Alexander Milne Calder: A Brief Biography

Alexander Milne Calder was a Scottish-born American sculptor, born on August 23, 1846, in Aberdeen, Scotland. Calder emigrated to the United States in 1868 and quickly established himself as a prominent sculptor. His most notable work is the massive statue of William Penn that crowns Philadelphia’s City Hall, a project that marked his significant contribution to the city’s architectural and cultural heritage.

The William Penn Statue

The William Penn statue, completed in 1894, is a bronze sculpture standing atop the Philadelphia City Hall. Here are the detailed aspects of the statue:

Height and Size:

• The statue stands 37 feet (11.3 meters) tall.
• It weighs approximately 27 tons (24,000 kilograms).

Material:

• The statue is made of bronze.

Positioning and Orientation:

• The statue is positioned at the very top of the central tower of City Hall, at an elevation of 548 feet (167 meters) above the ground.
• William Penn is depicted standing with one arm outstretched, symbolizing peace and friendship, while holding a scroll in the other hand, representing the Charter of Pennsylvania.

Historical Context and Labor Involved

The construction of Philadelphia City Hall itself began in 1871 and continued until 1901. Calder’s work on the William Penn statue and other sculptures for the building spanned from 1876 to 1894. The process involved intricate planning, artistic skill, and laborious work.

Design and Creation:

• Calder initially created a 22-foot-tall plaster model of William Penn. This model was used to create molds for the bronze casting.
• The bronze pieces were cast at the Tacony Iron Works in Philadelphia and then assembled at the site.
• The final assembly of the statue on top of City Hall required significant engineering ingenuity due to its size and weight.

Installation:

• The installation process involved lifting the massive pieces of the statue to the top of the City Hall tower using cranes and scaffolding.
• The statue was finally hoisted to its position in November 1894.

Impact on Philadelphia

The William Penn statue has become an iconic symbol of Philadelphia. For many years, it was the tallest structure in the city, and a local gentlemen’s agreement, known as the “gentlemen’s agreement of 1905,” kept buildings from surpassing the height of Penn’s hat until the construction of One Liberty Place in 1987.

Cultural Significance:

• The statue represents Philadelphia’s historical and cultural roots, embodying the city’s founding principles of freedom and democracy.
• It is a prominent feature of the city’s skyline and serves as a constant reminder of the city’s founder and his legacy.

Artistic Contribution:

• Calder’s work on the statue and numerous other sculptures in and around City Hall showcases his exceptional skill and artistic vision.
• His contributions helped solidify Philadelphia’s reputation as a city rich in art and architecture.

Conclusion

Alexander Milne Calder’s William Penn statue is not just a remarkable piece of art; it is a historical and cultural beacon for Philadelphia. The detailed craftsmanship, the monumental effort involved in its creation, and its enduring presence atop City Hall make it a subject of great interest and pride for the city. Calder’s legacy lives on through this magnificent sculpture, symbolizing the enduring spirit of Philadelphia and its people.

Pure paradise

River to river around the perimeter

If man is poisoned by original sin, perhaps we should wield this sinful, human nature, like a sword kept in its sheath.

The world is a beautiful place

If today was your last day on this earth, where would you start your day?

Personally, I start my day off, surrounded by beauty, along the Schuylkill river, in nature, and find myself on a hike, towards the cliffside, the hill, the mountain top, at an elevated vantage point, looking out at the horizon. When I look out at the horizon, I am reminded that this world is open, and endless to explore. While we have the capability of launching ourselves into space, with the advent of modern technology, discovering the galaxy, and exploring unknown territory, in the universe, I believe that where we are right here, right now, is worth elevating to a new height.

Memento Mori

Remember that you must die.

When I wake up in the morning, I treat it like a mini birth. When I go to sleep at night, it is a mini death. When I go to bed, lay my head on the pillow, I expect that I will not wake up tomorrow. When I wake up in the morning, I am filled with gratitude, for simply being alive. I have the opportunity to give life another go, to propel myself outside of my window, my door, finding inspiration in the mundane, and the simple things, such as sunlight, water, and walking.

I believe that we can experience life, in a state of abundance, through recognizing the infinite potential, that you, the individual, can achieve, in a single day, or a lifetime.

It’s wise to consider the day, as an entire lifetime.

If today was your last, would you spend it squandered, indoors, comfortable, simply kicking back, with your shoes off, chilling at the TV or the computer? Probably not…

If this was my last day, I would embrace the spirit of play, living fearlessly, courageously, and embracing danger and chaos openly. 

Heaven on Earth

In most religions, there are notions of Heaven and Hell. Hell is somewhere that nobody would ever desire to be.

My thought is, humans create hell for themselves on earth, through distracting themselves with gossip, news, media, negativity, and fear.

Ogni giorno è una battaglia per la tua mente. Every day is a battle for your mind.

What is the slave mind?

In this modern world, the slave is a consumer. The slave believes that each day you are here to simply survive, and not thrive. Don’t you hear that often? Sometimes when I ask somebody how their day is or how they’re doing this morning, they often say, “it’s just another day, just living my life, just surviving.” To be honest, I believe that these people are in hell and the hell is in their mind. Maybe some people will be stuck there, always simply just getting by.

Think of Saint Jerome, hunched over, by his book, inside, with his body in decay, depicted in the painting by Caravaggio. Why is he here, depicted this way? He is seeking that afterlife, that next life, or paradise. We must go beyond this yearning of an afterlife and become the next warrior monks, the new man, the creator of paradise, here on earth. 

When I was in Florence, I remember viewing the sculpture that depicts the death of Achilles. Achilles, carried in the arms of Ajax, so gracefully, almost beautifully, a beautiful death. The strength, courage, and fearlessness that Achilles must’ve had, is inspiring. When you see his physical body, the grand physique of the demigod, the hero, Achilles, as a sculpture, it gives the person viewing this work, the permission, to go beyond the self.

I seek to thrive, and go beyond this basic slave mind.

We can create heaven or paradise, here on earth. We create paradise through the actions that we make, the things that we choose to do, and more importantly what we choose not to do, ultimately determines our experience and every day life. I choose to surround myself with beauty, through simple acts of kindness, gratitude, and overcoming obstacles, through weightlifting, long hikes, climbing mountains, exploring, and making art.

By making art, we create paradise, we create the world that we would like to live in. When you photograph, don’t think of what life is, but depict what life could be or what it should be.

Finding paradise is very simple. Paradise is within. However, I believe that Christianity, with its concept of original sin, keeps people in a perpetual state of feeling less than, perpetually needing to repent and seek forgiveness for their supposed inherent evil. This fosters a sense of shame in individuals. In contrast, I seek to glorify myself, to deify myself, and to transform into something beyond the ordinary, creating a paradise here on earth through my own inner strength and divine potential.

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Why I’m so intrepid

I’ve always been a fearless, courageous, and adventurous person. I remember when I was a little boy, first learning to skateboard, at around 4 or 5 years old. My brother and I learned to skateboard at FDR skate park, a DIY park built by skateboarders. This is one of the most legendary skate parks of all time, with ramps more dangerous than any skate park in the United States of America. We would throw ourselves downhill, launch ourselves off of ramps, fall down, get back up, and go at it again. I even remember, when we were little, we would throw ourselves down the stairwell, in our house, by rolling down on our backs, and smashing into the walls. I’ve always been reckless, dangerous, and adventurous, since the first time I learned to ride a bike, launching myself off of dirt hills, ramps, throwing myself down sets of stairs on my skateboard, and even exploring in the woods. I remember sharpening spears, building tipis, and forts, and attempting to hunt deer, as a child, playfully, obviously, as a sharpened stick would never penetrate the deer itself. But I was always out there, hunting, discovering caves, building bridges with stones, and exploring here, in my backyard at the Wissahickon, along the Schuylkill River.

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The Art of Exploration

There is an art to exploring, and embracing the adventurous, childlike spirit, through pure curiosity. When I open my eyes in the morning, I’m always eager to go out there, explore, and set my body in motion, without preconceived notions, about anything that I will find. I believe that an open mind, and willingness to learn, by recognizing that I know nothing, that I really am this big child, a blank slate, helps me conquer each day, through exploration.

I treat myself like a tourist in my hometown, here in Philadelphia. I always know there’s something new to learn, there’s always a new place to turn, as this city is the birthplace of America, with rich history, and historic streets to explore. All you have to do is open up your door, and go out there wanting more.

With an abundant and open mind, you will always be surprised. I find that this mindset, of being a tourist, is what fuels me in my daily life. A tourist always wakes up early in the morning, ready to catch the sunrise, ready to explore, ready to find new things to do. I believe that we must look at life this way, despite being in a mundane place, whether or not you walk the same lane, every single day, there really is always something new that you will find, something new, to do, to see, to learn. When I open my eyes, I just follow the light, and treat each day like it’s my last.

I’ve explored far and wide throughout this world. One of my most significant journeys was taking the road from Jerusalem to Jericho, where I found myself sleeping on the floors of mosques, learning about Islam, and living amongst a Palestinian family. I’ve also volunteered on a Kibbutz, in Israel, living amongst the Israelis, farming, gardening, and practicing Horticulture. I even photographed on the frontlines of battle between Israel and Palestine. I’ve lived amongst the Zambian People, in Africa, alongside the Bemba tribe, in a village, where I practice fish farming. I’ve been an explorer since I was a young boy, traveling to Rome to connect with family. I’ve explored the slums of Mumbai, ancient fishing villages, climbed mountains in Mexico City, explored caves in Central America, and explored the tranquil lakes and temples of Hanoi, Vietnam.

I cannot tell you why I’ve done these things, other than the fact that I am intrepid, bold, daring, and simply curious, like a child. Think of a child, standing on top of a table with a blanket wrapped around their body as a cape, pretending to be Superman, jumping off, landing on their 2 feet, smiling, proud of their accomplishment, whether it’s seemingly small or large. This is how we should carry ourselves, with the things that we do and the places we explore, or conquer. Like that big kid, with a cape on, pretending to be Superman. However, we are not pretending anymore, we are transcending, and becoming the Superman, or, the Übermensch.

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The Art of Photography

I believe that photography has the potential to become the apex of art. Why?

Photography requires your physical body to move through the world, exploring, with courage, at the forefront. A photographer exists on the front lines of life, becoming both physically, and emotionally closer to life itself. The experiences that a photographer has, through walking, observing, and embracing the multifaceted complexities of life, allow photographer to move through strife, upwards, and onwards, on a featherbed, exploring the unknown, articulating it, putting order to the chaos of life.

Forget about the physical photograph as a two dimensional print. A photograph is a reflection of an artist’s courage, or heart. A photograph is not constrained by time or space. A photograph exists outside the passage of time.

The Impact of Art

When I consider the Apex of beauty, some of mankind‘s greatest artistic achievements, while I view photography highly, I must admit, that sculpture and architecture, alongside music, are some of the greatest works that man has ever achieved.

I’m currently standing in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, gazing at these beautiful columns, colors, details, ornaments, sculptures, depictions of Greek gods, stories of mythology, as the building is positioned at a high elevated space, looking out towards a sculpture of George Washington on his horseback, surrounded by animals, and Native Americans, facing the skyline of the city of Philadelphia, as City Hall is illuminated by this beautiful sunrise, this tall, looming column, with William Penn, sitting on top. City Hall, being the largest municipal building in the country, also draped with ornaments, detail, columns, tunnels, sculptures, and beauty that uplift the human spirit to a new height.

When you stand in front of a building like this, listen to live music from the world’s largest pipe organ, at the Wanamaker Building, or when you stand in front of a sculpture, you are looking up at it. It is bigger than life itself. It goes beyond gravity, it is something that man has built, and said, “you know what, we’re going beyond. We’re going upwards, onwards, and transcending this human experience, by positioning this building here, by putting this sculpture there, and making a statement.”

The hand of William Penn, standing on top of City Hall, is facing towards the the Northeast of Philadelphia, at Penn Treaty Park, where he made a peace agreement, alongside the Lenape tribe, to create the city of Philadelphia, and live alongside the Native people peacefully in harmony. History and rich stories can be found, in sculptures, or the architecture, that transcend time.

When I think about my recent time in Rome, exploring the various churches, looking at the paintings of Caravaggio, this confirms my belief, in God, and transcends this notion, of belief itself, into a knowing. I’ve seen the tomb where Jesus laid in Jerusalem, I’ve traveled the road to Jericho, I’ve visited the Holy Lands, I’ve been inside of some of the greatest churches, I’ve viewed pieces of the cross in person, the inscription, nails, and even the thorns, that crown Jesus. When you see things, empirically, through evidence, and experience, artifacts, which we now look at, as art, takes your belief, your faith, to a new place, to a knowing. Perhaps this is why the church commissioned Caravaggio in the first place, to make his biblical works, to bring life to the stories, that shape our reality.

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Create your own story

Create your own story, your own myth, a be your own legend. Think of the story of Achilles and the battle of Troy. Perhaps we too, should live like we are this hero character, Achilles, and move forward in life as an odyssey, or an Iliad. Let’s live our lives like it’s a real, Greek epic.

This life is too short to live as a slave. Become the master of the universe, and create your own world.

This is where the power of photography lies, in the ability to create something from nothing, or, create your own world. What you choose to exclude from the frame is just as important as what you include. What you exclude, is unimportant, uninteresting, not part of your story. But what you shed light on, what you depict within the frame, is your world, your universe, your creation, your story. Man is the ultimate creator.

If life were like Minecraft, how would you spend your time?

Would you sit in a strip mine, mining, grinding away, looking for diamonds? No, for this is boring, tedious, and the life of a slave. I choose to get my wood, craft a sword right away, pick up some stone, get some iron, and head to the ender dragon, as quickly as possible. I’d speed run Minecraft, slaying the boss, and ending the game, looking forward to doing it again, with the lust for battle, similar to that of Achilles.

After that, I’d just head to one of those extreme high mountain biomes, chill at the top, build a cool home, and kick back and relax after the battle is over. But is that the fun part? Is that the part of the game, that’s most interesting? Simply enjoying the luxury, pleasure, and abundance, after creating an iron golem farm, grinding XP, after using redstone to automatically mine ore for you, and do things for you without strife, within the game? No, I would choose to continuously, respawn each morning, going back to the ender dragon, finding new battles to fight, and upwardly, striving for more.

We may have endless beauty in this world, within our natural spaces, and the artwork that we make, but life is better outdoors, in the unknown, slaying zombies in the dungeon, embracing the chaos, and finding beauty, and meaning in it. 


Just assume you won’t respawn

So let’s say life is a video game. Just for fun. Now, when you play call of duty, you always have the opportunity to respawn, and head back out there to the battlefield. But what if we lived our lives, under the assumption, that we will never respawn, that there is no afterlife, that there will be no tomorrow, then what? Well, I choose hardcore mode. I play with that one shot, one kill mentality. Think of David, and the courage he had to fight against Goliath, killing the giant opponent, with with a rock and a slingshot, hitting his head, with precision. He armored himself with God, and moving onto the battlefield with courage at the forefront. A small boy, overcame the obstacle, Goliath, beheading him with his own sword.

When you go through life, this way, with fearlessness, intrepidness, and courage, nothing will stop you. You can go into the unknown, and come out unscathed. But first, you must be a master, not a slave. You must affirm life, and then go beyond it. 

Think of Jesus, carrying his cross, and being crucified. In Christianity, we recognize Jesus as the son of God. As we remind ourselves of his sacrifice in the church, when looking at him hanging on the cross, the most excruciating pain, the worst kind of death.

Does any man, have the balls, to pick up the cross?

I don’t think so, I don’t think anybody will, or has the hutzpah to do so. But why? If the Christian believes so firmly in this afterlife, then shouldn’t we eagerly be picking up our crosses, and moving forward to this new paradise?

I believe that there’s something in us, that finds comfort in beauty, and God‘s creations, around natural things, where we can listen to the birds sing, smell the flowers, pick the berries, eat the fruit, and sit back and relax under the sun. Earth, and it’s beauty, becomes the ultimate paradise.

Man has a natural fear of death, but maybe we mostly fear the pain associated with it. Perhaps no man will reach the heights that Jesus has, or ever have the same amount of courage as him, but what we can do right now, on this earth, around all of these beautiful things, is choose the dangerous path, and pick up our cross, through acts of courage. 

https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dante-sisofo/embed/episodes/Exploring-the-Fairmount-Water-Works-e2kl87p/a-abbe8l2

Frederick Graff, an American engineer and architect, is best known for designing the Fairmount Water Works in Philadelphia. His work on this project is a significant milestone in the history of urban water supply systems and American engineering.

Background:

• Frederick Graff: Born in 1775, Graff began his career as a carpenter before transitioning to engineering. He eventually became the chief engineer of the Philadelphia Watering Committee.

Fairmount Water Works:

• Location and Purpose: Located on the Schuylkill River, the Fairmount Water Works was designed to provide clean drinking water to the city of Philadelphia. At the time, water-borne diseases were a significant public health issue, and providing a reliable supply of clean water was crucial.
• Design and Innovation: Graff’s design, completed in the early 1820s, was innovative for its use of water power. The Water Works initially used water wheels and later switched to steam engines to pump water from the river into reservoirs. This system supplied water to the city through a network of wooden pipes.
• Architectural Features: The Fairmount Water Works was notable not only for its engineering but also for its architectural beauty. It included classical-style buildings with elegant facades, blending functionality with aesthetics. The Greek Revival structures, with their grand columns and symmetrical design, became a popular public attraction.
• Expansion and Upgrades: Over the years, the Water Works underwent several expansions and upgrades to keep up with the growing demand for water. Graff continued to improve the system, ensuring that it remained one of the most advanced water supply systems of its time.
• Legacy and Impact: The Fairmount Water Works played a critical role in improving public health in Philadelphia by providing a reliable supply of clean water. It also served as a model for other cities developing their own water supply systems. Graff’s work on the Water Works established him as a pioneering figure in American engineering.

Modern Relevance:

• Historical Landmark: Today, the Fairmount Water Works is a National Historic Landmark and has been restored as an educational and cultural site. It houses the Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center, which educates visitors about the history of the water supply system and the importance of clean water.
• Symbol of Innovation: The Water Works remains a symbol of the innovative spirit and engineering excellence of the early 19th century. It highlights the importance of sustainable and aesthetically pleasing infrastructure in urban development.

Frederick Graff’s work on the Fairmount Water Works exemplifies the successful integration of engineering and architecture, providing both practical solutions and enhancing the urban landscape.

Sure, here are some notable quotes by Seneca:

1. “As long as you live, keep learning how to live.”
2. “It is not that we have a short time to live, but that we waste a lot of it.”
3. “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.”
4. “Begin at once to live, and count each separate day as a separate life.”
5. “True happiness is to enjoy the present, without anxious dependence upon the future.”
6. “It is a rough road that leads to the heights of greatness.”
7. “Sometimes even to live is an act of courage.”
8. “No man was ever wise by chance.”
9. “We suffer more often in imagination than in reality.”
10. “If you really want to escape the things that harass you, what you’re needing is not to be in a different place but to be a different person.”

Stoic Philosophy

Certainly! Here are some of Seneca’s best quotes that embody Stoic philosophy:

1. “We suffer more often in imagination than in reality.”
2. “He who fears death will never do anything worth of a man who is alive.”
3. “Begin at once to live, and count each separate day as a separate life.”
4. “The whole future lies in uncertainty: live immediately.”
5. “It is not the man who has too little, but the man who craves more, that is poor.”
6. “No man was ever wise by chance.”
7. “Difficulties strengthen the mind, as labor does the body.”
8. “True happiness is to enjoy the present, without anxious dependence upon the future.”
9. “He suffers more than necessary, who suffers before it is necessary.”
10. “As long as you live, keep learning how to live.”

Water and Vitality

Every morning, I make a walk towards the waterworks here in Philadelphia. Yesterday, I learned that City Hall was the original location of our water pump before the municipal building was constructed.

Why?

Water is the ultimate source of vitality and the first thing that a community needs in order to thrive.

Don’t Poison the Well

One sick and scary thought I have is that if somebody wanted to destroy a community, a city, or even a country, all you would have to do is poison the well, the water source.

I’m reminded of my time in Zambia, Africa as a volunteer. I would draw my water from a well every day, boil the water, add iodine, put it through a gravity filter, and then safely consume it. Here in the West, in America, Philadelphia, I have the privilege of turning the tap on, and I have clean, running water. This is probably one of the greatest features of living in an advanced city with modern technology.

Some families in the village have around ten children per household, so you can imagine the number of buckets that people must travel with to the well and back to their homes. Some people spend the entire day transporting water back and forth as they live extremely far away from the well itself. Needless to say, the accessibility of water is a vital role in a flourishing society and a symbol of prosperity and wealth.

Think of Rome and the implementation of the aqueduct. Some of these aqueducts are being used to this day, one in particular being the source of water that is displayed at the Trevi Fountain. The Trevi Fountain showcases a plethora of baroque-style architecture and sculpture.

A statue of Oceanus, the god of water, stands in the background of the fountain. The sculpture of Abundance is directly next to it, depicted holding a cornucopia, a symbol of prosperity and wealth. The Trevi Fountain is a location that I’ve been visiting since I was a little boy, around six or seven years old. I remember visiting this fountain, and throwing a coin over my left shoulder, making a wish. There’s something special about myth, folklore, and stories that shape our reality.

Become a Savage

When I consider the myth of Rome and how it was founded by Remus and Romulus, being raised by a she-wolf, La Lupa, I become invigorated. There’s something about this story and the way in which the two boys were raised by a wolf, in the wild, in the unknown, that inspires me. Think of the wolf, this fierce predator, where when it slays its prey, the first thing that it eats is the liver from the animals.

Why?

Liver is the most nutrient-dense food that we can consume.

Also, when Prometheus decided to steal the fire from the gods at Mount Olympus and give it to humans to create technology and civilization, he was punished—tied to a rock, having vultures come and eat at his liver over and over again. He was immortal and would inevitably feel pain forever, unless Hercules, the hero, did not come and save him.

During my time living in Palestine, I remember Eid Al Adha, the day of sacrifice. Hundreds of sheep, goats, and cows were slaughtered throughout the streets of Jericho, the stench of blood filled the atmosphere for around a week straight.

When I was a volunteer, I was greeted with a goat hanging from a tree when I met my host family for the first time. This was the ultimate symbol of respect, as I was handed a knife to slaughter the goat, and we feasted all day and week. I’ll never forget riding my bike to farmers, purchasing live chickens, slaughtering them, plucking the feathers, cutting it into pieces, and preparing food directly from the source. I’ve never tasted chicken so good in my life, which is funny because I never eat chicken here in the States, as I believe it tastes disgusting.

Consider the human being, as the apex predator in the world, life, the animal kingdom, and nature itself. We kill the animals, we make the sacrifice, and we increase our power. This increase of power that you feel from consuming the flesh of other animals will satiate you and fuel you with strength, unlike any other food group, such as fruits and vegetables.

Why, in the food pyramid, is red meat painted in a bad light, telling us to eat it sparingly?

Perhaps this is one of the greatest flaws of modern life here in the West, and is the reason why we have such an increase in obesity. We have been sold a lie that red meat is bad for you and that you must watch your cholesterol.

Why?

My theory is that maybe the less red meat you eat, the hungrier you become, leading you to purchase goods from these large corporations, such as General Mills, fueling yourself on carbs, protein bars, cereals, grains, starches, and other things that have addictive qualities. Eating these other food groups merely makes you a consumer, fueling the economy, making more purchases, buying things you don’t need, and fueling your body with subpar energy.

Consider fat as energy.

Apparently, Jesus fasted for 40 days in the desert. If you have 60 pounds of fat, this technically means that you could go 30 days without food. I’m not saying that you should do this, as it could definitely lead to a lot of problems, but it’s just a fun thought experiment. When you consider fat as energy, and the way that it is stored within your body, things start to make more sense. You often hear these notions of calories in, calories out. I believe that these notions are scams, as people love to go for these long runs, in hopes to burn calories, and then go back home and eat. This approach to health is an endless loop, a hamster wheel, leading you to no results. We should stop considering calories, weight, and focus on fat more. The goal for you is to lose fat, not weight. However, eating protein and fat satiates you and keeps you strong and powerful. The more red meat you eat, the more energy you will have.

Gear Obsession

What is the #1 mistake 99% of photographers make?

Gear obsession.

I believe this is the leading contribution to the decline of great photographers, especially in street photography, where people constantly obsess about the gear to use, or choose to take out. This is what’s going to hold the majority of people back from ever improving and becoming the best version of themselves.

My biggest advice for any photographer is to simply purchase a Ricoh GRIII or Ricoh GRIIIx and just stick to the best. Especially if you want to become prolific and simply make more pictures. There really is no better option than a compact digital camera. I think Fujifilm is good too, and I had positive experiences using a Leica M3 film camera. The problem with film is that it is insanely slow and not worth the hassle in 2024. The beauty of the Ricoh is that it’s so small, where you can simply throw it in your front right pocket. This is the goal, to feel as though you have no camera on you.

The Ricoh becomes the closest thing to not having a camera—the closest thing to having an extension of your body and your eyes.

Society and Beauty

Is man permitted to be excellent?

My thought is that in a world that promotes equality, mediocrity will be the ultimate result. If everybody is mediocre, this is no world that I desire to live in. However, the antidote is to strive to become the hero, to become excellent. Think of the Greek Olympic Games, and the physical excellence that was on display. This is something that we should try to aspire to be like—the ancient Greek heroes who strove for excellence—which becomes the ultimate antidote to weakness in this modern world.

My other thought is in regards to beauty, and surrounding yourself with it. I believe that nature is the apex of beauty, as it is God’s creation. When it comes to man’s creations, you can find beauty in architecture and sculpture. My thought is, anything that you find outside, in public works of art, becomes the most beautiful. Think of City Hall, standing so tall. Just wake up early, and watch as the sun kisses the columns upon the tower as the sun rises. The sculptures, detail, and tunnels never cease to amaze me.

However, human beings are funny creatures. Just this morning, the first thing I witnessed while waking up was a woman, a grown adult, pulling her pants down under a street light as I walked by, and she clearly saw me, peeing into a sewer. Yesterday, as I walked on Market Street, a young woman, seemingly in high school, threw a Dunkin’ Donuts wrapper from her doughnut up into the air, and it gracefully landed at my feet. She had no care for the streets, the workers, or respect for her environment or city. I’m not too sure how these people are being raised these days, but they are certainly lacking any sort of respect and appreciation for beauty. I believe the best thing that we can do is simply ignore these people, don’t react, respond, pick the trash up, and move on. We are on the path towards mediocrity, but keep striving to go beyond equality by striving for excellence and transcendence.

I make more photos before the sun rises and people wake up than most people do in a single week.

Gear obsession.

I believe this is the leading contribution to the decline of great photographers, especially in street photography, where people constantly obsess about the gear to use, or choose to take out. This is what’s going to hold the majority people back from ever improving, and becoming the best version of themselves.

A Greek temple?

The Fairmount Water Works, located on the east bank of the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia, is a historic waterworks facility that began operations in 1815. It was designed by engineer Frederick Graff and became an essential part of Philadelphia’s water supply system, utilizing steam engines and water wheels to pump water into the city oai_citation:1,Fairmount Water Works – Philadelphia Beautiful oai_citation:2,About Us – Fairmount Water Works.

The facility is known for its distinctive architectural style, which resembles a Greek temple. This Classical Revival design was chosen to reflect the values of the early 19th century, emphasizing beauty, symmetry, and grandeur. The Greek temple aesthetic was intended to convey the importance of the public utility and to integrate the industrial site harmoniously with the surrounding natural landscape oai_citation:3,Fairmount Water Works – Wikipedia oai_citation:4,Water Works | Visit Philadelphia.

The waterworks complex includes several buildings, such as the mill house and the engine house, all featuring classical elements like columns and pediments. This design choice helped elevate the public perception of the waterworks from a purely functional facility to a celebrated architectural and civic landmark oai_citation:5,Fairmount Water Works – Philadelphia Beautiful oai_citation:6,Water Works | Visit Philadelphia.

Today, the Fairmount Water Works serves as an interpretive center, providing educational programs and exhibits about the history of the waterworks, water conservation, and the local watershed. It is also a National Historic Landmark, recognized for its engineering significance and its role in the development of Philadelphia’s water infrastructure oai_citation:7,Plan Your Visit – Fairmount Water Works oai_citation:8,Fairmount Water Works – Wikipedia oai_citation:9,About Us – Fairmount Water Works.

For more details, you can visit the official website of the Fairmount Water Works here oai_citation:10,Plan Your Visit – Fairmount Water Works.

before city hall

a city needs water first

Yes, the Fairmount Water Works was created before Philadelphia’s City Hall, primarily to address the city’s critical need for a reliable and clean water supply, which was essential for the health and development of the growing urban population.

The Fairmount Water Works began operations in 1815, designed by Frederick Graff. It was one of the earliest large-scale municipal water supply systems in the United States, and it played a crucial role in providing Philadelphia with clean drinking water. The system used steam engines and water wheels to pump water from the Schuylkill River into reservoirs, from where it was distributed throughout the city oai_citation:1,Fairmount Water Works – Wikipedia oai_citation:2,Fairmount Water Works – Philadelphia Beautiful oai_citation:3,About Us – Fairmount Water Works.

Philadelphia City Hall, on the other hand, was constructed much later. The building was completed in 1901 after 30 years of construction, reflecting the city’s growth and the need for a centralized municipal government center. City Hall became the seat of government for Philadelphia and a symbol of the city’s ambitions oai_citation:4,Water Works | Visit Philadelphia.

The establishment of the Fairmount Water Works was a foundational step in developing Philadelphia’s infrastructure, allowing the city to grow and sustain a larger population. The availability of clean water was crucial for public health, reducing the incidence of waterborne diseases and supporting the city’s expansion oai_citation:5,Fairmount Water Works – Philadelphia Beautiful oai_citation:6,About Us – Fairmount Water Works.

a brief history

The Fairmount Water Works, originally known as the “Fairmount Dam and Waterworks,” was constructed to provide Philadelphia with a reliable source of clean water. The project began in the early 19th century, driven by the need to address the city’s frequent outbreaks of waterborne diseases and the inadequate water supply system.

Early History and Construction

1. Concept and Design (1812-1815):

• The project was initiated by Frederick Graff, an engineer who had previously worked on the city’s water system. Construction began in 1812 and the facility opened in 1815.
• The initial design utilized steam engines to pump water from the Schuylkill River into wooden tanks, which then distributed water throughout the city via wooden water mains.

1. Expansion and Innovation (1822):

• The system was further expanded with the construction of a dam across the Schuylkill River, completed in 1822. This dam channeled water into the mill house, where water wheels replaced the steam engines for more efficient water pumping.
• The introduction of water wheels marked a significant technological advancement, making the Fairmount Water Works one of the first municipal water systems to use paddle wheels for water movement oai_citation:1,Fairmount Water Works – Philadelphia Beautiful oai_citation:2,About Us – Fairmount Water Works.

Architectural Significance

The design of the Fairmount Water Works was heavily influenced by the Classical Revival architectural style, resembling a Greek temple. This aesthetic choice was intended to reflect the importance and civic pride associated with the facility. Elements like columns, pediments, and symmetrical layouts were used to create a grand and harmonious appearance that blended with the natural surroundings oai_citation:3,Fairmount Water Works – Wikipedia oai_citation:4,Water Works | Visit Philadelphia.

Role in Philadelphia’s Development

• Public Health:
  The availability of clean water from the Fairmount Water Works significantly improved public health in Philadelphia, reducing the incidence of waterborne diseases such as cholera and typhoid oai_citation:5,About Us – Fairmount Water Works.
• Urban Growth:
  The reliable water supply supported the city’s rapid population growth and industrial development throughout the 19th century, laying the groundwork for Philadelphia to become a major urban center.

Transition and Legacy

• Decommissioning (1909):
  The Fairmount Water Works ceased operations as a pumping station in 1909. By then, technological advancements and newer facilities had rendered it obsolete.
• Modern Use:
  In the early 21st century, the site was transformed into the Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center, an educational and environmental facility operated by the Philadelphia Water Department. It now serves as a museum and educational center, offering exhibits on the history of the waterworks, water conservation, and the local watershed oai_citation:6,Fairmount Water Works – Wikipedia oai_citation:7,About Us – Fairmount Water Works.

The Fairmount Water Works stands today as a National Historic Landmark, celebrated for its engineering achievements and architectural beauty. It remains a prominent example of how public utilities can be designed to enhance both functionality and aesthetic appeal, contributing to the cultural and historical fabric of a city oai_citation:8,Fairmount Water Works – Philadelphia Beautiful oai_citation:9,About Us – Fairmount Water Works oai_citation:10,Water Works | Visit Philadelphia.

The ultimate goal, method to the madness, and process, is it just keep shooting until you die.

I guess we can make prints as we go along, to please ourselves, and maybe one of the person, like family, friends, or self if you if you’d like, but this is not the point. This is far beyond the point. The point for me, is, to move onward with my lust for life through photography. Photography just gets me out there, curious about life itself, and the photograph is just a byproduct of my experience.

Does a photograph need to be a physical print?

I don’t think so. I believe the small JPG file, with high contrast cranked to the max, becomes the most efficient, effective, and easiest version of a photograph to read, print, and share.