Saturday, December 22, 2018

Destination: Palm Springs Part 1

"Destination: Palm Springs No. 1" 2018  Part 1

I traveled quite a bit throughout California, Washington State and Texas to see friends and family near and dear to me this year. I visited Palm Springs three times during 2018 and every time I photographed this unique destination in black and white, I was always drawn to the looming San Jacinto Mountain Range on its western edge. This batholith dominates the background of this Sonoran desert town and demands its portrait to be taken.

Th light colored Mesozoic granite mountain range is otherworldly, an entity of its own. No wonder The Beast with a Million Eyes, The Monster That Challenged the World, and Blood of Dracula's Castle were all filmed in Palm Springs.

I tried to get close to the mountain but most of the property near the base of the mountain is either private property or built so close to it, that it us nearly inaccessible. But I was determined and found a few places in the historic Tennis Court neighborhood that I squeeze a few spaces that allowed me an unfettered view of its surface unclose.

I wasn't prepared for its almost lava like formations and near vertical escarpment. It was indeed an awesome feeling to be so close to the rocks and to see it up close. In the next few weeks, I plan on presenting to you the two other neighborhoods that I captured in Palm Springs, as well as images I captured in Austin, Bodie, Inverness, Oakland, Bridgeport, Orcas Island and Point Reyes.

Wishing you safe travels and happy holidays!

Julie Green
December 22. 2018


"Destination: Palm Springs No. 2" 2018  Part 1

"Destination: Palm Springs No. 3" 2018  Part 1


"Destination: Palm Springs No. 4" 2018  Part 1


"Destination: Palm Springs No. 5" 2018  Part 1

Saturday, December 15, 2018

The Checkers at The Redwood Tonight!




The Checkers are back and playing a show tonight at LA's finest pirate supper club (with thee best Fish and Chips on the Eastside), The Redwood Bar and Grill!!! The night will be hosted by sonic siren Asia Muka with a musical line up that includes Sirens in the Night (with Jail Weddings members) and those fabulously loud and snotty Tenement Rats. To wrap the night up in a bow, sonic gold DJ John Tyree with be spinning records all night long for your listening pleasure.

It's been three years since we've last set foot on stage and in honor of this rare occasion and as a Christmas gift, I thought I would share with you flyers from The Checker's past and present.

Happy holidays and I hope to see you at The Redwood!

Julie Green
Lead Singer of The Checkers
December 15, 2018










Saturday, December 8, 2018

Flora as Fashion: Naomi White

"Flora as Fashion: Naomi White" 2018

The last stitched portrait of 2018 is a work in progress that has taken on a life of its own. At first I had the nylon flower petal hat's of the sixties in mind but it grew into a snood of sorts. It certainly is a bridge between my "Home as Hat" and "Flora as Fashion" series, combining both elements of a hat and foliage as the structure of the garment.

My dear friend, the lovely and talented artist Naomi White graciously posed for this portrait. We have been friends and photographers for 3 decades. As an educator, intersectional feminist and visual artist Naomi has always been very observant of herself and the world around her. She has continually produced a translation of her cross current narratives in vibrant and unique ways.

In a way I am happy to show you a work in progress. Not all pieces can be completed in a week and with the holidays upon us, time has become a rare commodity. I will continue work on this piece until all of the leaves are filled in and will present it to you in the future.

Julie Green
December 8, 2018

Saturday, December 1, 2018

Flora as Fashion: Alyssa Taylor Wendt

"Flora as Fashion: Alyssa Taylor Wendt" 2018

This week, an ombré cropped cardigan-like shrug began to emerge from this portrait I had taken as I studied it's structure. Although this shrug enveloped only one of her shoulders, I could see how this knitted sweater could conceivably be worn like this. The tendrils of the vines added a unique element to this construction and I accented the berries in a coordinating mustard yellow color.

Artist, scĂ©nariste, and presence - Alyssa Taylor Wendt graciously covered herself in shrubbery for my project. A long time friend and a highly creative, original and feisty hot tamal, Alyssa now lives in Austin, TX and is a part of the artist run ICOSA Collective. Ms. Alyssa was also in a band called Panda in San Francisco. Recalling the power of the blue chakra, I decided to color this piece in honor of this singer and healer.

As I was photographing her, I recalled her body of work "Compartments of Desire" which consisted of organic pieces which evolved into symbolic shamanic armor. In a way, our clothing too is a way for us to project our inner being and protect against outside elements. What we choose to wear becomes our every day armor that gives us courage, flair, sanctuary, shelter and refuge.

Julie Green
December 1, 2018



Saturday, November 17, 2018

Flora as Fashion: V. Marc Fortress

"Flora as Fashion: V. Marc Fortress" 2018

When I sit down to embroider a portrait, several elements influence what shape, color and pattern I eventually use to embellish each piece. The characteristics of the vegetation I have chosen to place my subjects in front of is the most influential element that helps to shape the garment and influence its eventual pattern. The color selection is often determined from the historical reference a particular piece of clothing conveys.

Yet the one component that has the greatest impact on all of these elements is the personality of the subject I have photographed. In this portrait of V. Marc Fortress, I placed him in front of this bush because I was attracted to its structural branches and repeating patterns that reminded me of V. Marc's dreads.

But it is his smooth, warm, engaging personality that lead me to the shape of the super hero cape. If more people were like V. Marc, we would be living in a peaceful and just world. While I was crafting this cape, it seemed like a natural evolution to render it in warm natural tones. The final result to me, is reminiscent of my grandmother's knitted blankets which were always a cozy and safe place to be.

Julie Green
November 17, 2018

Saturday, November 10, 2018

Flora as Fashion: Lola Carroll

"Flora as Fashion: Lola Carroll" 2018

I'm back in the stitching saddle again, creating more pieces in anticipation of an exhibition of this body of work in 2019! 

I was inspired to photograph several friends for this series while I was visiting Texas in August. Lola graciously posed for me while we were visiting Blue Hole, a swimming spot in Wimberely, TX. The clear water was in stark juxtaposition to the swamp-like foliage that surrounded the swimming hole. The water was chilly but exhilarating. Being surrounded by old-growth cypress trees dripping in spanish moss while swimming was a novel experience for me. 

While I was thinking about the memories my friend Lola and I have shared over the years, this bridal veil began to take shape out of the foliage in the photograph. I remembered photographing Lola's wedding back in the 9T's in the Palace of Fine Arts Rotunda and capturing her own veil as it blew vertically straight up into the air. It was a surreal moment and I fondly remember her smile and excitement by the unexpected life in her fashion accessory.

I'm thrilled with the results of this stitched portrait. The color palate perfectly conveys the surroundings I remembered while visiting this location and the memories of my friend's wedding veil.

Julie Green
November 10, 2018

Saturday, November 3, 2018

There's No Stopping Permanent Green Light

                        

Saturday, October 27, 2018

Recent Covers - The Mr. T Experience



Another recent cover that includes photography I shot is on this new compilation from my favorite Bay Area punks - The Mr. T Experience. "Shards" Volume Two - Pieces of The Mr. T Experience 1985-1999 is an amazing collection out on Sounds Rad Records. Like Volume I, this record contains 16 bonus tracks that had appeared on various MTX CD's over the years but had never made it to their full length LPs.

For a complete history on how this occured, please visit Dr. Frank's blog here and here!

I photographed Dr. Frank, Joel Reader and Jym Pittman for the 7th MTX LP back in 1997. It was shot in my old photo studio inside The Warfield Building which also housed the famous Warfield Theatre. The studio on Market Street in San Francisco was situated right between the two ladies on the outside of the building's facade. Outtakes from that photo shoot are also included on both Volume I and II inserts.

Julie Green
October 27, 2018



Inside Volume I





Inside Volume II














Saturday, October 20, 2018

Recent Covers - Los Straightjackets




I was delighted to photograph most of Los Straightjackets last year for the cover of their record "What's So Funny About Peace, Love and... Los Straitjackets" on North Carolina's finest independent record label Yep Roc Records. The marriage between masterful songs written by Nick Lowe and the bands gorgeous handling of instrumental arrangements, Los Straightjackets have expertly crafted an incredible surf rock album that will make you wanna play it over and over again.

Three cheers to Johnny Barlett of California for hooking me up with these masked marauders! We had a whole lot of fun photographing them at the famous PowWow Fun Room in Mar Vista, CA. Eddie Angel, Chris Sprague, Greg Townson and Pete Curry are just the greatest group of guys you would ever want to hang out with!

Los Straightjackets are currently floating on a boat with Big Sandy down The Baja Bop Red Hot Rockin' Cruise to Mexico until the 21st and they recently backed Nick Lowe on The Conan O'Brian Show. I'm so delighted they continue to provide their listening audience with platters of delicious sounds expertly delivered with a fabulous sense of humor.

Via Los Straightjackets!

Julie Green
October 20, 2018


Saturday, October 6, 2018

Right on Track with The Fastbacks!




What a thrill it was to be in Seattle when The Fastbacks were playing Sub Pop's 30th Anniversary Music Festival! It was if no time had gone by since I last saw them play at The Bottom of The Hill in San Francisco a few years back (try 20). But their energy and unpretentiousness was still there and it was a joy ride from the first song to the last.

Below is a quick interview I did with Kurt Bloch who graciously gave me his time and insight into this pioneering Seattle band!

Julie Green
October 6, 2018


Julie Green: Did you grow up in Seattle?

Kurt Block: Yes indeed - Sand Point over there by Lake City!

JG: How his it NOT changed over the years?

KB: Well, kind hard to say. In the last few years some of the last outposts of the city I grew up in have been usurped by "progress". I don't mourn the passing of EVERY old building or business of the old days, but it's getting pretty dire out there. The "regular" places are really getting harder to find, micro-condos and ELEVATED dining experiences are the norm now. It's a different life out there for the young up-n-coming upwardly-mobiles. But I haven't been part of that anyway, so it's probably easier for met to look past it all, than for many.


JG: Did anyone in the band ever have a car with a fastback?

KB: No, Lulu had a mid-60's Mustang that we loved, it wasn't a fastback but when we were out walking around taking our first band photos in early 1980, we happened upon a share Mustang Fastback, and I reckon that was the sealant for the band name.

Kurt Bloch

JG: Your production of "Whenever You're Ready" and in particular the song "Woolworth" for the band Flop was, for me, a musical revelation. Are you still producing and recording these days?

KB: Yeah! Now did I actually record that? I think I only did the first and third Flop records, I know we did demos for that 2nd album, and I started mixing it when Martin Rushent was lat getting to the US to begin. Smashing album, that's a fact. They were one of the true Seattle greats.

Kim Warnick

Lulu Gargiulo

JG: When was Rusty Willoughby (singer, songwriter, guitarist for Flop) drumming in The Fastbacks?

KB: Rusty played drums when Nate Johnson (who also drummed for Flop) flew the coop in 1991. It left both bands without a drummer. I originally had my doubts about Rusty's prowess behind the kit. But we started an ongoing outfit called Sick Man of Europe and played the first Cheap Trick album start-to-finish, and Rusty was the drummer in that. So I knew he was quite capable at that point, it seemed an easy choice. Nate returned, Flop got busy, Mike Musburger stepped into the chair - with would've been 1992, I reckon.


JG: Besides playing a mind blowing set at the Sub Pop's 30th Anniversary music festival (where all of these image were shot), what have you been up to these days?

KB: Still recording and mixing bands - right now it's Ean from Sicko's new band The Subjunctives. They're doing a 4 song e.p., and The Filthy Friends, it's Corin Tucker, Peter Buck, Scott McCaughey, Linda Pitmon and I, a new record in the works. {!!!}

Also my own new band The Yes Masters, there's Young Fresh Fellows on the horizon, and a new 45 by The Sgt. Major III about to happen!


JG: If you could describe the tone of your Gibson as a flavor, what would that be?

KB: I reckon it'd be ice cream, but coated with shards of what LOOKS like glass, but is actually SUGAR!

JG: How did you end up producing Japan supergroup Supersnazz's amazing LP "Superstupid" for Sub Pop?


KB: I can't quite remember, but I think we met Supersnazz when they were here with American Soul Spiders, and I think we snuck them into a session at Egg Studio on a Sunday before they flew back to Japan. Of course it was killer, someone at Sub Pop caught on, and it all just made sense! What a killer LP that is! We've been buddies ever since.



JG: What do you think about the music scene in Seattle these days?

KB: There's tons of great bands - I rarely have a problem finding a kick in the pants if needed. There's a few great venues that still appreciate kickass bands, it's different that it was in those early-'90's days, but that's to be expected. You might have to look a little harder, but there are new bands that spring up that keep it all worthwhile.






Saturday, September 29, 2018

Caspers Famous Hot Dogs - South Hayward

"Caspers Famous Hot Dogs - South Hayward No. 1" 2018

In my final entry this month on the structures of the San Francisco Bay Area's famous Caspers Hot Dog chain, I decided to feature this 1950's location last, as its architectural elements are unique and stand out from the others. It's octagonal facade is also lined with flagstone, but unlike the previous locations which featured flat slabs or boulder shaped rock, the flagstone at this location were chiseled into brick shaped rectangles. This was a pretty common material used for building facades at the time and is neatly stacked, much like the brick facades of its neighbors.

The roof is neither gabled like the ranch-style of their Pleasant Hill location, nor incorporated into the trapezoid shaped buildings that were constructed in Dublin, Albany, and North Hayward. It looks to me like a pretty standard flat roofed 50's diner with its stripped edge.

What really sets this location apart is its original neon sign that is still in pretty good condition. With it's rounded edges in both the type font and metal structure, this looks like it could have easily been constructed in the late 40's or in the very early 50's. But like its siblings around the bay, I'm happy to say their globe lights still hang inside and its orange decor makes you feel like you have stepped into any of their other seven locations.

Caspers has two more locations in Richmond and in Walnut Creek but their odd esthetics are not very appealing to me and I have decided not to feature them on my blog. I hope you have enjoyed my journey into the center of Caspers Famous Hot Dog stand locations. It's a project I promised myself I would complete and have ended up enjoying every minute of the ride.

Julie Green
September 29, 2018

"Caspers Famous Hot Dogs - South Hayward No. 2" 2018


"Caspers Famous Hot Dogs - South Hayward No. 3" 2018


"Caspers Famous Hot Dogs - South Hayward No. 4" 2018



"Caspers Famous Hot Dogs - South Hayward No. 5" 2018

Wednesday, September 26, 2018

Exhibition at Counter Culture

"Fuji" from Apples in August
22 x 17"
Archival pigment print
© Julie Green

I am thrilled to announce that I will be exhibiting and selling eight prints from Artichokes and Apples in August series at Counter Culture in Austin, TX

The opening reception is tomorrow, September 27th from 7-9pm

Counter Culture
2337 Cesar Chaves St. E
Austin, TX 78702
512-524-1540

I will be flying in for the opening. If you are in town, I hope to see you there!

Julie Green
September 26, 2018





Saturday, September 22, 2018

Caspers Famous Hot Dogs - North Hayward

“Caspers Famous Hot Dogs - North Hayward No. 1” 2018

Who knew Hayward, CA was such a special place? It boasts not one but two Caspers Famous Hot Dog stands! This 60's gem sits on Foothill Boulevard north of it's first location. Its shingled siding and iconographic logo are accented by its neighbor's Googie signage that rises three stories above its roof line. I couldn't help but think that Hayward Tools and Equipment must have been a converted carwash.

This location was packed with patrons. The smell of their delishious hot dogs permeated the parking lot making it hard to shoot the subject! It was clear that this was the best location out of all the Caspars I had visited. The Boulevard was busy with commuters racing to the freeway entrance just a few blocks away.

It was a great pleasure to photograph this location and a bit of a challenge to frame this structure around its towering neighbor. Two architectural visions from various eras vying for your patronage in our digital age.

Julie Green
September 22, 2018

“Caspers Famous Hot Dogs - North Hayward No. 2” 2018



“Caspers Famous Hot Dogs - North Hayward No. 3” 2018



“Caspers Famous Hot Dogs - North Hayward No. 4” 2018



“Caspers Famous Hot Dogs - North Hayward No. 5” 2018