Saturday, December 31, 2016

Christmas Tree Lane: Color in Motion Part 2

Christmas Tree Lane: Color in Motion No. 6


As the holiday season comes to a crescendo tonight, I've been thinking about how a great pagan tradition has survived religious dogma throughout the millenia. The natural desire for humans to light trees in the darkest of winter has transcended time and is such a pleasure to behold. Watching the lights dance and twinkle in the darkness brings such joy and delight, its obvious why the tradition has never wained.

I used the lights down Christmas Tree Lane as paint brushes this year to dab the dark canvas with streaks of color and the car lights as accents. As the rain fell, color oozed down the lane and mirrored the hues from above. I felt like I was in a fairy forest with colorful fireflies darting in and out of the trees.


Into the new year I head with joy in my heart as I look towards finding happiness in the smallest of gestures and the knowledge that even in the depth of darkness, light and color can prevail.


Happy New Year!


Julie Green

December 31, 2016


Christmas Tree Lane: Color in Motion No. 7

Christmas Tree Lane: Color in Motion No. 8

Christmas Tree Lane: Color in Motion No. 9

Christmas Tree Lane: Color in Motion No. 10

Saturday, December 17, 2016

Christmas Tree Lane: Color in Motion Part 1

Christmas Tree Lane: Color in Motion No. 1

Since moving to Christmas Tree Lane in Altadena back in May, I've been anticipating what the lights in the giant 108 year old Deadora Ceder trees were going to look like. I had driving down the lane before but couldn't wait to see what these beauties looked like lit up in my very own front yard. Their magical presence has not disappointed and I get a thrill coming home every night to this 96 year tradition.

What has captured my eye is the reflection of these lovely lights refracting on my pool. Earlier this year I began studying light and how we perceive it in my piece "Water Refractions" . So I decided to play with the colored christmas lights floating in my pool at night.

Enjoy the movement of lights here!

On this particular night the full moon was also dancing among the lights, so I strategically placed it on top of the "christmas tree" as seen in Color in Motion No. 1. In No. 2, you can see the reflection of the christmas lights on the bottom and the actual lit trees above, while our white house lights give it a horizontal accent.

There is nothing more lovely for me than to play with color and light. The addition of the refracting element of water is just the cherry on the top!

Here's to the magic of color and light,

Julie Green
December 17, 2016


Christmas Tree Lane: Color in Motion No. 2

Christmas Tree Lane: Color in Motion No. 3

Christmas Tree Lane: Color in Motion No. 4

Christmas Tree Lane: Color in Motion No. 5

Saturday, December 10, 2016

Kite Flyer: The Human Figure in Motion Part 2

Kite Flyer: The Human Figure in Motion No. 3

In my last blog entry Kite Flyer: The Human Figure in Motion, I began to work on a project to create movement in a still photograph. The idea was to push the single moment into several steps in time on a single plane. I also stitched the image back together to symbolize the running thread of time through our lives.

Today, I wanted to present to you several more approaches to that idea. Although I have yet to stitch the image together, the vertical and diagonal lines created by cutting up the photographic paper and realigning it, gives the image a feeling of motion I was looking of.

Kite Flyer: The Human Figure in Motion No. 3 is exactly what I was picturing in my minds eye and I am so thrilled to see it come to fruition. Once I add the finishing touches of the orange thread, I will begin to think of other moments in time that I would like to accelerate into motion.

Lets go fly a kite!

Julie Green
December 10, 2016

Kite Flyer: The Human Figure in Motion No. 4 


Saturday, December 3, 2016

Kite Flyer: The Human Figure in Motion

"Kite Flyer No. 1" 2016


On my way home from Hong Kong earlier this year, I had time to sit and ponder several projects I have been working on over the year. My exploration on light and how we perceive it, as seen in my pieces on Water Refractions and my Sun Shadow series, as well as distortion in perspective, as seen in my woven portrait series, are subjects that have captivated me this year. Bending light and perspective floats my boat. I then began wondering if I could move a single frozen moment in time by cutting the image up.

As I slept on the 15 hour flight home, I had a vivid dream of my daughter running with a kite, its tail lingering behind her. I remember looking at the image of my daughter in the same way as Marcel Duchamp's famous painting "Nude Descending a Staircase, No. 2" 1912, with its depiction of rhythm and movement all on one plane. Except in my dream, I worked from a single moment and it was my goal to try to make, as Duchamp said "a static representation of movement."

The dream was so vivid that I immediately woke up and wrote all the details down.

I began to think of how I would turn that one moment into movement by cutting the photograph up into vertical strips that were then sewn back together with thread. The tail of the kite being an extension of the paper, an extension of movement and time.

Today I wanted to show you what I have been working on. These are the first sketches of my exploration in combining the various projects I've been working on this year.

Lets go fly a kite!

Julie Green
December 3, 2016

"Kite Flyer No. 1" 2016

"Kite Flyer No. 1" 2016




"Kite Flyer No. 2" 2016

"Kite Flyer No. 2" 2016

"Kite Flyer No. 2" 2016

Saturday, November 26, 2016

Variegated Norway Maple


"Variegated Norway Maple No. 1" 2016

In uncertain times, I always look to the trees. This lovely variegated Norway Maple pulsated brightly in the Northern Norfolk winter light earlier this year. These pictures are not manipulated in any way. This is how vibrant the tree and it's surrounding environment was after a 6 week storm. The light, harder than I'm used to seeing and more penetrating due to its angle, cast a spotlight on objects below even in broad daylight.

I suppose I've been living in a desert for so long that when I see a rain drenched scenery, my eyes and my senses explode. I was grateful to be surrounded by natures grander, even in the simplest tree at a local playground. I hope to never loose this sense of awe and felt compeled to share this beauty with you today, in these times, under a variegated maple tree.

With love,

Julie Green
November 26, 2016

"Variegated Norway Maple No. 2" 2016

"Variegated Norway Maple No. 3" 2016

"Variegated Norway Maple No. 4" 2016

"Variegated Norway Maple No. 5" 2016


Saturday, November 19, 2016

Kern County Fair

"Kern County Fair No 1" 2016

I only attended two county fairs in California this year. Their dates and my schedule did not jive. But I did end up shooting the first and last county fairs in the state. The Riverside County Fair and International Date Festival occurred in February. The early date helped fair goers avoid the blistering heat of the desert later in the year. While Kern County ended the fair season at the beginning of October.

Although technically it was Autumn, the summer sun was unrelenting and the harsh light was hard to escape. This is the first time I had revisited a specific county fair, as I wanted to round out the collection of images I had captured of the Kern County Fair back in 2013.

What captured my eye this time around was the BMX Pros and their tricks on their bikes. They reminded me of all the skaters I used to hand out with in Walnut Creek: fearless, crazy and fun. The little kids were in awe of their theatrics and I enjoyed a new generation of punks making a living out of something they love.

I also had a long talk with the local park ranger about the state of our National Parks as well as his canvas tent from the 50's which was sturdy and still viable. It made me wonder how many of those nylon tents we have now a days will still be around in 60 years.

Little girls were running around in their leotard getting ready for their "Dance, dance" routine to be judged and dreaming of a blue ribbon. They showed me some of their moves and I was amazed how the little ones were perfectly in step with their older companions.

My love of photographing mannequins outside of department stores was satiated with a row of them acting as a block agains free throws in basketball, a hit in baseball, a kick in soccer and a hail mary in the football prize booths.

It still is a dream of mine to photograph every county fair in California. With 58 counties throughout California, I realize I have given myself a task that will perhaps take a decade to complete. But I know when it is done I will have a better perspective of all Californians and will have captured us all in time enjoying ourselves at the local county fair.

Julie Green
November 19, 2016

"Kern County Fair No 2" 2016

"Kern County Fair No 3" 2016

"Kern County Fair No 9" 2016

"Kern County Fair No 11" 2016

Saturday, November 12, 2016

The Great Immortal Wong

"Wong Tai Sin Temple No. 1" 2016

Wong Tai Sin, otherwise known as The Great Immortal Wong, is a Chinese Taoist deity who they say has healing powers. In the dark days we find ourselves in after the US election, I felt it was an appropriate time to share images of contemplation, of a people searching for answers and healing.

I recently visited the temple dedicated to Wong Tai Sin in the northern region of Kowloon in Hong Kong to catch a glimpse of their customs and rituals. As an atheist, I find it fascinating to observe all forms of religion practicing their faith and witnessing how they pray. I do see how people derive a sense of calm and well being from repeating actions performed with a multitude of others doing the same thing. A sense of belonging must envelope their soul.

The ritual of these Taoists lighting incense sticks facinated me and the repetitive action performed by the throngs of people that passed through overwhelmed me. I suppose it with the same awe that I find myself overwhelmed by the masses voting for the unthinkable.

As the saying goes at Wong Tai Sin Temple: "What you request is what you get."

Julie Green
November 12, 2016

"Wong Tai Sin Temple No. 2" 2016

"Wong Tai Sin Temple No. 3" 2016

"Wong Tai Sin Temple No. 4" 2016

"Wong Tai Sin Temple No. 5" 2016

Saturday, November 5, 2016

Step Shadows

"Step Shadows No. 1"  from The Sun Shadow Series



I've been exploring the crisp shadows the sun makes down here in Southern California for the last several years and I am still fascinated by the geometric shapes their silhouettes create. Just like seeing objects in the clouds, Sun Shadows (as I refer to them) are as equally fascinating to me.

A recent trip to the Natural History Museum rendered these stark contrasting forms on the steps of it's granite steps. A sense of fluidity takes over when these patterns ripple across the horizontal slabs. I can almost hear a song being played in the repetitive spacing. I'm sure John Cage would have appreciated its angular form and space.

It is for pure pleasure that I explore these abstract forms cast before me. They are a timeless genre that man has seen since the dawn of time but with harder shapes of granite steps and metal poles which lend a more modern graphic to the eye.

Julie Green
November 5, 2016


"Step Shadows No. 2"  from The Sun Shadow Series

"Step Shadows No. 3"  from The Sun Shadow Series

"Step Shadows No. 4"  from The Sun Shadow Series

"Step Shadows No. 5"  from The Sun Shadow Series

Saturday, October 29, 2016

Day of the Dead on Olvera Street

"Day of the Dead on Olvera Street No. 1" 2015



Last year I observed Dia de los Muertos on Olvera Street, the oldest part of downtown Los Angeles. The home made alters constructed featured framed photographs of loved ones decorated with candles, papel picado and flowers. Offerings of sugar skulls, breaded bones and water where carefully laid in out to nourish their departed souls. Although they were remembering their dearly departed, the mood of the celebration was anything but somber.

The mariachi band in the square's rotunda kept the beat for the dancers who's faces were painted like fanciful calaveras. Traditionally, Mexican and Aztec cultures used to wear skeleton masks. The more modern approach is now see in the painted faces.

I was fortunate enough to befriend a family that were elegantly dressed for the occasion and they agreed to pose for me in the Avila Adobe, the oldest residence still standing in LA. Its thick 3 foot adobe brick walls, tar sealed roof, covered porches and the courtyard, where cooking used to take place was a perfect backdrop for these calaveras. 

The immortality of our souls and the celebration of the dead is a beautiful and positive way for all of us to overcome our fear of dying. The symbolic memento mori of this Mexican tradition reminds us all that we are all destined for death one day but that is it only a natural progression and one not to be feared.

Larga vida a los muertos!

Julie Green
October 29, 2016


"Day of the Dead on Olvera Street No. 2" 2015

"Day of the Dead on Olvera Street No. 3" 2015

"Day of the Dead on Olvera Street No. 4" 2015

"Day of the Dead on Meridian Street No. 1" 2015

Wednesday, October 19, 2016

Her Majesty's Sticky Wicket Croquet Club

"Her Majesty's Sticky Wicket Croquet Club No. 1" 2016

It was a late summer's afternoon when Lady Christiane Cegavske paid us a visit. It had been some time since last we met and when I saw her raven hair, and her wry smile - I knew she hadn't changed a bit. Years before she left Los Angeles, Christiane had gathered a group of croquet enthusiasts and had inaugurated Her Majesty's Sticky Wicket Croquet Club. The games were usually played on rough terrain and preferably up hill in an unorthodox pattern.

Wikipedia states that "in the game of croquet, the phrase "sticky wicket" may refer to a hoop (wicket) that is difficult for a ball to go through because of the narrowness of the opening. This usage is confined to the United States." And in true form, each sticky wicket in Her Majesty's Sticky Wicket Croquet Club was strategically placed in a most difficult spot and bent into its proper shape.

Along with Lady Cegavske, who herself is unmatched in her creative outpouring of animated films and costumes, Her Majesty's Sticky Wicket Croquet Club was attended by the glorious mess of magic, Mr. Christopher Wonder and by Dr. Paul Koudounaris author of several books on burial chambers and resting places of the dead from around the world. 

The game itself was enjoyed throughout the late afternoon and it was quite dark outside when I left the club playing in the failing light. There was a soft breeze blowing but you could tell the season was turning, reaching towards the darker nights ahead.

All ways here you see, are the Queen's ways.

Julie Green
October 22, 2016


"Her Majesty's Sticky Wicket Croquet Club No. 2" 2016


"Her Majesty's Sticky Wicket Croquet Club No. 3" 2016


"Her Majesty's Sticky Wicket Croquet Club No. 4" 2016

"Her Majesty's Sticky Wicket Croquet Club No. 5" 2016


"Her Majesty's Sticky Wicket Croquet Club No. 6" 2016

Saturday, October 15, 2016

Goofing Off with The Flakes!



The Flakes live at Pickwick Gardens


I'm a huge FLAKES FAN! These guys are like family to me and it was a thrill to see them do their stuff all over again a few months back. At the Pickwick Gardens in lovely Burbank, CA, The Real Boss Hoss rolled out another great show with an amazing line up including the amazing vocal stylings of Tiny & Mary, instrumental magicians Mercury Futuregrade, SpongeBob himself: Tom Kenny & The Hi-Seas and East LA 1960's Garage Rockers The Premiers!

Front man Peepin' John McDonald was in fine form as was drummer extraordinaire Russell Quan. Guitarist Greg Fenwick and JT on bass kept the goof balls jumping, while Sir Brett Stillo showed us all how it's was really done.

I was recently able to pull out a slim interview with these flakey fellows. A few of the members filled in the blanks but overall these FLAKES stayed true to their name. You can catch them doing an amazing cover of "You're Gonna Miss Me" here.

It it with great pleasure I share with you San Francisco's finest!

Julie Green
October 15, 2016



Julie Green: What shampoo do you like the smell of most and why?

Peepin' John McDonald: I use Head and Shoulders!

Russell Quan: Brett knows these!

Brett Stillo: I use a combination of sage, linseed oil, champagne, and black tar. It makes my hair smell just like sage, linseed oil, champagne, and black tar.

JG: Do you consider yourself a flakey person?

BS: I do consider myself a flakey person, but I tend to be a little to critical and harsh on myself!





JG: When did the band form?

PJ: The Flakes started in the mid 90's I believe with myself, Greg Fenwick on guitar, a guy named Peter who I went to high school with on drums. Later on Brett joined as a second guitarist, and we got Russell on drums after Pete quite because we could never practice cause someone would always flake. Pete actually coined the band name but that's another story!

BS: Founding Flakes? Jeez... 1997? I don't think we actually played a gig until 1998. The whole reason the band got its name is that we kept postponing our first rehearsal for something like three months. The original drummer gave up on us and proclaimed us to be nothing but "a band of Flakes".  And thus a legend was born. A flakey legend, but a legend nonetheless!




JG: This was the first time The Flakes have appeared on state since 2008. What have you guys been up to?

BS: I've been doing less music and more video. Both Commercial and creative. Anybody out there need a music video?


Russell Quan with DJ Sue and Andy Carroll


JG:What is you favorite flavor bubblegum?

BS: My favorite flavor of bubblegum is bubblegum.


Agent Kari 


JG: Have ever thrown up on stage?

BS: I have never thrown up on stage, but there was this time that I went into the rest room right before we were gonna play. i was washing my hands, but the faucet was broken and sprayed water all over the front of my pants, so it totally looked like I had just wet myself. I had no time to try and dry myself off, so I just went with it. Hey, I just wet my pants. That's how much I love Rock n' Roll! How about you?

JG: Who did the fabulous cover of "Back to School"?

RQ: Chuck Berry's responsible for "Back to School" via JT!

PJ: You mean the album cover or the song? The album cover art is by JT, and the song lyrics were written by me and put to the music of "Dear Dad" by Chuck Berry.


Flakes fans Janet Housden and Mark Mastopietro


JG: Coke or Pepsi?

RQ: Pepsi Generation!

PJ: I don't like soda but would probably choose Coke if I was in the mood.

JG: Beatles or Stones?

PJ: Stones all the way!

Russell Quan - Drums

Brett Stillo - Guitar

Peepin' John McDonald - Vox

JT - Bass

Greg Fenwick - Guitar