Although the Rookery building was designed by Root, it is the Frank Lloyd Wright remodeled large skylit lobby done in 1905, which features elements of his Prairie School designs that bring fans from all over the planet. It is located at 209 South La Salle St., a few blocks south of Helmut Jahn's State of Illinois building.
My French guest, who I was giving an architecture tour pointed out that all the delicate cut out work in the iron beams would be economically impossible today, even if you could locate crafts people capable of the work.
The lamps are a delight to study also.
Unfortunately guests are limited to the first floor and are unable to explore the spectacular spiral staircase. Lucky for me, I was able to get fabulous photos of it back in the late 1960's that have been reproduced in various publications.
Friday, May 25, 2007
Rookery building, Chicago, IL
Chicago - Carson's Sullivan facade
One of the first buildings I showed a visiting French woman during our architecture tour was this structure on State Street.
"One of the most important structures in early modern architecture, famed for its influential modular construction and design. Visionary architect Louis Sullivan shaped this commercial building--originally built for the Schlesinger and Mayer department store--into a dramatically animated structure that inseparably merges beauty and function. The ornament of the lower two stories is frozen in cast iron, while at the same time giving the impression of being in fluid motion. It is an excellent example of Sullivan's genius for architectural ornament."
from www.ci.chi.il.us/Landmarks/C/Carsons.html
If you visit Chicago, you must not miss exploring its architecture, and this is number one on the list.
Chicago - Dubuffet & church
Here is another more unique view/interpertation of Jean Dubuffet's "Monument With Standing Beast" installed in the State of Illinois Plaza at Clark and Randolph streets in Chicago's loop.The building is by Helmut Jahn and worth exploring its huge open atrium.
I shot this with a point and shoot Canon sd700is during a morning architectural walk of the Loop with a visitor from France. Just shows that it is not the camera, but the eye of the fotographer that creates a fine fotograph.
Chicago - Dubuffet & church
"Monument With Standing Beast" by Jean Dubuffet in the State of Illinois Plaza. The building is by Helmut Jahn and worth exploring its huge open atrium.
I shot this with a point and shoot Canon sd700is during a morning architectural walk of the Loop with a visitor from France.
Monday, April 30, 2007
Map of a great walk along the lake up in Edgewater - Foster to Montrose
Check out the map. If it does not appear in this post cut and paste this url in your browser and click on enter or go.
http://tinyurl.com/yvggjp
http://tinyurl.com/yvggjp
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Brown Out
Around 9am today, a Sunday in February, the electric in our area has gone out and we seem to have a brown out. No real power, but the bulbs have an extremely low orange glow, like an one watt night light. It was this way for over two hours until I ran out to the power company truck in the alley when I heard its familiar motor. No real info, but I could see another truck over two blocks north. They theroize that a transformer blew when a squirrel shorted out the wires when he jumped from one wire to another and his tail clipped the wire he jumped from. This is a frequent problem. When it happens, and the transformer blows, there is a loud bang that joints me out of my seat!
Since we have no idea when, or even they will be able to fix the problem, we have decided to camp out at friend's and so have gone to their place. That is where I am posting this from.
Since we have no idea when, or even they will be able to fix the problem, we have decided to camp out at friend's and so have gone to their place. That is where I am posting this from.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Corkscrew Audubon Swamp
Corkscrew Audubon Swamp: A Sanctuary birds & wildlife.
If you are in the Fort Meyer area be sure to drive south to this fabulous nature area. I'll post more info later.
If you are in the Fort Meyer area be sure to drive south to this fabulous nature area. I'll post more info later.
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Vintage Bill Evans to sit back, eyes closed and enjoy
Bill Evans Trio
Uploaded by alternativa
This classic Bill Evans video features Chuck Israels, bass and Larry Bunker, drums, perhaps in Paris at a recital given at the Orchestre de la Radio Televise Francaise (ORTF) in early 1965, or at a similar such event.
Finesse!
Monday, October 30, 2006
Vine leaves in fall
Fall has return again and I came across this as I was walking to the elevated station. This was on the wall of the train tracks. The original file is very sharp compared to this lo-res posting. Since I shot it on a very gray overcast afternoon, I tweaked it a bit in Photoshop, to the image's great improvement IMHO. Wish I could have done this back in the old C22 print days!
Sunday, September 24, 2006
Bobby Lewis at PianoForte
2006-09-16 Bobby Lewis at PianoForte (10) rt2 lo-res 9C) Stef Leinwohl
Originally uploaded by finefoto.
Was shot with the magnificant new Canon sd700is pocket digcam.
Saturday, September 16, 2006
Edgewater dental tooth brush neon sign
Part of my continuing documentation of strong graphic neon signs in the Edgewater area of Chicago. This one is on Broadway.
Notice reflections of the krate kid neon sign across the street. This is, a "happy accident", as I call it. So much fun, considering his placement.
I don't know if this is a standard neon sign, or is a custom design. In any event it is quite striking graphically.
Notice reflections of the krate kid neon sign across the street. This is, a "happy accident", as I call it. So much fun, considering his placement.
I don't know if this is a standard neon sign, or is a custom design. In any event it is quite striking graphically.
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Chicago Neon Statue of Liberty
This neon sign, on Bryn Mawr just west of the el stop in Edgewater, Chicago, flashes on and off making it difficult to shoot. It is for a tax prepairer.
It is across from "Flourish," a wonderful bakery where you can also enjoy a pastery with their custom blended coffee. They also serve daily special light meals featuring three daily specials.
Flourish has a bar along the window great for the observation and study of the parade of the eclectic blend of inhabitants of the community.
The perfect place to hang out if caught in the rain.
It is not far from a nice bookstore just south on the west side of Broadway.
It is across from "Flourish," a wonderful bakery where you can also enjoy a pastery with their custom blended coffee. They also serve daily special light meals featuring three daily specials.
Flourish has a bar along the window great for the observation and study of the parade of the eclectic blend of inhabitants of the community.
The perfect place to hang out if caught in the rain.
It is not far from a nice bookstore just south on the west side of Broadway.
Chicago Grafitti
This is along the west side of a viaduct wall south of the Berwyn el stop in Chicago. It is part of about seven others that were done about five years ago.
Edgwater Graffiti
This is along a viaduct wall south of the Berwyn el stop in Chicago. It was painted in 2001. Amazing how intense the eyes are considering this was done by teen agers.
spider in the city
Just happened to be walking around my neighborhood in Chicago and found this spider. No idea its name, since I am not into spiders much, although I enjoy them as objects and love their webs. It has been very rainy and humid which seems to bring out spiders. Perhaps to snare mesquitos.
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Chicago skyline no one sees from a patch of wild land just east of LSD at river
Chicago skyline no one sees from a patch of wild land just east of LSD at river
Originally uploaded by finefoto.
Chicago fountain along river rear Columbus Dr & Chicago River in N Loop
Chicago fountain along river rear Columbus Dr & Chicago River in N Loop
Originally uploaded by finefoto.
Chicago - bean (Cloud Gate) Sculpture reflections
The official name of this sculpture is "Cloud Gate," but since that is such an obtuse name and since it looks like a giant kidney bean, everyone has nick named it "The Bean." It at the north end of Grant Park along Michigan Avenue in Chicago, Illinois, USA. It is made of polished stainless pannels that were expertly welded together so that the seams are invisible. It is a delight to experience.
Hancock Bldg between Mies' 860 N LSD bldg.
2006-09-06 Chicago - Hancock Bldg bet Mies LSD bldg, Chicago lo-res
Originally uploaded by finefoto.
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Chicago - bean & japanese tourists
These Japanese tourists and having so much fun playing with their reflections in a sculpture named "Cloud Gate," but since that is such an obtuse name and since it looks like a giant kidney bean, everyone has nick named it "The Bean." It at the north end of Grant Park along Michigan Avenue in Chicago, Illinois, USA. It is made of polished stainless pannels that were expertly welded together so that the seams are invisible. It is a delight to experience, as you can see demonstrated by these Japanese tourists.
He is mimicing her suggested pose. Both are giggling.
He is mimicing her suggested pose. Both are giggling.
Saturday, August 26, 2006
Give Pandora a try to create your own radio stations to play your own programmed favorite music
duke ellington Radio
click on the above link it should take you to a station playing mostly Duke Ellington and his style of music.
If that is not to your taste, try Wilco Radio to listen to the band Wilco.
Then explore creating your own station.
click on the above link it should take you to a station playing mostly Duke Ellington and his style of music.
If that is not to your taste, try Wilco Radio to listen to the band Wilco.
Then explore creating your own station.
Friday, August 25, 2006
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Bryn Mawr nr Broadway:
A new bakery/pastry shop opened in June. S and I often visit it to enjoy, not only their fabulous pastry, but light meals. It is located in the Edgewater neighborhood of Chicago at 1138 West Bryn Mawr at the El stop, just east of Broadway. I had the best pot pie I have ever eaten. The crust was the secret.
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Friday, August 04, 2006
TallShips Visit Chicago
Every three years the Tall Ships tour the great lakes and make a week visit in Chicago, IL in August. You can get on board and tour the ships.
Docked just east of Michigan Ave bridge below Wacker Dr.
Docked just east of Michigan Ave bridge below Wacker Dr.
TallShips visit Chicago
Every three years the Tall Ships tour the great lakes and make a week visit in Chicago, IL in August. This was shot under horrid misty flat light. They have a parade of ships the first day. Too bad for the weather. Of course it cleared up and was sunny, as you can see in another shot I posted, after they had docked.
What a delight to see the wonder of wind power from the past.
What a delight to see the wonder of wind power from the past.
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Biréli Lagrène, Gipsy Project & Friends
| Ah to have been at this "Arrêt spectacle" Concert au petit Trianon in Paris on March 2 of 2006! Biréli Lagrène, Gipsy Project & Friends (Didier Lockwood, (fiddle) Dorado Schmitt, Angelo Debarre) | |
Festival "l'esprit manouche"
| Here is a great video from 12-13/07/2003 - at Moseley Park, UK. featuring gypsy stars Tchavolo Schmitt, Angelo Debarre, Fapy Lafertin & Tim Kliphuis, Note manouche (Mandino Reinhardt, Sony Reinhardt, Marcel Loeffler, Joselito Loeffler, Gauthier Laurent). it is 1hr 18 of joy. | |
Saturday, May 20, 2006
Hawaiian shirt at the White Palace Grill, Roosevelt & Canal, Chicago, IL
R & I had an early morning breakfast at the venerated classic "White Palace Grill" at Canal and Roosevelt on the near south side of Chicago near the area where the Maxwell Street Market was forced to move when the U of IL bought up the vibrant nearby old Maxwell Street area at Halsted and Rosevelt Rd. I had scrambled eggs, 4 pancakes and two generous thick pieces of ham for $5.50. Coffee was an additional $1.00.
This fellow was sitting on this chrome stool when we sat down in the booth opposite. I grabbed a shot of him as soon as we settled in. In less than a minute he had finished his waffel delight, stood up and walked off.
Hawaiian shirt at the White Palace Grill, Roosevelt & Canal, Chicago, IL
Originally uploaded by finefoto.
Monday, May 15, 2006
500 blk of Oakdale Ave, Chicago
We often walk along a street looking straight ahead, straight down at the sidewalk or right or left for traffic, but rarely up at the diverse architectural detailing and windows, much less the reflections in the windows. Here some of detailing is a simple arrangement of the laying of the brick to create a diamond design. Compare this brickwork to that in one of the photos posted on May 9, 2006. The locations are only two blocks from one another, but probably 70 years apart in construction dates.
500 blk of Oakdale Ave, Chicago
Simple pressed tin detail that at one time was very popular because it was inexpensive compared to having a trained artisian carve it out of solid stone.
Sunday, May 14, 2006
bleeding hearts 2
Each spring brings the delicate pink sculptures known as "Bleeding Hearts." These are just east of our apartment on Oakdale in a fenced in garden on the parkway.
Benches in water tower pk Chicago lo-res
I happened to be walking through the delightful park surrounding the old water tower when noticed this interesting rhymatic pattern of the chairs.
This photo is also a homage to Henri Cartier-Bresson for his decisive moment seeing and patterns. See, compose, and wait -- click! Hard to do with a point a shoot that has a shutter lag.
This photo is also a homage to Henri Cartier-Bresson for his decisive moment seeing and patterns. See, compose, and wait -- click! Hard to do with a point a shoot that has a shutter lag.
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
sun reflection on wall with walker
sun reflection on wall with walker
Originally uploaded by finefoto.
This is at Pinegrove at Oakdale in the Lakeview area of the northside of Chicago. The sun is reflected from a few window panes in the late afternoon. What a delight to discover! Particularly when most people are looking straight ahead or worst yet straight down at the concret in front of them. Of course, you can find some very nice abstract images on the sidewalk, even graffiti. Shortly after shooting this I met an economist visting Chicago as I crossed the street. We had a delightful half hour conversation. I showed him the image to demonstrate his question of what a good photo was. I compared this one to others of the same situation that did not work as well, or at all.
2900 N Broadway, Chicago graffiti
I decided to walk an alley for about four blocks instead of a street on my way to a doctor appointment. This led to discovering these two stencil graffiti images. Have no idea who did them or what they are about. They are around 2950 N. Broadway in the Lakeview area of Chicago.
alley diagonal bricks & person at sunset
Was I delighted to walk past this one day! I spent about 15 minutes grabbing shots of people as they used this short cut to Clark St from Broadway. The light is perfect to reveal the brick design. Compare this brickwork to that in a photo posted on May 15, 2006.
Saturday, March 25, 2006
Art Citroën 2CV - 1970
Found this on flickr.com as well. Photographer said "Took this shot in Munich in December, 1970. I didn't know that I'd own one 35 years later."
The poster's handle is Citroën Guy
Note: click on the photo be be taken the the image on flickr.
The poster's handle is Citroën Guy
Note: click on the photo be be taken the the image on flickr.
Friday, March 24, 2006
Citroen in Chicago - fun paint job
You rarely come across a vintage French Citroen mini auto on the streets of midwest Chicago, IL, USA. There was one was in Lincoln Park on Pinegrove near Diversey. It is in excellent shape, perhaps restored, but I don't know. I waited around for a while, but the owner did not appear. If you look carefully you will realize there is absolutely no space between the Citeron's front bumper and the rear bumper of the car in front. There was only the thickness of my leg between the rear bumper and the car behind! I have lived in this area for 40 years and parking has not only always been at a premium but is usually tight since it is a high density area near the park along Lake Michigan and near the Loop, our downtown. Even with a tiny car, it is of little help, people will come after you have parked and lock you in! Perhaps he will remain here for days until someone moves. Of course the next car could lock him again in the wink of an eye lash since that is the amount of time a parking spot remains available. Parking at night is impossible. I usually walk, bike or take public transportation.
Sunday, March 12, 2006
Diversey & Halsted 1 B&W version
Seems stronger on content without the distraction of what little color there was in the original color version.
Homeless at Diversey & Halsted Saving & Loan
Somehow the sign indicating the current interest rates for a home mortage loan are a contrast and a comment on a homeless person resting beneath the sign in the very expensive neighborhood of Lincoln Park in Chicago. This corner is a popular gathering spot for these folks, perhaps because of the ATM machine and a Walgreens and the KFC, offering low cost meals and a dumpster.
Saturday, January 28, 2006
Goethe statue & homeless man in sleeping bag
On my way from a early Saturday morning walk in a drizzle I came upon the same fellow I had two weeks ago, this time at Diversey and Sheridan Rd. next to the Goethe statue in Lincoln Park.
Thursday, January 19, 2006
da Bears lost!
Just for the record: da Bears lost! It was a horrible game from the first few seconds when the Panthers ran a touch down on the second play. So much for hopes for a return to the Super Bowl, exactly twenty years later.
Saturday, January 14, 2006
Palazzo brides dress boutique, Chicago, IL
On my return from my usual Saturday morning walk through the zoo with D. we returned on Clark st and came upon this juxiposition and contrast of society. The remains of the person's meal is still there next to him, as though he fell asleep eating. French fries and a glass of some liquid.
Palazzo is a very chic custom brides gown boutique.* The work they do is usually very simple sophiticated and elegant, that is why the juxiposition is so striking. I also think the posture of the mannequin is appropriate. With her hand on her hips she seems to be about to utter, "Well!"
Can't wait for tomorrow. The Bears play their playoff game.
When we began our ramble the sky was very wintery with heavy grey overcast dark clouds with a chill in the air from the wind. I wondered why I had decided to take my camera since the light was so dreary.
* Personally, I would prefer to shop at one of the boutiques in the Marais in Pari!
Palazzo is a very chic custom brides gown boutique.* The work they do is usually very simple sophiticated and elegant, that is why the juxiposition is so striking. I also think the posture of the mannequin is appropriate. With her hand on her hips she seems to be about to utter, "Well!"
Can't wait for tomorrow. The Bears play their playoff game.
When we began our ramble the sky was very wintery with heavy grey overcast dark clouds with a chill in the air from the wind. I wondered why I had decided to take my camera since the light was so dreary.
* Personally, I would prefer to shop at one of the boutiques in the Marais in Pari!
Friday, December 09, 2005
Another image from Nawins concert
IMG_6847 rt (C) Stef Leinwohl, Chicago, IL (C) Stef Leinwohllo-res (C) Stef Leinwohl
Originally uploaded by finefoto.
New Orleans Jazz All Stars fund concert
I shot a fund raiser at Fitzgerald's jazz joint in Chicago back in November of 2005 for the New Orleans Musicians Relief Fund. This is not one of those huge ones. It is run by a husband and wife producer from NO and gets the funds to the musicains quick. The url is http://www.nomrf.org/index.html. These guys have lost everything! Many lived in the 9th parish.
It was a fabulous concert by local New Orleans musicans, not supplemented by any local Chicago guys.
Photo note: these are very lo-res posted pix. The originals were shot using a Canon XT at 1600asa with the kit lens or a Sigma f2.8 70 to 200mmm which is quite sharp. The images do not have any "noise."
Some random New Orleans memories
With recent events in New Orleans, a few short memories of my wife's and my experiences. (I should write in more detail, but perhaps that is for another post.)
We spent our 1968 honeymoon in
One time we rode down the
Monday, September 19, 2005
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