New York
Loyal readers, you are forewarned. This is going to be an old guy's post with no apologies.We wouldn't think to apologize for our age at 25, so why at 71? Probably because we don't want to admit to diminished capacity. While I freely admit that's true, look at the increased wisdom, perspective and sheer amount of experience that rides along with seniority. I think I've got that (but I may be senile), so here goes.
In NYC for a few days last week I am struck by how many people live here, how friendly New Yorkers can be, how it all works somehow, how dirty it is, how it seems everyone is plugged in, on their phones, wearing earphones and walking very fast. I know, old guy stuff. One of the things that happens when you age is that your world becomes smaller, closes in to be fewer experiences in a smaller sphere. Well, going to New York is completely expanding, at least for me.
Photographing here can be frustrating as NY has a way of making your pictures seem insignificant and/or touristy. NY is overwhelming to someone like me who gets here only occasionally. Always exciting it is also enervating, as it speaks to a faster pace, to a relentless mass of humanity in a hurry, meaning it seems you have to join the wave. I am always exhausted by the time I leave.
I took the Acela train down and back from Boston, a very nice ride. A little over three hours: no airport, no security, no adjusting to the altitude, no bad air, no abusive public transportation to get into the city, and a reasonably good meal. Plus, something to look as you ride along. I made pictures on the way down and back from Boston.
I claim no originality on these at all for friend Michael Hintlian (website here) is the king of this and it is through his work that I understood the possibilities in working this way.
I love New York.
Related series
Castle Dome Mine Museum, Yuma, AZ 2012
Castle Dome Mine Museum is nestled up in the foothills near Picacho Peak, across the valley from Yuma. I photographed it twice, both times when they first opened up in the morning. These are also made in a 5:4 ratio and are printed smaller than many of my series at 18 x 12 inches.
Cabela’s: An American Series
Currently out of print
The book takes a look at an American merchandising phenomenon called Cabela’s. Over a two-year period, Rantoul photographed in 18 of the 30 stores of the sports outfitting chain sprinkled throughout the Midwest. Working with the generous permission of the company, Rantoul concentrated on the extensive taxidermy, dioramas and matte paintings in each of the stores. The book examines society's preoccupation with all things preserved and frozen in time. These fascinating and unusual pictures broaden one’s understanding of the irony of preserving what we kill for sport. Rantoul's sensitive handling of the issues inherent in photographing these scenes are both funny and sad. 15 x 11.5 inches in full color, 36 pages.
