Erie News Now: Coverage You Can Count On
#PageTitle2984689 a:link{color: ;text-decoration: ;} #PageTitle2984689 a:visited{color: ;text-decoration: ;} #PageTitle2984689 a:hover{color: ;text-decoration: ;} #PageTitle2984689 a:active{color: ;text-decoration: ;}
Editor’s Note: Call to Earth is a CNN editorial series committed to reporting on the environmental challenges facing our planet, together with the solutions. Rolex’s Perpetual Planet initiative has partnered with CNN to drive awareness and education around key sustainability issues and to inspire positive action.
A windswept Arctic fox, a murmuration of birds facing a snowstorm in the Himalayas, and a man and a boy in a flooded living room are among the images recognized in this year’s Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation’s Environmental Photography Award.
The prize, in its third edition, hopes to deliver a conservation message and show the importance of preserving nature. “Photography is a powerful tool for giving a voice to threatened wildlife and biodiversity,” said jury president Sergio Pitamitz in a press release.
The jury, made up of seven professional photographers, chose the winning photos for each category from a total of 10,000 images, submitted by 2,300 photographers from across the world.
The award’s grand prize went to an image of a distressed elephant trying to defend itself after being struck by a freight train in the Lopé National Park in Gabon, on the west coast of central Africa. The animal’s hip was shattered beyond repair and after it died, the park director distributed the meat amongst the local community.
The photograph serves as a tragic reminder of the consequences of human-animal conflict, which is increasing due to habitat loss from human activities, such as agriculture and development. Photographer Jasper Doest from the Netherlands believes the image “has the power to inspire change.”
Pitamitz noted that this single elephant “represents his entire species in the grip of an uncertain future.”
“Doest was able to react in a split second to this sudden event, documenting his story and giving a voice to the forest elephants of Africa,” he added.
Other images show the positive elements of humans’ relationship with nature. In the “Change Makers: Reasons for Hope” category, one image shows elephants being lifted by a crane into a truck and transported from Liwonde National Park to Kasungu National Park, in Malawi, southeastern Africa. While the process looks peculiar, it’s part of a conservation initiative designed to maintain healthy habitats in the parks and establish stable and resilient elephant populations.
Another shows a fake rhino poaching scene at the Wildlife Forensics Academy in South Africa, as rangers are being taught to collect vital forensic evidence required to convict poachers in court.
The winning images are now being exhibited in Monaco on the Promenade du Lavotto, before touring internationally.
A dog team is pictured racing through pools of water that have formed on top of melting sea ice during an evening run outside of Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada, in June 2022. Typically, from late December until June, much of the water in this area is frozen. But as temperatures rise, the snow covering the ice melts, creating large pools of water that reveal the turquoise-blue ice beneath it.
The golden hour, a cherished time for photographers, offers breathtaking opportunities at both sunrise and sunset. While both moments provide stunning lighting conditions, there is something truly magical about sunrise photography. This article explores the top five reasons why sunrise photography shines brighter than its counterpart, sunset photography, why many choose to set their alarm at a ridiculous hour, leave their warm bed, and head out into the darkness with their camera bags packed with both certainty and uncertainty.
Sunrise photography offers a serene and undisturbed atmosphere that is often unmatched by sunset. As the world awakens, the air is filled with tranquility and a sense of renewal. The stillness of the morning allows photographers to connect with nature on a deeper level, capturing moments of solitude and tranquility that can be difficult to replicate during the busier hours of the day. Additionally, you will most likely have the entire location to yourself, unless, of course, it is a popular destination for photography. Taking a moment to reflect and listen to the dawn chorus of birds and relax during this time can be very rewarding, and all of this happens before the majority of the world even rises from their beds. Fortune favors the brave, so set your alarm, leave your warm bed, and get out into the outdoors to start your day on the right foot. 
The quality of light during sunrise is distinct and ethereal. The gentle, soft hues of dawn bathe the landscape with a delicate glow, casting long and diffused shadows. The angle of the sun during this time creates a dreamlike atmosphere, lending a sense of mystery and intrigue to your images. The unique lighting conditions of sunrise allow for more creative compositions and the chance to capture truly captivating and evocative photographs. Getting on location well before sunrise can often yield some of the best light, it is after all the light from the sun that catches the clouds and mountains long before the sun itself makes its appearance.
Sunrise often presents a spectacular display of colors in the sky, with vivid hues ranging from soft pastels to fiery oranges and reds. The early morning atmosphere is conducive to dramatic cloud formations and breathtaking skies, adding a sense of drama and depth to your images. The ever-changing canvas of the morning sky provides endless opportunities for creating compelling and awe-inspiring compositions. The best color can often occur well before sunrise, so bear this in mind when planning your shoot. Don’t rock up a couple of minutes before the sun is due to pop its head over the horizon. Instead, be there, camera in hand or on a tripod to see what delights occur before it all kicks off.
One of the remarkable aspects of sunrise photography is the potential for capturing mirror-like reflections. As the sun rises, bodies of water transform into calm and reflective surfaces, creating stunning symmetry and adding a touch of magic to your images. The serene and undisturbed nature of the morning allows for pristine reflections that add a sense of tranquility and visual interest to your photographs. Even though the light will be very diminished before the sun rises, it is when it does and for the next period of time afterwards that you can be rewarded with the soft glow, reflecting off of your flat water to give you some memorable photographs and experiences.
There is a special allure in capturing the first light of the day. The subtle, warm glow as the sun peeks over the horizon signifies new beginnings and promises endless possibilities. Sunrise photography allows you to be a witness to this magical moment, capturing the fleeting beauty and ethereal quality that can only be found at dawn. The sense of anticipation and the thrill of capturing the first rays of light make sunrise photography an exhilarating and rewarding experience. Unlike sunset, you then have the opportunity for a more relaxed photoshoot and can more often than not find some new compositions as the light rises and dances across your subjects, instead of rushing around like we have to do at sunset before the light eventually fades.
While both sunrise and sunset photography offer unique opportunities, sunrise photography holds a special place in the hearts of many photographers. The serene atmosphere, unique lighting conditions, dynamic skies, solitary reflections, and the privilege of capturing first light are just a few reasons why sunrise photography shines brighter than its sunset counterpart. Embrace the dawn, and allow its magical qualities to inspire your photography, capturing breathtaking images that evoke emotion and showcase the beauty of the world awakening. It is advisable to visit your intended location beforehand when you have daylight, to ensure you know where you can and cannot walk and what potential compositions opportunities or even challenges await. This is far easier to do in advance rather than with a head torch in the dark before dawn.
What are your thoughts on this topic? Let’s continue the conversation in the comments below
Hidden deep within the woods in the eastern part of the Netherlands, a striking C-shaped retreat has recently been completed. GetAway Projects has designed the innovative residence, named the C House, as a recreational escape for up to six people to enjoy. Paying homage to its name, the half-hexagonal structure blends functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability, all within its 100-square-meter (approx. 1076-square-foot) design.
The design is arranged into five sections, seamlessly blending the living, dining, and sleeping quarters. The raised kitchen makes up the center section, with the dining room and living room flanking it at a slightly lower level. Both ends house the bedrooms and bathrooms, elevated above the connecting rooms.
One of the most notable features of the C House is its unheated natural swimming pool that spans 12 meters (approx. 40 feet), allowing residents and guests to immerse themselves in the tranquil water. A helophyte filter, with lava stones and yellow irises, ensures the purity of the water, creating an oasis amidst the green forest.
Clad with Corten steel, the house boasts a rusty red hue that evolves over time, creating a striking contrast against the lush green surroundings.
Untreated Fraké wood, renowned for its thermal modification properties, graces the window sills, accentuating the natural aesthetic. Once inside, you’ll spot the same warmth and texture, as the Fraké wood continues through the interior finishes.
A wooden deck surrounds a brick patio used for dining and gatherings. A raised platform adjacent to the brick creates an outdoor bar that connects to the kitchen via open windows.
The raised outdoor bar is set up to serve guests drinks and snacks while maintaining connection and conversation.
Windows and sliding glass doors run along the inner and outer part of the “C” shape making the narrow footprint appear more open.
The C House resides in a private, 5,500-square-meter (approx. 60,000-square-foot) majestic forest within a larger forest, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves into nature.
Photos by Kirsten Bos (Where She Goes).
“Craig’s closet” (2023), granite and bronze, 90 x 57 x 28 1/2 inches. Installed in New York City AIDS Memorial Park. Photos by Daniel Greer, © Jim Hodges, courtesy of the artist and Gladstone Gallery, shared with permission
In 1981, the emergency room at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Manhattan began to see an influx of young gay and bisexual men with startling weight loss, pneumonia, rare infections, and compromised immunity. Two years later, the HIV virus was identified as the cause of AIDS, which quickly reached epidemic proportions, and St. Vincent’s opened the first—and largest—AIDS ward on the East Coast.
In 2016, a public park became the home to the New York City AIDS Memorial, honoring the more than 100,000 residents who died of the disease, as well as those who lobbied for medical research and access to drugs and fought discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community. Marking a continuation of the memorial’s public art program, a new sculpture by Jim Hodges is both a heartfelt ode to a young New Yorker who succumbed to the illness and an invitation to consider complex histories and personal and collective memories.
“Craig’s closet,” a granite and bronze work that stands like a monolith in the middle of the park, considers the personal, metaphorical, and physical significance of the ubiquitous storage space. It is an exact replica of the bedroom closet belonging to musician Craig Ducote, who shared a home with Hodges until he passed away in 2016. T-shirts and jackets hang neatly next to a stack of drawers, a cane, various containers, and knick-knacks. While the piece references the artist’s personal relationship and memories, the simultaneous universality and specificity of a wardrobe, or objects accumulated over time, speaks to the shared experience of loss.
“Craigs closet” is on view through May 2024, and you can find more on Hodges’ website.
Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member today and support independent arts publishing for as little as $5 per month. The article A Granite Replica of a Bedroom Closet Honors Personal and Collective Memories in New York City AIDS Memorial Park appeared first on Colossal.
Native American artists will be in the Levitt at the Falls spotlight at the inaugural Mitakuye Owas’iƞ festival.
Mitakuye Owas’iƞ means “All My Relatives” in Dakota. Two days of festivities begin July 7 at 7 p.m. on the main Levitt stage in downtown Sioux Falls.
On Friday night hip-hop musician Gabriel Night Shield will open for featured artists Frank Waln. Waln will perform alongside traditional hoop dancers.
Saturday’s events will include traditional dances, singing and puppeteering performance by Jackie Bird at 10:30 a.m., a fashion show featuring the work of Native American clothing designers, make-up artists and hair designers at 2 p.m. and a panel discussion on Oceti Sakowin language at 12:30 a.m.
All My Relatives Festival activities will also be available in the parking lot behind the Levitt Shell and in the neighboring Startup Sioux Falls and Rehfeld’s Underground venues throughout Saturday.
At 11 a.m. Saturday an All My Relatives art show featuring fine art from regional Native American artists will be hosted at Rehfeld’s Art & Framing Underground. A children’s area featuring STEM activities from the South Dakota Afterschool Network, Lakota hand games, and activities from the 605 Art bus will be available in the parking lot behind the Levitt from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Saturday will also feature concessions from Native-owned food truck, Buffalo Gals and a vender fair at the Startup Sioux Falls porch and Marketbeat Theatre.
Musician Kobe Jordan will open for Saturday’s final performance by blues-rock band Indigenous.
This inaugural All My Relatives festival is sponsored by South Dakota State University’s Wokini Initiative. Sarah Bad Warrior-Vrooman, Director of Wokini and Tribal Relations at SDSU, said the goal of the initiative is to collaborate with Native youth.
“The partnership between Wokini and the Levitt is important for supporting and inspiring our Native youth by bringing a celebration of Native culture and artistry to youth and families in the Sioux Falls region,” said Bad Warrior-Vrooman
The Executive Director of the Levitt at Sioux Falls, Nancy Halverson, said the goal of the SDSU program aligns with the nonprofit’s mission.
“We are grateful to the Wokini Initiative for their partnership and support of the All My Relatives Festival, which is an important program to advance our mission of building community through music,” said Halverson.
Find a full schedule of events here.
For the first community-curated Native American art exhibition at Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York (14 July–4 June 2024), the Pueblo Pottery Collective has selected more than 100 Pueblo pots to be displayed alongside contemporary commissions. The aim: to expand public understanding of such vessels, which can express both communal and personal histories. Ranging from early examples dating to the 11th century through to murals by contemporary Pueblo artists, highlights include a storage jar (c. 1870–80) by Arroh-a-och from Laguna Pueblo in New Mexico and an Acoma jar (1920–25) by the Acoma Pueblo artist Juanita Johnson. Find out more on the Met’s website.
Preview below | View Apollo’s Art Diary
Storage jar (c. 1870–80), Arroh-a-och. Indian Arts Research Center of the School for Advanced Research
Monkey figure (c. 1966), Felipa Trujillo. Indian Arts Research Center of the School for Advanced Research
Bean pot with lid (1963), Lorencita Pino. Indian Arts Research Center of the School of Advanced Research
