Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even to the dull and the ignorant;...
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexatious to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love,
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

– Max Ehrmann


Monday, January 21, 2013

Chloride, Arizona by photographer James Derek Oliphant | 01.19.13

Saturday we loaded up the Jeep and headed out to create some Art and explore.  Our destination, Chloride, Arizona; a mining town, a ghost town an artistic town...










Upon entering this historic town you'll run right into Digger Dave's, a Saloon and Restaurant that speaks volumes with a rustic front and warm interior.


Proprietors Dave & Dori greeted us like old friends and served up one of the best lunches we've had in some time.

While waiting on our lunch, we spotted an original Grand Prix pinball machine in the corner.  This exact same machine was located in the corner store by my Grandmother's house when I was kid!  I wasn't a big gamer, but I did enjoy this one because it reminded me of Speed Racer...


...and as we continued to explore this cool place, look who we find in the corner,  Mr. Speed Racer himself.  At this moment I knew I would be visiting Digger Dave's again.

After lunch we walked it off with more exploration.  The textures were in abundance as you can see in the church photograph above.  The church is actually part of a mock old-west town where they stage gunfights during the summer months.

Within this mock town you'll find the Chloride Museum, a converted home from the early 1900's.  The image above was created from one of the bedrooms.  I love this image, it reminds me of my grandmother.



Chloride, Arizona is world renown for its murals.  The murals are painted on the side of a cliff and are truly inspirational.  Artist Roy Purcell first gained national attention as an artist in 1966 when he painted the 2000 square feet murals  Forty years later Mr. Purcell refurbished the work which you see above.


Overall it was a great outing, we produced some great Art in this cool little town in the desert.  Please contact the studio if you'd like to purchase any of our images.

all the best,
OLIPHANT