Faces In the Crowd

Faces In the Crowd, 2003ish

pen and ink

© copyright Mike Kraus

I wonder how many people know that I've captured them in my sketchbook?  Here's a sampling from hanging out in Millennium Park in downtown Chicago.  Lots of characters makes for interesting people watching.  You can tell who is a tourist because they look up at all the skyscrapers.  I don't know about the people looking down or about the guy in the top hat.

In Da Moonlight

In Da Moonlight, 2014

scratchboard

© copyright Mike Kraus

Nights are longer here.  Only shadows dance in the moonlight of the old farm.  Howls and secretive footsteps can be heard, but nothing seen, in the nearby fields.  The darkness is honest away from civilization.  Much like the people that live in this neck of the woods.

Night Birch

Night Birch, 2014

scratchboard

© copyright Mike Kraus

Birch trees have always been a meditative source for me.  Growing up, there was one outside my window that I would look at while daydreaming.  And, when I needed to get away from the world I went to a grove of Birch trees to find refuge.  I’ve always found the unique and nearly insignificant white tree interesting.

Influential Michiganders Series

Influential Michiganders Series, 2003

silkscreen on wood

© copyright Mike Kraus

Noah Hopson and Frances Close

Photos by Frances Close

Who influences you?  There are personal connections with your friends and family.  Maybe it's celebrities or international icons.  These are just a few people that influenced Michigan and beyond in various ways.

Influential Michiganders Series, 2003

silkscreen on wood

© copyright Mike Kraus

Noah Hopson and Frances Close

Photos by Frances Close 

Berry Gordy (far left) and Arthur Vandenberg (2nd to left)

Influential Michiganders Series, 2003

silkscreen on wood

© copyright Mike Kraus

Noah Hopson and Frances Close

Photos by Frances Close 

Berry Gordy (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berry_Gordy) is the founder of Motown Records.  He was responsible for introducing the world to Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, The Four Tops and many more.  Motown Records spearheaded the desegregation of music and put Detroit on the map for music.

Arthur Vandenberg (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_H._Vandenberg) was an isolationist Senator who became an "internationalist" when his eyes were opened during World War II.  He became a bipartisan leader and instrumental in the creation of the United Nations.

Michael Moore (left)

Influential Michiganders Series, 2003

silkscreen on wood

© copyright Mike Kraus

Noah Hopson and Frances Close

Photos by Frances Close 

Michael Moore (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_moore), love him or hate him, his film Roger and Me captured the rapid industrial decline and its impact on Flint and the Michigan region.  From there, he's made such films as Sicko, Fehrenheit 9/11, Bowling For Columbine as well as several books, TV shows, and music videos.  

Influential Michiganders Series, 2003

silkscreen on wood

© copyright Mike Kraus

Noah Hopson and Frances Close

Photos by Frances Close 

Henry Ford

Influential Michiganders Series, 2003

silkscreen on wood

© copyright Mike Kraus

Noah Hopson and Frances Close

Photos by Frances Close 

Henry Ford (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_ford) founded the Ford Motor Company, which brought the automobile to the masses by introducing auto production to the assembly line.  He had a vision of the world to promote peace though inexpensive mass produced goods and decent wages for employees.  It was Ford who made it possible for Michigan to become center of the "Arsenal of Democracy."

Chief Pontiac

Influential Michiganders Series, 2003

silkscreen on wood

© copyright Mike Kraus

Noah Hopson and Frances Close

Photos by Frances Close 

Chief Pontiac (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chief_Pontiac) was a Native American leader of the Ottawa tribe that fought against British colonization of the Great Lakes region.  While winning several battles, he was unable to capture Fort Detroit.  He sparked a daring uprising to show that Native Americans would not willingly submit to genocide.

 

Joe Louis

Influential Michiganders Series, 2003

silkscreen on wood

© copyright Mike Kraus

Noah Hopson and Frances Close

Photos by Frances Close

Joe Louis (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Louis) was a record-breaking heavyweight boxing champion.  This legend of the ring also packed a powerful punch outside the ring as he fought the Jim Crow Laws of the south and the desegregation of professional golf.

Sweet Lady and the Devil Dog

Sweet Lady and the Devil Dog, 2003

silkscreen and oil on canvas

© copyright Mike Kraus

Noah Hopson and Frances Close

Photos by Frances Close

All she wanted was companionship.  Someone to share her apartment at the senior community.  She replied to an ad that said, "Free Bichon to a good home."  How could she resist?  The sweet lady had to learn the hard way that "you get what you pay for."

The IT Guy

The IT Guy, 2014

pen, ink, and graphite

© copyright Mike Kraus

During the day, he's largely ignored by the staff until someone has a computer problem.  You'll usually find him in his distant office that doubles as a storage room for servers and cannibalized electronics.  At night, he performs at the local theatre and becomes a character himself.  Two lives which couldn't be any more different.

White Birch

White Birch, 2014

Acrylic and ink

© copyright Mike Kraus

What’s black and white and red all over?  A birch tree of course.  Birch trees have always been a meditative source for me.  Growing up, there was one outside my window that I would look at while daydreaming.  And, when I needed to get away from the world I went to a grove of Birch trees to find refuge.  I’ve always found the unique and nearly useless white tree interesting.

Palmer Hall

"Palmer Hall", 2014

pen and ink 
© copyright Mike Kraus

I paid the fee and they unlocked the doors.  We transferred our equipment from the car onto the stage.  Other groups arrive and friends gather in the parking lot.  Standing around the back door waiting for our drinks to be delivered.  This is the only place where kids are welcome.  Killing time with skateboards and forgetting the long week.  It’s 7pm and time to open the doors for the show.

Chicago Alley

Chicago Alley, 2014

pen and colored pencils 
© copyright Mike Kraus

I like to look at the back of buildings while riding the "L."  The ugly mess of twisted wires, garbage, and feral strays can open up to something more beautiful.  It reveals how the city works just as the facade hides it.  

Everybody Loves a Landlord

"Everybody Loves a Landlord", 2014

pen, ink, graphite 
© copyright Mike Kraus

On the edge of the city, a landlord busies himself with his rental estate.  Always with a cigarette in hand, he wanders around the structure trying to find a purpose.  He doesn’t have to show a vacant apartment until 3pm.  It’s not unusual to find him sitting in the lobby welcoming tenants and staring off into the distance.  The boom box repeats his only cassette: Dark Side of the Moon.  

Ducks On the Pond. Trout In Left.

Ducks On the Pond.  Trout In Left., 2014

photograph 
© copyright Mike Kraus

I always have my camera with me to catch these moments.  A few ducks on perfectly blue water with fish just below the surface.  It’s almost abstract and painterly.  Easy to fall into reverie.

Where's Vern?

"Where's Vern", 2014

Colored pencil and ink

© copyright Mike Kraus

Katie and Vern are explorers from New York.  They like to get dressed up and see all their friends in the city.  So, the next time you are in the Big Apple, look for them in a crowd because they’ll be the life of the party.

"All Entities Move and Nothing Remains Still"

"All Entities Move and Nothing Remains Still", 2014

pen, ink, and graphite

© copyright Mike Kraus

When is a place no longer home?  Is it when you no longer recognize the town?  Maybe it’s when all the institutions you were involved with have dissolved?  Or could it be when all your friends and family have fled?  Is the passing of time what makes it so “you can’t go home again?”

Good Night Factory

Good Night Factory, 2014

scratchboard

© copyright Mike Kraus

The Acropolis or Coliseum of the Industrial Age.  Ruins commonly found throughout the Rust Belt.  The upheaval that occurred as families left the manual labor of their farms for the power-driven manufacturing of monolithic corporations.  A complicated artificial bond that brought gains in efficiency, medicine, and life expectancy as well as ecological damage, dehumanization, and greater inequality.  A dysfunctional relationship that scars entire regions as production is automated or leaves for poverty-stricken districts desperate for menial wages.  What happens to people when we are no longer needed?

Wilder Building

Wilder Building, 2014

pen, ink, and graphite

© copyright Mike Kraus


Buildings do more than shelter us from the rain.  They reveal human intelligence and purpose.  What kind of technology did it require in 1887 to construct Rochester's first modern skyscraper?  What was the architect trying to tell us using the Romanesque style?  It's on the National Register of Historic Places, so what does the Wilder Building mean to us today?  Something that is difficult to think about when speeding by the structure in a car.

Birch Forest

Birch Forest, 2014

Acrylic and ink

© copyright Mike Kraus

What’s black and white and red all over?  A birch forest of course.  Birch trees have always been a meditative source for me.  Growing up, there was one outside my window that I would look at while daydreaming.  And, when I needed to get away from the world I went to a grove of Birch trees to find refuge.  I’ve always found the unique and nearly insignificant white tree interesting.  

Sadly, Just a Normal Day...

Pic stolen from Karen Stolt, who Emmy Lou and I are staring down at work.


Emmy Lou hanging out in a mail basket


Margie is getting really good at bribes.  Shamrock shake will get you far in this office...


I like these wall decals


Looks like me on the weekend.

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Things On Other People's Walls

Found this fella outside my door this morning.  



Poster from the Barktober Fest Poster Contest.  I don't know if I like "Make me your pet" or "Love me" more.  Perhaps we should have a vote...



A gem found in the basement of another open house.  I think Santa and the doll may have had a little egg nog...



Saved the best for last.  Who doesn't love a monkey in the toilet?  That is a funny job.  Whoever lives in this house would probably be my best friend if I ever met them...


That was quick and easy.  I guess no Rachel or Gertie means no photos.  This is what moving to Rochester has done to me.  At least I have toilet monkey...

Don't Tell Dumbledore Our Sorting Hats Are For Muggles...

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Pete at the JCPenney in "the mall" of Batavia, NY waiting to see Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part One.  Word...



Sarah, Megan, and Pete in playing with knit hats at JCPenney since we got to the theatre really, really early.  Megan and I are use to getting tickets really early for Harry Potter IMAX in Chicago, which you have to fight for.  Batavia is not Chicago...



I had to join in with my frog hat.  



Megan and Sarah squealing about the snowmen in the rest of "the mall."


 
The Channing H. Philbrick (Linear) Park in Penfield, NY.  Megan and I live in the Panorama Plaza area, which is surrounded by parks.  So, we decided to check out this one which is a couple of blocks from our place behind the Home Depot.



Philbrick was a former Town Supervisor of Penfield, NY and the park features Irondequoit Creek, which drops 90 feet in a one mile stretch of class III whitewater cascades.  The area was first known as Sgoh-sa-is-thah (smashing water against rock) by the Iroquois and later became a mill and factory center around 1795 when Daniel Penfield purchased the township that now bears his name.  This settlement lost its importance when milling around the High Falls in downtown Rochester started.  The land was later converted to a sewage treatment plant that dumped right into the creek.  It was removed and is the park we know today.



A nice hobo gazebo on an island in the middle of the creek






We saw giant Salmon carcasses and this bend.  We just missed their run this year.  These are clay cliffs that seem to have a lot of homes for little animals.






The bridge at Washington Street



Megan with her feet dangling off the edge watching the falls



Washington Street Bridge






A strange cascade/fall.  Not sure if this is natural or manmade.  It's a really long, perfectly straight falls.  It may be manmade since it's so close to the milling area.  Then again, the whole area is a milling area.  So...






Foundation of one of the many old mills in the area



This appears to be an artificial waterfall runs for one of the old mills






Wonky bridge 



Shelley Bridge.


So, a lot of nature shots these days.  Probably because I haven't lived near anything natural since I started college in 1999.  We'll stay in Rochester for Thanksgiving.  The Lions should get destroyed by the Patriots.  We'll see how the Cowboys can handle the Saints.  And staying as far away from anything retail-oriented for the next week as people go Christmas Crazy.