Wednesday, August 19, 2009 at 4:23AM The Musée de l'Homme in Paris helped design the spectacular Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, which features art, customs, rituals, and everyday objects from each of the many ethnic groups in Vietnam. I paid the extra 50,000 VND to get the photography permit, so I took a lot of pictures. Some of my favorite wooden statues are shown below. Although the carving is simple, the faces are captivating.
Friday, June 19, 2009 at 4:40AM This World War II vintage truck hauling 55 gallon drums of gasoline up and down the Ledo Road caught my eye. Clearly a "no-frills" work truck. The upholstery and dashboard are especially noteworthy. The owners told me that the vehicle had been in continual service for over 50 years. [NOTE: The truck was waiting for the ferry - as was I - when I filmed this (see Crossing the Taron)].
Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 3:44PM 
Kachin villagers in northern Myanmar (see Shinlonga) make their roofs out of bamboo poles and palm thatch (Livistonia jenkinsiana) lashed together with rattan. [NOTE: The thatch lasts for about three years.]
Monday, June 15, 2009 at 5:15AM 
Detail of clay tiles and wedges used for making roofs by the Miao people in Guizhou Province, China. [NOTE: This is clearly not a region with high winds; the tiles are simply laid in place].
Thursday, October 2, 2008 at 2:34PM The underground corridor between terminals A and B in the Detroit Metro airport (DTW) serves to calm - or disorient - the harried air traveler.
Thursday, October 2, 2008 at 1:36PM 
Saw a breathtaking exhibition of the works of Clyde Connell yesterday at a small gallery in her hometown of Shreveport, Louisiana (thx, Jim).
Friday, September 19, 2008 at 10:04AM 
Jizo (Kamakura period,1185-1333)
I went to the Met yesterday to see the painted palm-leaf folios of the Prajnaparamita Sutra. They were exquisite, but they wouldn't let me take pictures. I was, however, able to photograph several of my favorite pieces from the permanent collection, e.g. the larger than life-sized, wooden Jizo Bodhisattva with his pilgrim's staff and bright jewel of Dharma truth.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008 at 2:05PM The largest outdoor exhibition of Henry Moore's sculpture ever presented in America is on display right outside my office. Twenty colossal pieces scattered throughout 250 gorgeous acres. Don't guess there's any chance that the Henry Moore Foundation would forget to pick these up when the exhibit closes on November 2...
Hill Arches, 1973
Knife Edge Two Piece, 1962-1965
Goslar Warrior, 1973-1974
