PROMETHEAN VISIONS: November 2004

Tuesday, November 23, 2004

Mezzotint engraving from my personal collection.

Mezzotint is an unique process that produces velvety contrast particularly suited to landscape. The technique was best utilized in the 19th century's Romantic landscape genre.

Wednesday, November 03, 2004

Earthquake Damage in Nagaoka, Japan

I took a bike ride the other day along the foothills in Nagaoka (where I live). In the downtown area of the city there is very little evidence of damage at all. As one gets closer to the mountains (in the countryside), they can see a far more devastating picture of events. There are numerous houses collapsed or on the brink of collapsing. The ground itself is contorted and cracked almost everywhere.

I recently received an e-mail regarding prior photographs of the earthquake damage that I had posted. In the e-mail, the writer's point was that I was irresponsible for having gone into a disaster area for "glory photo's." Some people may come to such a conclusion, but I need to point out that my motivation was hardly a desire to seek "glory" from the misfortune of others. I wasn't the only person taking picture of what is obviously an unusual event, and I certainly have no intention of making light of such circumstance. Most likely, the reader has merely read my political writings and wanted to make the usual Leftist point that people who disagree with their worldview are innate moral scoundrels -- hardly a well proven case.

It may be a valid concern to some that tragedy be left unpondered.

The earthquake in Nagaoka and the surrounding area was a highly unusual event. I think some will find these photos of interest. One's sympathy for the victims of the event is hardly reduced by them.