight.

Found Gem

2010-02-24T22:14:00.000-08:00

I was going through the archives tonight and found this image. I love finding little gems like this. I wonder why it didn't catch my attention earlier?

Lacking Expression

2010-02-23T00:03:00.000-08:00

Things have been busy lately. I am in a complicated place and, for many reasons, have not been able to express myself through photography the way I once did. It's a nothing more than a lull. I'm quite sure of it. Many things are going on with my family and in me. Fortunately, I have been able to collect a few thoughts over the past several weeks. It was nice to work on some fresh scans tonight. Despite not shooting as much as I would like as of late, I have captured some of the things I DO want to say...and they follow.

A Mother's Response

2010-02-01T16:04:00.000-08:00

I just finished reading a fantastic post on Ian Aleksander Adams' blog about his mother's response to his project Gray Days. Ian consistently has engaging content on his blog, but this particular post opens the door for so much interesting discussion about photography and art as it relates to the resulting intentions and reception. Also, the relationships that affected or influenced by or because of the art, not to mention the relationships inspiring the work in the first place. It is an excellent read and I highly recommend it. I also invite discussion based around this post. I would love to hear your thoughts.

All Images © Ian Aleksander Adams Gray Days

Starting off 2010 the right way...

2009-12-31T13:32:00.000-08:00

...drum roll...

Finally, I have taken the time and effort to get all of my work into one place;

shawngust.com

Thanks to the encouragement and advice of some close friends and a kick in the butt by Kirk Mastin, I have produced a bona fide website. I thought the eve of a new decade would be a great time to make the announcement...

Have safe and pleasant New Year's celebrations and while nursing that hangover, stop by and check out the new site.

2009-12-07T10:26:00.000-08:00

Images © Keliy Anderson-Staley

Besides offering amazing photography through print and downloadable format, Daylight Magazine has some very nice multimedia projects from talented story tellers on their site. I like "Off the Grid" by Keliy Anderson-Staley. I look forward to seeing new multimedia projects as well photographic features and collaboratives from Daylight Mag.

pause | to begin books now available!

2009-12-02T07:21:00.000-08:00

In an email from Ethan and David this morning a very exciting announcement was made regarding their project, pause | to begin.

"We are thrilled to announce that the Pause, to Begin Catalogue Edition Books are now on sale through our publisher Booksmart Studio. The beautiful hardbound catalogue (color, 108 pages) accompanies the Pause, to Begin exhibition held at Booksmart Studio from January 2–30, 2009, and is limited to 500 copies. The remarkable catalogue showcases the work of the 15 selected photographers, as well as statements on photography and the creation of Pause, to Begin by founders Ethan Jones and David Wright; advisors John Paul Caponigro and Joyce Tenneson; juror Cig Harvey; and editorial director Susan Morelock. Purchase the book here."

I have included a preview from each photographer below.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-26T08:26:00.001-08:00

Eat, drink, and enjoy your company today!
Photo Courtesy the Library of Congress Archives

Kirk and Robin's Wedding 4x5s

2009-11-21T17:39:00.000-08:00

MIsc

2009-11-21T12:05:00.001-08:00

Prairie Grid . Rathdrum, Idaho . 2009

Elk Scull . Copper Creek . 2009

Car Seat . 2009

Bob . Copper Creek . 2009

2009-11-16T22:29:00.000-08:00

I just read a beautiful post by Shen Wei.

2009-11-16T10:25:00.000-08:00

Ian . Coeur d'Alene . 2009

Dreamboats Collective

2009-11-05T09:39:00.000-08:00

I had an email the other day from Daniel Shea announcing the launch of a new agency called Dreamboats Collective. Here is an intro from his newsletter about the project:

"Dreamboats Collective is a new photography agency, founded and run by its members, featuring the work of Adam Golfer, Joe Leavenworth, TJ Proechel, and Daniel Shea. We intend to add to the growing disambiguation between working personally and working editorially. As a collective, we are focused on creating a self-sustaining network of distribution and support for the creation of new photographic works."

© Joe Leavenworth

© Daniel Shea

©TJ Proechel

© Adam Golfer

Their concept here is an important one to me as I have personally struggled a bit in keeping up with my art while working to survive. It is always refreshing, and inspiring, when a new effort like this comes onto the scene.

In addition to encouraging the continued "creation of new photographic works," these guys will be offering limited edition prints at an affordable price. The launch is accompanied by an exhibit that opens tonight in New York. There are some damn fine photographs so far. Have a look!

Not even once

2009-11-03T22:27:00.000-08:00

did I think I could be the subject of such and image. I guess that makes it art.....

Orcas Island

2009-10-20T22:57:00.000-07:00

I went to Orcas Island in the San Juans off the coast of Washington state a few weeks ago to enjoy a weekend with some friends as they were married. Here are a few photos from that weekend.

Fresh Scans

2009-10-20T22:23:00.001-07:00

A few recent pics from hanging with my boys.

Car Sleeping . 2009

Sunset Over Fairgrounds . Coeur d'Alene . 2009

Tree Stump . Cataldo, Idaho . 2009

Rise of Fall

2009-09-24T12:40:00.000-07:00

As autumn begins, I have this longing to connect with the beautiful light that the season offers here in the Northwest. It'll be early mornings and the light of dusk that I hope to search out. Perhaps this is a good sign. I grabbed this shot last night out my passenger window while waiting at a red light on my way back to the newsroom from a swim meet.

Sunset and BMW . 2009

Collectable

2009-09-16T00:16:00.000-07:00

Blue Cadillac . 2008
From the series "the dream of becoming King"
© Shawn Gust

The above image is now available as a limited edition photograph over at 52 Editions beginning today. The image will be featured on the home page of the site for one week, and then will remain available permanently in the catalog area or until sold out. If you haven't checked out the site yet, go now. Among the participating artists to date are Matthew Brandt, Kristopher Stallworth, Seza Bali, and Paul Adams.

During the featured week, each edition of 275 is available at the amazing price of $45 unframed or $125 framed. Following the first seven days, the catalog price for an unframed print is $75. Collect me!

Nicholas Haggard

2009-09-13T12:13:00.000-07:00

Just found the work of Nicholas Haggard. His work seems to come from within personal relationships. At least that's what I take from it based on the characters portrayed throughout. Anyway, there are fantastic images in his portfolio. Have a look.

© Nicholas Haggard

© Nicholas Haggard

© Nicholas Haggard

© Nicholas Haggard

Via Ryan Pfluger

My summer

2009-09-01T00:05:00.000-07:00

A few from the fair

2009-08-28T10:47:00.000-07:00

Kid shooting at the county fair . 2009

Carnival worker juggling baseballs at the county fair . 2009

Fleeting Summer Magic

2009-08-25T11:28:00.001-07:00

(Untitled) . 2009

The summer seems as fleeting as the moment pictured above.

a pair from the lake

2009-08-21T23:09:00.001-07:00

Fathers and Sons

2009-08-17T16:36:00.000-07:00

I just received an email from David Bram over at Fraction announcing their current show Fathers and Sons, a group show curated by the wonderful Aline Smithson. Since having children, I personally have rediscovered the beauty of childhood through photographing my boys. Most of the images that I have made of my boys are the results of my reactions to moments that had rekindled some memory from my own childhood. There are some good photos in this set. Have a look!

© Byron Wolfe

Yes!

2009-08-05T15:11:00.000-07:00

Flak Photo and Facebook have made me a WINNER! (and not a ...)

Work

2009-07-27T13:39:00.000-07:00

This is the view right now from the window above my desk, the only window in the newsroom.

Summer Livin'

2009-07-21T12:57:00.001-07:00

On assignment last night, I went to photograph a rock climbing clinic in Post Falls. On the way I topped at a spot along the Spokane River just below the dam for some possible photo ops. Sure enough there were some kids sown there playing in a great little swimming hole. I snapped a few shots. Here are the two best.

© Shawn Gust 2009

© Shawn Gust 2009

2009-06-30T15:09:00.000-07:00

Prius . Lakeside Avenue . 2009

Buck Skin Shirt

2009-06-18T21:23:00.000-07:00

When I asked this guy his name after getting some photos of him, he asked:
"You took a picture of me in my buck skin shirt?!"

It was awesome!

Ken Smith . 4th Street . Coeur d'Alene . 2009

Three

2009-06-17T20:18:00.000-07:00

The Snake Pit or Enaville Resort . Coeur d'Alene River . Kingston . Idaho . 2009

River Outlet . Lake Coeur d'Alene . 2009

(Untitled) . 2009

Future of Newspapers

2009-06-16T12:43:00.000-07:00

Kirk has a pretty interesting post about the future of newspapers, which looks awfully bleak. Likely accurate, but bleak. I'm interested in what direction the industry will move in order to provide a reliable product, yet remain in the black fiscally. If this is even possible. What will the truly tenacious journalists do to continue working in their filed? A time of change and opportunity is at hand.

52 Editions

2009-06-16T10:53:00.000-07:00

First Light, First Day, Bonneville Raceway, Utah
© Paul Adams

Arnaud Gregori emailed a while back to inform me about a project he has been working on called 52 Editions. The site, which is now live, will offer a limited edition print from a different photographer each week. 8x10 editions of 275 will be available for $45, making art affordable for just about anyone. The first edition comes to you from Paul Adams. Give this project a look (here).

Update: Added links to Paul Adams Photography

2009-05-22T17:40:00.000-07:00

...takes a long time, but God dies too, but not before he'll stick it to you...

Local story goes NY

2009-05-12T21:19:00.000-07:00

Shot a few photos for the New York Daily News. You can see the article and photos here.

Foster Avenue

2009-04-16T08:19:00.000-07:00

(Untitled) . 2009

Fernan Lake

2009-04-16T08:15:00.001-07:00

White Orb . Fernan Lake . 2009

Ice and Orbs . Fernan Lake . 2009

All Images © Shawn Gust 2009

Shimmer & Shadow

2009-03-18T09:39:00.000-07:00

(Untitled) . 2009

© Shawn Gust 2009

On the Verge of Spring

2009-03-16T14:12:00.001-07:00

Shrub . Front Street . Coeur d'Alene . 2009

Izak in Alley . 2009

Mobiles . Coeur d'Alene . 2009

Ivy . 2009

All Images © Shawn Gust 2009

2009-03-02T16:16:00.000-08:00

Stuart Pilkington has his newest project off the ground and running. The 50 States Project is:

"The 50 States Project has brought together 50 photographers from across the USA.

Each photographer lives in one of the 50 States and during the year long project each photographer will represent the State where they live. Every two months each photographer will be sent an assignment by e-mail, they then have two months to produce one image in response. The images must represent both their style and the State in which they live."

The first assignment "people" seems to have been a success. This should be a great project and I encourage all of you to follow it throughout the year.

"Victoria and her dogs, Coldfoot, Alaska" © Ben Huff

"Laurin" © Maury Gortemiller

"Ice" © Katie Koti

Three New

2009-02-16T16:54:00.000-08:00

Kamrie . Coeur d'Alene . 2009

Weddings $65 . Coeur d'Alene . 2009

El Dorado Hood . Coeur d'Alene . 2009

2009-02-04T16:41:00.000-08:00

This photo is an outtake from a recent assignment. It makes a connection with me right here, right now.

Lucy Valentine in Raspberry Garden . Post Falls . 2009

2009-01-26T16:07:00.000-08:00

Subaru with Go-Kart . Coeur d'Alene . 2009

Feeling Landscape-y

2009-01-15T17:12:00.000-08:00

Two from the lake today.

© Shawn Gust 2008

© Shawn Gust 2008

Furthermore,

2009-01-14T10:10:00.000-08:00

A recent post I made about limited edition prints available has had little return. I am now asking for your support with this. As many of you know, I am part of the project Pause, to Begin. The fifteen photographers involved in the project, including myself, have recently shown their work in Rochester, NY. I was not able to make it, but it was a success according to those who did. Furthermore, I had a little trouble providing prints for the last show with short notice and the holidays on us at the time. But, with the help of David Wright, we made it happen. Now, there is another exhibit in the works and that is as much as I know at this point. I want to be more prepared. (Enter: Print Sale!)

Sapphire . 2008

With the purchase of a beautiful c-print, you will be helping an artist show his work properly and, if you'll recall, I will donate half of all proceeds to HREI and, of course, investing in a fine piece of artwork for your photographic collection.

I appreciate the knowledge, inspiration, and sense of community that I have experienced with the group of photographers around the country (and world) that I have come to know. I would like to thank you in advance for your support with this.

///I would also like to give a special thanks to Simon Ingall his purchase, the first, of "Moving Straw". It's on its way.///

It was a good morning.

2009-01-13T13:33:00.000-08:00

I went to work late today. Noon. This late morning offered some quality time with my son reading books and playing around the house. I love the curious nature of the wee ones.

\

Snowy, but Surely

2009-01-05T11:22:00.000-08:00

OK, so we've seen well over 100 inches (YES 100"!) of snow here in the last 20 days. It is still falling. I had a request to share some of the photos I've been taking of this stuff. Enjoy.

The pretty suff.

Mountain ash.

The garbage guys are having a hell of a time. Both of these guys have the same name, by the way. Steve Bowen

Yes, that is a car burried in snow on the left.

Snow blower sales are through the roof!

The kids love it.

This girl is digging her car out of snow to get ready for work.

Welcome to a snowy hell. Actually, I don't mind it a bit.

Sidewalks are closed.

Snow makes people do weird things.

Push!

Limited Edition Print Sale

2008-12-29T16:31:00.000-08:00

I've decided to make some limited edition prints available here on the blog. I am offering five 11x14 prints in editions of 25. The prints are from a project I worked on last winter with the Human Rights Education Institute that is titled "Living Within Limits: A Collaboration with Nature". We here in North Idaho have had over 80 inches of snow in the last two weeks and I am feeling like these images are an appropriate offering. With this first sale, I am going to make a donation to HREI for their work. 50% of all print sales will go to aid in future projects for the organization. How can you beat that? So get art, help out.

Ron Gathering © Shawn Gust 2008

Sapphire © Shawn Gust 2008

Moving Straw © Shawn Gust 2008

Reeds Bundled © Shawn Gust 2008

Vine Braid © Shawn Gust 2008

**UPDATE** These editions are beautiful digital C-prints. There is no charge for shipping in the USA. Please allow a few weeks for delivery.

20x200

2008-12-03T12:24:00.001-08:00

Good friend and outstanding photographer Justin James Reed has two editions available on 20x200 today. Get yours!

"Norristown, Pennsylvania" . 2007 . From the series Paradise
© Justin James Reed

"Idaho Springs, Colorado" . 2004 . From the series Westward
© Justin James Reed

2008-12-03T11:45:00.000-08:00

Jeremy . Arborist . 2008

1969 . El Dorado . 2008

Michaela . Coeur d'Alene . 2008

All Images © Shawn Gust 2008

This is not me.

2008-12-02T16:20:00.000-08:00

Shawn with Poinsettia . Post Falls . 2008
© Shawn Gust

Funding Needed

2008-11-20T09:36:00.001-08:00

David Wright emailed me the other day to ask if I could help spread the word for him in his fund raising efforts for an upcoming trip.

Here is what David has to say bout the trip.

"In January 2009 I leave Maine for Alebtong, Uganda, where I will spend
two months volunteering and photographing for A River Blue, a non-profit arts empowerment project for the children of internally-displaced persons in Northern Uganda. I will be using my large format camera to photograph the people and landscape for a traveling exhibition and book that will be used raise funds for A River Blue and be announced in the spring/summer of 2009."

A chance to support a great photographer with a meaningful project. A beautiful print of your choice in exchange for your donation. Take your pick here.

© David Wright

Field, Tree, and Moon, Cushing, Maine, 2007

Negative Made 2006, Printed 2008

Limited Edition of 20, Signed & Numbered, Pigmented Ink Print

6.8″x8.5″ Image Size, 8″x11.5″ Paper Size

Landscapes

2008-11-05T11:40:00.001-08:00

Deer . Fernan Lake . 2008

Cougar Bay . Lake Coeur d'Alene .

2008
Cougar Bay . Lake Coeur d'Alene .

2008

More New

2008-10-29T16:58:00.000-07:00

Summer Road . Coeur d'Alene Tribe . 2008

Heather & Jay . Coeur d'Alene . 2008

Browne Avenue . Coeur d'Alene . 2008

Doug . Post Falls . 2008

Jacket Sale . Coeur d'Alene . 2008

(Untitled) . 2008

2008-10-27T16:10:00.001-07:00

Man...I gotta get loose...

Visions of Fall II

2008-10-23T17:40:00.000-07:00

Visions of Fall

2008-10-22T16:12:00.000-07:00

Romer and I went out looking for fall yesterday.

All Images ©2008 Shawn Gust

Today...

2008-10-13T11:05:00.000-07:00

...and all month.

Pause to Begin on Flak Photo.

Just added!

2008-10-09T13:34:00.000-07:00

I just added my Amazon Wishlist button, right. It's mostly updated, but I have no doubt you all will have suggestions. Please, feel free. And with a birthday coming up, you could take your suggestion a step further.

Lone Lake . Idaho Panhandle National Forest

2008-10-08T10:27:00.000-07:00

Fall . Lone Lake . Idaho . 2008

Over Growth . Lone Lake . Idaho 2008

Nick . Idaho Panhandle National Forest . 2008

2008-10-08T10:04:00.000-07:00

Julie . Costumer . Coeur d'Alene . 2008

Mill Rubble . Coeur d'Alene . 2008

Shannon . Coeur d'Alene . 2008

The last image here is one that I made during a submission effort for the wonderful and clever Air Camera. See "The Making of This Image".

All Images ©2008 Shawn Gust

It's a Boy!

2008-10-01T11:51:00.001-07:00

Welcome Thian Reed!

Congratulations Justin and Michelle,

He looks beautiful,

Hope all is well.

I Am Seeing Double.....

2008-09-17T14:15:00.001-07:00

Twins . Spokane, WA . 2008

New Stuff

2008-09-09T16:07:00.000-07:00

Aubrey . Coeur d'Alene . 2008

Jacob . Farragut State Park . 2008

Tosi . Farragut State Park . 2008

Kari . Farragut State Park . 2008

Ladies Visors . Seattle Market . 2008

Misc Trio

2008-08-29T16:31:00.000-07:00

Dennis . Coeur d'Alene, ID . 2008

Robin . Tacoma, WA . 2008

Sculpture Picture . Seattle, WA . 2008

A kid's fame

2008-08-27T21:55:00.000-07:00

The Helm Gallery

Unfortunatley, I missed the opening. But I hear the turn ot was good. About 120 people. Anyway, last weekend I was able to go to Tacoma and see the group show - Fresh Salad. I met up with some friends in Seattle and we all went to check it out. It was fantastic.

The work of Joseph Peila

Joe Peila (who curated the exhibit wonderfully)
Omer Hecht
Trevor Powers
Elizabeth Weinberg
(& Myself - You are Here)

Robin and Kirk

Omer to the right; Elizabeth to the left

Trevor Powers graffiti artists

I'd like to thank Robin and Kirk for their hospitality and for giving me a place to crash and taxi-ing me around the city. And it was nice to visit with Rebecca over the weekend. Thank you guys for the support. I had a great time.

It was nice to finally see some of my images next to other artists' work in print form. This feeling stil fresh with me, when something strange happened this morning. I opened the paper and saw a familiar face. No big deal right? I mean, working for the newspaper you see familiar faces all the time. But this was different. It is the story that goes with the face.

*************************************************************************

"Task force seeks man on drug-related charges"
"..This is a no-bond warrant and is extraditable nationwide..."

His name....Tab....I know that name....

This kid is experiencing little ill-balanced fame and probably doesn't have the foggiest....

He is the passenger.

Coming Up

2008-07-31T08:20:00.001-07:00

(front)
(back)

Check it-if you can!

2008-07-17T19:22:00.000-07:00

2008-07-15T16:15:00.000-07:00

Cover Band

2008-07-15T11:31:00.000-07:00

2008-07-15T11:08:00.000-07:00

Beauty Creek . Idaho . 2008

Happy Fourth of July!!

2008-07-04T23:19:00.000-07:00

A Wedding

2008-06-30T20:04:00.000-07:00

Bride's Light . 2008

Hors d'oeuvres . 2008

Groom's Men & Cigar . 2008

The Land

2008-06-30T20:02:00.001-07:00

Ground Glass View . Lake Coeur d'Alene . 2008

Roots Thirst . Lake Coeur d'Alene . 2008

Outtake

2008-06-25T11:44:00.000-07:00

This photo is an outtake from an assignment for the Entertainment section of the newpaper on a local theater production.

© Shawn Gust 2008

More From The Weekend

2008-06-17T16:15:00.000-07:00

Street Radio . 2008

Leaning Legs . 2008

Kiss T-shirt . 2008

2008-06-16T10:44:00.000-07:00

which...

2008-06-12T21:01:00.000-07:00

the light was right tonight

Izak . 2008

Jacob . 2008

If the cold weather is going to hang on like this.....

2008-06-11T20:58:00.000-07:00

Duct Tape Dresses

2008-06-05T16:51:00.000-07:00

I shot this on assignment today.

SHAWN GUST/Press

Amy Nuttall, left, and Cammy Kuchenski model their Super Mario Princess-themed prom dresses that are made entirely out of duct tape Thursday in Athol. The two Timberlake High School seniors are Idaho's only entries in a nation-wide contest where the top three couples are awarded scholarships.

SHAWN GUST/Press

Amy Nuttall, left, and Cammy Kuchenski constructed their prom dresses entirely out of duct tape. Other items made of duct tape to accessorize the prom outfits include broaches with a "shine", ruffles, corsages, and shoes.

Misc Quartet

2008-06-02T08:33:00.000-07:00

Jacob . 2008

Lake Flooding . 2008

Angela . Age 15. 2008

(Untitled)

Wow

2008-05-21T17:38:00.000-07:00

via Romer

New Work

2008-05-19T17:35:00.000-07:00

I did it. I bought the Mamiya 7...with the 80mm f4. I have been shooting with it and it is amazing. Some new work that I made with it below.

(Look closely)

Darryll . Hayden . 2008

Bud . Hayden . 2008

2008-05-14T14:14:00.000-07:00

2007 © Liz Kuball
Art you can afford! They are beautiful, editioned, price-friendly, and a bonus print will follow shortly. How can you go wrong with that?

Adam Jeppesen

2008-05-03T09:28:00.000-07:00

Every so often I see a photographer's that really holds my attention. I mean, really holds my attention. I have been looking at the work of Adam Jeppesen. There is something intriguing and utterly beautiful about his work. I can't get enough.

© Adam Jeppesen

© Adam Jeppesen

Via photographylot.

New Surroundings: Part II

2008-05-02T09:21:00.000-07:00

A Year

2008-05-01T23:50:00.000-07:00

Keaton was born one year ago tonight. Happy birthday bug.

WTF?

2008-04-29T08:27:00.000-07:00

So back in September or October, I received a letter from Idaho's Dept of Health and Welfare regarding child support. First, I don't have a problem paying child support. I mean, it makes things difficult financially from time to time, and I think that how the money is actually being spent by the receiving parent should be monitored to ensure the money is being used appropriately. Children have needs that require both parents to provide and I gladly share this responsibility. That's fine. But this post is not about that.

The letter I received was short and to the point. Basically is stated that in an effort to reduce the national deficit, the federal government had approved a fee to be applied to the child support received by the custodial parent. It went on to say that, because of the response they received, they had changed the fee to be paid by the parent paying the support. The fee is a once-a-year payment of $25.

What the fuck?! This is not about the money, obviously. Does the government really think that the national deficit will be reduced from the money that they receive from this fee? How much will they really collect? How can they expect fathers (in most cases) to pay for the deficit? Oh, and by the way, how much money are you all getting back in the coming weeks from these tax rebate/stimulus checks? I know, with my wife and dependents , I should be getting about $1300.

Here is a link. I received the letter, and the fee shows on my state child support statement, a fee that I have not yet paid and probably will not pay. Is it just me, or does this sound ridiculous? I mean, who's next? "Oh boy, we didn't get much out of those parents, maybe we should try U.S. citizens who scuba dive south of the equator. Ooooh, or what about people employed in the toy manufacturing industry? No, we've given all that up to China. How about anyone who bought a Ford in the last decade?"

Seriously, what a bunch of fucking idiots.

Updated: Link

Gem

2008-04-28T18:05:00.000-07:00

Today I found this gem. Hello Justin.....

2008-04-16T10:58:00.001-07:00

Red Smart Car . 2008

"It is with great pleasure....."

2008-04-15T11:02:00.000-07:00

Wow. I made the final selction of fifteen photogs. That's some pretty impressive company. This was in my inbox last night.

"Dear Shawn,

It is with great pleasure that the Pause, to Begin team congratulates
you on your acceptance to participate in the inaugural year of our
project. Your portfolio was selected from an enormous number of
applications from all over the globe. We commend you for your
photographic vision and creativity!

In the coming months your work will be exhibited in our online
gallery, in an exhibition, and in a limited edition hard bound book
published by Booksmart Studio in Rochester, NY. Additionally, you
will be featured in a Pause, to Begin documentary created by
international filmmaker Bruno Toré.

In the next week we will be contacting you to schedule a time and date
when we can come meet you in order to learn more about your work. We
ask that you please begin to look ahead to the month of May so that
you will have a sense of what days you will be available.

Again, congratulations. We look forward to meeting you soon.

Best,

Ethan and David"

Exploring My New Surroundings

2008-04-09T16:46:00.000-07:00

The new house provides some new atmosphere. It was long over due and much needed. Last night I made a few images in around it as we were settliing in. The weather is warming and the night are becoming more inviting. I am finding this place, exploring my new surroundings.

Images © 2008 . Shawn Gust