On the Road - Bishop, CA (Part 3)

(Click image for full size.) © William Anthony

Erick Schat’s Bakkerÿ on N. Main St. in Bishop.

On the Road - Bishop, CA (Part 2)

High altitude. (Click image for full size.) © William Anthony

On the Road - Bishop, CA (Part 1)

Big rig. (Click image for full size.) © William Anthony

Lisa Solberg live painting at Andaz Opening

(Click image for full size.) © William Anthony

Our good friend and neighbor Lisa Solberg was featured at the Andaz Grand Opening and Vanity Fair Domino Benefit in West Hollywood on February 20. She performed a live painting in the lobby while guests mingled. Guests included Ashton Kutcher, Demi Moore and Prince among many others.

I brought my 4x5 camera to get a nice big portrait of the Lisa and her work. Moments after setting up the camera, I was informed by the head of the hotel's security that someone on the mezzanine was nervous about my camera. I looked up to see Prince's security detail giving me stink eye. Unbeknownst to me, and by no effort on my part, I am the world's first and only large format paparazzi.

Dev

(Click image for full size.) © William Anthony

This is Dev. He's been friends with my fiancé Pamela for 21 years. Safe to say they go way back. Dev drove here to Los Angeles from St. Cloud, MN, which is where I met him just about a month ago for the first time over a few frames at the bowling alley.

There are times when you meet someone and you feel like you've known them all along. Like you go way back. Even if you don't.


(Click image for full size.) © William Anthony

On the Road - Avalon, CA (Part 3)

Spare some change? (Click image for full size.) © William Anthony

On the Road - Avalon, CA (Part 2)

Davey Jones'.(Click image for full size.) © William Anthony

On the Road - Avalon, CA (Part 1)

The Avalon Casino on Catalina Island.(Click image for full size.) © William Anthony

I had no idea this was built by chewing gum magnate William Wrigley Jr. in 1929. I also did not know the Chicago Cubs held their Spring training here on Catalina Island from 1921-1951.

Saint Valentine's Day

(Click image for full size.) © William Anthony

Happy Birthday Mr. Darwin.

Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. (Click image for full size.) © William Anthony

Today is Charles Darwin's 200th Birthday.

The Producers

(Click image for full size.) © William Anthony

While on a recent dusk bike ride, I discovered a bus/trailer combo parked on E 5th St. behind Urth Cafe. After obeying the call-to-action and going to the website, I discovered that it's for a pretty cool project, "The 1 Second Film." Have a look.

On the Road - Newport, OR

Gary with PVC. (Click image for full size.) © William Anthony

This is Gary Smith. He works at The Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport, OR. He's worked at the aquarium since before opening day, 17 years ago. (One of only three original employees still there.) That is when I met him, and every time I pass through Newport I give him a call for a strong handshake (and more recently a bear hug) and guaranteed laughs.

Gary helped build the beautiful Oregon Coast Aquarium—literally. He used to work for the construction company that won the contract to build the $24 million, state-of-the-art facility. Legend has it that Gary was hired to work in the aquarium's Life Support Department (i.e.: filters, pumps, water lines, etc.) because he was the only guy who knew where all the pipes were buried. Sometimes more accurately than the blueprints.

Affable, high-energy and nearly always covered in some sort of slime, chemical cleaner or ketchup, Gary loves what he does. That would certainly explain the "17 years" part.

As usual, it was great to see him again. Only this time, I insisted on a portrait. Ironically, for someone who has made his living with his hands, I knew he'd have trouble knowing what to do with them during the portrait. So I asked him to grab a prop. Appropriately, he picked up a pipe.

On the Road - Heceta Head, OR

From the Lighthouse overlook. (Click image for full size.) © William Anthony

On the Road - Yachats, OR (Part 2)

W 2nd St. (Click image for full size.) © William Anthony