Summer Solstice - Chaco Canyon, New Mexico:

Today is Summer Solstice 2010, the first day of summer. According to Wikipedia, Summer Solstice, or the "first day of summer," is "when the Earth's axial tilt is most inclined towards the sun at its maximum of 23° 26'." It's the longest day of the year, with the shortest night. A solstice is an astronomical event that happens twice each year. The Sun stands still in declination; that is, the apparent movement of the Sun's path north or south comes to a stop before reversing direction.

In Chaco Canyon, over one thousand years ago, there arose among the Pueblo People a great and culturally sophisticated civilization. On Fajada Butte the Chacoans created a site to record the importance of the solar cycles.

On the south side of Chaco Canyon a large kiva, Casa Rinconada, was constructed with a window which allows the light of the Summer Solstice Sun to pass through. At the exact moment the sun breaks the horizon on June 21st, its light is cast through the window upon the wall marking the seasonal change.

The Zuni are direct decedents of the People of Chaco. On the Summer Solstice the Zuni return to Chaco Canyon to bring life back into the canyon through their dances, songs, and ceremonies.

The Zuni beliefs are centered on Mother Earth, Sun Father, and Moonlight-Giving Mother. The Zuni words for daylight and life are the same word. The Sun is, therefore, seen as the giver of life. The beginning of the new season is the time to think of life. To see where we have come from. To see if our directions and intentions are correct and in harmony with Mother Earth. Many lessons have been left for us in Chaco Canyon by our ancestors. Summer Solstice...a new season...a time for clear vision...giver of life...a time to decide where we need to go from here...

be strong, be safe, Carlan

Oil and Art - Larose, Louisiana:
Along Louisiana Highway 1 a few miles from Grand Isle is the small town of Larose, Louisiana. Highway 1 makes a sharp ninety degree turn and located on the corner is Bobby Pitre's Southern Sting Tattoo Palor.
Bobby was born and raised in Larose and has been creating tattoo art for over fifteen years. His family for four generations has "lived" off the land, marshes, and bays in the Gulf. Bobby is French - Cajun.
Eric Guidru has been learning the "art" of tattoo from Bobby for the past three years. He is a young artist with a deep concern for what is happening to his home and culture.
Bobby and Eric brought their art together last week to share their concern and frustration on the Gulf oil spill. "I wanted to show BP as the "Grim Reaper" of the entire Gulf way of life" said Bobby. Eric added the iconic image of President Obama, this time with multiple question marks. "I not trying to make a political statement...just trying to raise the question...what do we do next".
Bobby added two figures holding a sign. A man holding a fish, and a small child covering her head in fear. "The child represents my little girl who lives down the street", Bobby replied with a sad expression in his eyes. "God Help Us All!"

be strong, be safe, Carlan

Signs of the times: Gulf Oil Spill

Working in the Gulf of Louisiana the past several days I began to notice "signs" of the oil spill. Different signs of course hold different meanings.


Making a photo of a sign...standing on a public road leading to Halliburton Offices in Venice, LA. brings out private security and the U.S. Army telling photojournalists with Press credentials to leave the area immediately...or possibly experience arrest. "Do Not Litter".

The President arrived on Grand Isle on Thursday. Local residents carried hand painted signs to voice their concern.
Residents along the entire Gulf area are raising questions regarding how the Oil Spill is being handled.
The economy of the Gulf of Louisiana is dependent on fishing, shrimping, oysters, and oil.

Signs of the times in the Gulf.

be strong, be safe, Carlan

Grand Isle, Louisiana: "Beach Closed"

Day thirty-eight since the Gulf Oil Spill. Oil continues to fill the Gulf waters. BP working on a "Top Kill". Oil has come ashore on over 100 miles of the Louisiana coastline. In some areas booms have been placed in an effort to stop the crude oil from coming ashore and into the delicate Gulf marshes. In most cases the booms have had little effect in stopping the oil.

At Grand Isle the oil has come ashore along a five mile long beach. Wet land marshes, some boomed, others not boomed are being covered in crude oil.
Elmers Beach is closed. Crews work around the clock in a struggle to slow the encroaching crude oil. Click HERE for the story.

be strong, be safe, Carlan

Elizabeth Avedon Blog:

Elizabeth Avedon writes an excellent photography blog. She contacted me last week regarding posting some of the Question of Power photographs on her blog. Here is the post: Elizabeth Avedon. Thank you very much Elizabeth.

The past month has been busy. Traveled to Bradley University, Il. and Plattsburg State University, NY. I had the opportunity and honor to meet many wonderful students, faculty, and individuals from the surrounding communities. My heart felt thanks goes out to everyone for your thoughtful support of the coal stories I add voice to.

The Question of Power web site has been completely updated. The photo/audio essays are posted here.

Will be on the road again soon.

be strong, be safe, Carlan

Graceland:

I had been working for over two weeks in Tennessee and Alabama. Now I was headed home. Called to let Nancy know when I would arrive. Mentioned my route I40 through Memphis. Memphis...Graceland...on the bucket list. We both had the same thought at the same time. Nancy flew into Birmingham. I picked her up at the airport late in the evening. We headed to Graceland in a blinding rain.

I always enjoyed the music Elvis created. Nancy knew...every song...every word.

At Graceland I began to understand who Elvis really was. Singer, actor, humanitarian. He donated over 50% of his income to humanitarian causes. Take a walk through Graceland. Listen to the thoughts Elvis shares in "Walk a Mile in My Shoes".


For a larger version of the photo/audio story click (Here)

Thank you Elvis. Thank you for your music, your words, and your generous spirit to all our brothers and sisters. TCB...

be strong, be safe, Carlan

Photographer Carlan Tapp's images tell story of power - Peoria, IL - pjstar.com:

Photographer Carlan Tapp's images tell story of power - Peoria, IL - pjstar.com