220 | The Conversation

2014 | Studio City, California

Without a caption, the viewer might not know that the builder on the left executed splendid and durable work, and the client on the right has been continuously pleased with the results.

219 | Anonymity

2011 | Sushi Gallery, San Diego

We all miss Bob Matheny (1929-2020).

Bob used many pseudonyms, including “almost anonymous,” and he often carried signs forbidding photography. I prepared for this reception by making a wire-span black-out anonymizing tab to mount on my Leica’s accessory shoe. Bob would not be recognizable here, except by his concerned reaction to my lens.

Every visit to his studio, no matter how frequent, was a new experience; he would have cleared the previous work away and had almost filled the place with variations of his latest idea. One time, Bob visualized an exhibition of one-foot-square paintings and ran out of wall space as the series grew to one hundred. He then fabricated a spinning vertical display rack so that the viewer could stand in one place while browsing through all the works.

Bob always had too much art. He displayed work on his back fence, and you could stroll down the alley and find something to take home. He also chartered the San Diego Chapter of the Art Disposal Service.

▷ In 1962, Matheny was the man who audaciously hired the prominent National City artist John Baldessari to join him on the art faculty at Southwestern College.

217 | Groundhog Day

1977 | El Centro, California

I’m not quite sure what is forecast if the photographer goes out and sees his shadow today.

But I am sure it will be worth taking a look, whatever the weather.

▷ Special thanks to Bob Hansen for saving my old postcards for 45 years — this is one of several which have no print or source negative in my archive.

216 | Bear Valley Road

2010 | Point Reyes National Seashore

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On my first walk out here, over fifty years ago, near the low summit on the way to the Pacific, I photographed a couple admiring the view while reclining comfortably in an old cattle watering trough.

It may be difficult to find that old Minox negative now, since it measures only 8 x 11 millimeters.

215 | Shasta View

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2019 | Mt. Shasta from Interstate 5

I’ve been admiring this old volcano since I was a very young skier. Surveyed at over 14,000 feet, it rises more than 10,000 feet above its high valley. Shasta is deeply respected by all who approach; it is known to make its own weather, at any time of year.

Here’s a try at a picture, driving northbound to visit a revered photographer, but I have found that the best way to make passing pictures is from the railroad, whose tracks describe a broad half-circle around Shasta’s massif.

214 | Press Check

2003 | Near Manchester, New Hampshire

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We were waiting for the next form for the Death Valley book to be printed for our review at Stinehour Press. There are good roads in that part of the country, and very good roadsides.

213 | Banner Day

2015 | San Diego

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I had just checked out the space for my upcoming exhibition of ‘older’ San Diego pictures, and on a walking break, was thinking about what kind of feature banner I wanted Alfred Pagano to print for me. I fell into this one.