Carlan Tapp - Portrait U.S.A. - Photographic Essays

2012-01-20T14:50:00.000-08:00

Dynamite & Dinosaurs:

What do over 65 million year old dinosaur bones have to do with dynamite? Last week I had the incredible opportunity to spend time with a very special individual near Shiprock, NM. Arnold Clifford is a paleontologist and botanist. He has been collecting fossils, dinosaur bones, and plants since he was three years old. Arnold is greatly concerned how the mining for coal and the blasting of Mother Earth with dynamite is destroying a rich and important history near his home. A history which will be lost for future generations.

Every day 46,740,000 pounds of coal are extracted from Mother Earth at the Navajo Mine in the Four Corners area. Dynamite is used to first blast the earth followed by draglines removing the over burden to uncover and mine the coal.

I felt like I was walking through a museum as Arnold pointed out pieces of dinosaurs over 65 million years old, fossil forests, and sea life. Ancient history being destroyed with dynamite. Arnold's story is an important one. Take a moment to hear what he wants to share.

Click here for Dynamite & Dinosaurs story

be strong, be safe, Carlan

2012-01-04T12:02:00.000-08:00

Post Mother Road 2011 - Ride in Beauty:

Many blessings to everyone for the beginning of this New Year.

It seems like Mother Road 2011 just ended. Tornadoes, hail, thunderstorms, the first 2 weeks of my ride, I encountered them all. It reminded me of a video game, dodging one thing after another. I met people who lost family, friends, homes and vehicles. I was offered shelter and I offered comfort. Americans are tenacious and Americans have huge hearts; 4500 miles across our country and I was welcomed every inch along the way. I want to thank all of you who supported Mother Road 2011. Your generous tax-deductible donations made it possible for me to continue to create voices for those families impacted by coal and to make those voices heard across our country. There is much work yet to be done. We need your support for this year's fund-raiser, RIDE IN BEAUTY.

The title came to me from the Navajo prayer, Walk In Beauty, which translates into living in the moment in mind and spirit. Ride In Beauty seemed an appropriate title as I pictured myself riding my trusty Harley 3000 miles through the pristine landscape known as the Grand Circle of the Southwest. The purpose of the ride is not only to raise funding for Question of Power, but to photograph this magnificent country which, unfortunately, we are losing little by little to our continuous need for natural resources. So once again I'm asking for your support. 2012 projects include: Black Mesa, AZ water contamination, Four Corners, NM strip mining encroachment and coal ash disposal, Bokoshe, OK coal ash disposal, and Fairbanks, AK coal ash disposal. This year we will also be creating an educational program for students working within their communities to tell their stories. To learn how you can help please log on to RIDE IN BEAUTY.

be strong, be safe, Carlan

2011-11-14T14:02:00.001-08:00

Freedom, Honor, and Respect:

Riding across this great country of ours this past summer on the Mother Road 2011 Fund Raiser gave me plenty of time to think. No CD's, no satellite radio, no iPod, no GPS...just the open road. Passing another biker along the open road produced the - American Biker Salute: left hand off the grip, make a fist, hit your sternum with the thumb side, straighten the arm, extend your first two fingers, point to the asphalt. The message is sincere: "From my heart to yours, you and I are brothers of the open road".

There are six million of us in the US. We ride our bikes with pride. All of us face the same wind and weather. We all share the same risks and rewards.

The biker is a dimly understood icon of American culture. Independent, free thinking, joined together by a common bond.

Like anything else, there's always a marginal element that makes the rest of us look bad. By and large the riding community stands for freedom, honor, and above all - respect. As I rode the open road over and over again this was the message I received from my brother bikers.

The term "ride safe" reflects a sincere wish from one biker to another for safe travel to his final destination. "Ride Safe" means more than just watching out for "cagers" (car drivers). It is a sincere parting and goodbye - as in vaya con Dios.

I will be riding again in 2012 on a Fund Raiser for Question of Power. "Ride in Beauty" will be journey through the Four Corners and Southwest of our incredible country. I am looking forward to meeting more of my brothers on the open road.

Ride safe, Carlan

2011-11-05T16:06:00.000-07:00

Short stories - Big Picture:

The American Lung Association (ALA) recently released a new report on the dramatic health hazards surrounding coal-fired power plants. The report, “Toxic Air: The Case For Cleaning Up Coal-Fired Power Plants,” reveals the dangers of pollution emitted by coal plants. One of the starkest findings in the report claims, “Particle pollution from power plants is estimated to kill approximately 13,000 people a year.” The study found that the health costs of cancer, lung disease, and respiratory illnesses connected to coal pollutants totaled over $185 billion per year.

Last week I was back working in Bokoshe, Oklahoma.  I just finished five short stories on the health issues the American Lung Association talks about in their big picture of the health cost of over $185 billion per year.  Kenny Self is one of the short stories.
To see and hear the personal stories, "Breathing Hard in Bokoshe", click here.
be strong, be safe,  Carlan

2011-11-04T10:02:00.000-07:00

Question of Power - TEDx Presentation:

The Question of Power stories I presented at TEDx Albuquerque have been posted as a video on the TED website. The video presents several short stories from communities in New Mexico, Tennessee, Alabama, and Oklahoma which help to describe the larger national story of coal ash health and environmental problems we are facing today.

Click here for a link to the video

Thank you for taking a moment to view the stories from the Question of Power project.

be strong, be safe, Carlan

2011-10-26T07:50:00.000-07:00

Robbers Cave and Rat Rods:

I am in Bokoshe, Oklahoma working in this community which is being buried alive in coal ash. Collecting more stories, hearing more voices, making more photographs. This past Saturday I was invited to take a short ride over to a place called Robber's Cave State Park.

Robber's Cave State Park is located 40 miles east of Bokoshe, Oklahoma. The park takes its name from Robbers Cave, an unusual triangular opening in the side of a scenic rock bluff. According to legend, the cave and its surrounding bluffs, ravines and
rock formations was a hideout for notorious Old West outlaws Jesse James and Belle Starr.

Every year in October the Park hosts an annual event which includes a very special type of car show. This is where the Rat Rods come into the story.

Rat Rods are "old school" hot rods of the 50's and 60's. Hot rods built in barns and yards. No high end manufactured parts. Only original parts found in the weeds or maybe out in a field. Old parts pieced together to breathe new life into them.

You will not find any "Made in China" here.

It is all about freedom of expression and individuality.

Good old "USA creativity".

Wonder if we will be able to find seventy year old parts in the weeds fifty years from now we can breathe new life into? Will our grandchildren be able to find anything stamped "Made in the USA"? I hope so. Seeing these "Rat Rods" sure made me stop to think about it.

be strong, be safe, Carlan

2011-09-05T10:59:00.000-07:00

1 in 30 - Bokoshe, Oklahoma :

Every day in America:
40,000 people miss school or work due to asthma.
30,000 people have an asthma attack.
5,000 people visit the emergency room due to asthma.
1,000 people are admitted to the hospital due to asthma.
11 people die from asthma.
Yes, that is every day...

The annual cost of asthma is estimated to be nearly $18 billion.

Among children ages 5 to 17, asthma is the leading cause of school absences from a chronic illness. It accounts for an annual loss of more than 14 million school days per year (approximately 8 days for each student with asthma) and more hospitalizations than any other childhood disease. It is estimated that children with asthma spend nearly 8 million days per year restricted to bed.

Staggering facts when we see printed numbers. Even more staggering when we see real faces of children suffering with asthma.

I had the opportunity to spend a Sunday afternoon recently with Evelyn Davis in Bokoshe, Oklahoma.

Evelyn is a retired school teacher. She began her teaching career in 1948 at Bokoshe Elementary School. She taught 2nd and 3rd grade for thirty years. Evelyn shared her concerns with me regarding the increasing cases of asthma in the children of Bokoshe. "In over thirty years of teaching, I remember only one child with asthma. That is one child in thirty years! Today, in the 6th grade class there are nine children out of seventeen suffering from asthma. Our children are breathing air filled with coal ash everyday in our community. It is making them sick."

The asthma related death rate for children under 19 years old has increased by nearly 80% percent since 1980.

To date no medical studies relating to asthma have been conducted in Bokoshe, Oklahoma. To date no air quality monitoring studies have been conducted in Bokoshe, Oklahoma. Evelyn along with the children know it is in the air they breathe in Bokoshe, Oklahoma.

be strong, be safe, Carlan

2011-07-16T17:40:00.000-07:00

News this week from Washington regarding the classification and regulation of coal ash:

WASHINGTON — A House committee approved legislation Wednesday that would bar federal regulation of coal ash as hazardous waste. The bill, passed 35-12 by the Energy and Commerce Committee, now moves to the House floor, where a Republican majority probably will pass it.

Almost half of the country’s 131 million tons of coal ash are recycled in wall board, concrete, carpeting, kitchen counters and other household products, according to the American Coal Ash Association.

In June last year, the EPA proposed two options for regulating the waste. One would deem it hazardous and require federal oversight. The other, less stringent option would put states in charge.

The Energy and Commerce Committee also voted Tuesday to require an analysis of the overall impact of EPA regulations on jobs, energy prices and the economy. House Republicans also are targeting coal ash regulation in a draft spending bill for fiscal 2012, stipulating that the EPA may not use any money in the bill to regulate coal ash as hazardous waste.

This does not appear to be very good news for the young children of Bokoshe, OK who are experiencing the health effects everyday of living in coal ash.

be strong, be safe, Carlan

2011-06-27T14:39:00.000-07:00

Joy and Peace of the Open Road:

A few days of rest after arriving home. Beginning to sort and edit photographs made during the ride. Open road feels like a dream brought back with visual images. I have dreamed every night since returning home I was in the world of the Mother Road.

Nancy handed me the new Sundance catalog yesterday. I looked puzzled at it. She pointed to a short statement written by Robert Redford. What perfect words for the thoughts in my mind.

"Life. Are we living it or running behind trying to catch it? What are we observing, smelling, hearing from the life around us? Information-too much of it. The faster it moves the faster we have to move, but with our minds and fingers. Meanwhile, life goes on around us unobserved, unimportant.

I remember as a child traveling by car from Los Angeles to Austin, Texas. Camping out along the road at night. Looking at the stars in fascination. Aware of the silence, the sheer magnitude of space, then the occasional moan of the coyote, the first distant, then increasing, sound of the truck heaving down the highway-the sound of rubber on road, the whine of the engine, immediate for a moment then moving on, fading into silence again.

I miss that. I would never instruct, just maybe suggest. That you might find the sensual joy of the open road, the summer air, the silence, the short term peace. It is there for all of us, what's left of it, and it's free"...Robert Redford.

The sensual joy and peace of the open road. It is there and it is free.

be strong, be safe, Carlan

2011-06-24T13:14:00.000-07:00

Postscript: Arrows, Barbies, Dreamcatchers, and Big Cowboys:

Arrived home in Santa Fe two days ago. It was hard to put the kickstand down after all the miles. Let me catch up on the ride East from California.

I decided to ride the Mother Road from the LA Basin back East to Santa Fe. Have you ever noticed how things look different traveling East to West and West to East? Sure I am on the other side of the road, but I felt like I was traveling in new territory again.

Crossed the desert early in the morning during the cool time of the day. The desert is beautiful in the early morning hours. Light of a new day, cool breeze on my face, sweet smell of desert plants in the air. Mother Road devoid of other cars. A feeling of being one with Mother Earth.

Stopped in Seligman, AZ at the Snow Cap Drive-In for lunch. Long known as the funniest food spot on Route 66, my lunch brought a big smile to my face! This town keeps up the comical tradition along with really great road food.

Twin Arrows was once an attractive establishment, with its red/white Valentine diner, trading post, and namesake gigantic arrows thrust into the soil. Now boarded up the remains are a fleeting memory of a time past along the Mother Road.

Two Guns was a tourist town with a roadside zoo featuring "Real Mountain Lions". I only found Barbie enjoying her solitude in a dreamlike state.

Further down the road I spotted the world's largest dreamcatcher. Maybe a stop here could help me catch all those thoughts rolling around in my mind since I started this ride.

In Gallup I caught up with Big Cowboy John keeping a watch over all the used cars. Important work...never know when one of those Mustangs might stray away from the herd.

Five days after leaving the LA Basin I pulled into Santa Fe. Kickstand down. Odometer reading 4,228 miles trip total. Over thirty days on the Mother Road across this great country of ours.

Someone asked me yesterday..."Did you ever think it was good common sense traveling all that distance on a motorcycle most of it by yourself?" I could only reply..."if I had used common sense...look what I would have missed". Would I do it again...oh yes...ready to get the kickstand back up.

Thanks for reading and joining me on this ride.

be strong, be safe, Carlan

2011-06-16T17:58:00.001-07:00

Route 66 Ends Here:

Wednesday afternoon June 15 into the LA Basin. Foothill Blvd the last remaining piece of Route 66.

The Wigwam Motel built in 1949 is the final historic motel on the Mother Road.

We had decided this would be our final destination. From this point across the LA Basin the Mother Road has been covered over with a maze of freeways. A 60 mile drive to the Pacific Ocean can take four to six hours depending on traffic. Riding a motorcycle on congested freeways did not sound good to us after all the real Mother Road we had traveled.

When I arrived in Santa Fe two very long time close friends from Seattle joined with me for the ride to California.

Kevin (on the right) worked with me in my Seattle studio for many years. He is a very successful commercial photographer today. Walt (in the middle) reminded me we had known each other for over thirty years. I first met Walt when he was a photography student in one of my classes. His daughter and my daughter played together many times. We all worked together for years doing photo assignments. Most evenings on the road were spent in lively discussions of assignments we had worked on together..."remember the time they delivered all those hamburger buns in the aid car for the Jack in the Box shoot....ha..ha..ha...". We celebrated our time together last night with a good dinner and more stories.

This morning we loaded Kevin's bike into their truck. We looked at each other thinking of our experiences the past seven days on the Mother Road. A quiet moment and then some serious hugs between long time friends.

Kevin and Walt headed north to Seattle. I put my kickstand up and turned my handlebars east back along the Mother Road toward New Mexico.

Odometer read 3428 miles since leaving Santa Fe on May 16. Those miles seem like nothing compared to all the experiences rolling around in my head. I know the Mother Road will help me begin to sort them out on the ride home. That is what she is so good at doing.

Thanks to everyone for being with me on this road trip and for your support and special friendships. It has been an experience which has changed my life...

be strong, be safe, Carlan

2011-06-14T19:29:00.001-07:00

Burros, Bank Robbers, and the Bagdad Cafe:

Leaving Kingman the Mother Road climbs into historic gold mining country.

The road really gets hairy with hairpin curves and sheer drops coming hot and heavy. The view of the switchbacks downhill is tremendous.

Oatman is a long past gold mining town. When the mine closed the burros were turned loose. Today they freely roam the streets along with the tourists.

Thank goodness arrived in town just in time to see a wild west bank robbery and shoot out! The bad guys lost!

Met Willie in the Historic Oatman Hotel. The walls are covered with one dollar bills signed by people from around the world. Willie was proud to tell me he had counted and was sure there were over 70,000 dollars on the walls and hanging from the ceiling.

Sportster has lived in Oatman for 26 years. He said, "my name is Sportster as in Harley...been riding all my life...looking for a side car...too hard to ride on only two wheels these days".

Into California. Not a single car on the Mother Road. Know that won't last.

Stopped at Roy's in Amboy for gas. The entire town was recently purchased for $425,000. Buyer got motel, gas station, cafe, school, and post office. There are deals still out here!

The movie "Bagdad Cafe" was filmed in Newberry Springs. The motel and cafe are very original, including the folks living here.

Into Santa Monica on Thursday. Riding along the open road today I began thinking of Forest Gump. Maybe when I get to Santa Monica I'll turn around and head back down the Mother Road to Chicago. If I keep doing this maybe...just maybe...I can get things figured out just like Forest did...

be strong, be safe, Carlan

2011-06-12T21:35:00.001-07:00

Sunday night in Kingman, AZ:

Internet connection again. Past two days technology stood still. May not be a bad thing. Weather has been good. Smoke filled the evening skies for a couple of days. Clear tonight.

Crossed into AZ. Route 66 enters part of the Painted Desert and Petrified Forest.

So much of the area I rode through looks like the country around the Four Corners area where all the coal mining is occurring. I thought much of that area could qualify to be a National Park as well.

Fascinating to think tropical giant forests once stood in this now desert region.

Slept for nine hours in my wigwam at the Wigwan Motel.

Stopped and stood "on the corner in Winslow". Music was in the air and the mood was light and bright.

Short detour to visit the Grand Canyon. It is very grand to say the least. Tried to make a picture not like the usual canyon shot. Found a funny looking guy and used him for scale.

Met Benetton from Brazil in Seligman. He bought a Harley in Chicago. Came to the US to ride the Mother Road from Chicago to Santa Monica.

Discovered you can find everything you need on the Mother Road.

Hackberry General Store. Desert ahead tomorrow. Sign says 300 miles.

Running the past few days on "Indian Time". Stopping, putting the kickstand down whenever it feels time to put it down. Meeting people who live along the Road and those traveling the Road. Rode with the Hawks today...actually felt like I was soaring with them.

be strong, be safe, Carlan

2011-06-09T21:06:00.001-07:00

Hubcaps and Cash Pawn:

Riding the Mother Road between Grants and Gallup today. East of Prewitt up over a rise in the road the famous Swap Meet 66 came into view.

More chrome hubcaps from the 50's and 60's than you can imagine. Looked like no one had been at the swap meet for quite some time.

The Richardson Cash Pawn and Trading Post was established in Gallup in 1913 in the heart of Indian Country.

Met Bill Richardson who is now 94 and works everyday in the trading post.

Bill shared stories with me for a few minutes. Years ago Navajo would come to the trading post and trade woven rugs and silver jewelry for livestock, bags of flour and coffee. Money never changed hands. Today the trading and pawn maybe for tires or a battery for their truck. Sometimes money is needed for a child's education. Bill has traded with three generations of many families on the Navajo Nation.

After a few minutes he said...would you like to see some of the back rooms? Opening a door we stepped into a large room filled from floor to ceiling with over a thousand beautiful Navajo rugs. Another similar room contained nine hundred leather saddles...another with jewelry cover walls... a hundred years of history and trading. Another special day riding the Mother Road.

be strong, be safe, Carlan

2011-06-08T20:45:00.001-07:00

Leaving Santa Fe:

Early phone call this morning to arrange meeting some friends to ride from Santa Fe to Grants. Two close friends arrived from Seattle to join the Mother Road ride. Five bikes riding into the smoke filled skies. Just outside of Albuquerque one bike experiences a broken throttle cable. It was the "rice burner"...not one of the Harleys. Several phone calls later we locate a unique motorcycle shop where they make a new cable. Back on the road.

Open road...smoke clears...blue skies. Throb of the Harleys fill the air. After riding so many days alone the past three weeks I enjoy the company of my friends riding the Mother Road together.

We ride the road not seeing another car. Past red cliffs, black lava beds, into a time of the past. Budville Trading Post was once a major stopping point along the road.

Whiting Bros gas stations and motels were some of the early services on the Mother Road. Now only the signs can be found.

Into Grants as the sky fills with heavy smoke from the AZ fires. We are only about 60 miles north of the fires. Ash falling from the sky casts a white shadow on my bike. We talk about the weather, the fires, all the things that are changing. A common thread flows through our conversation...time to start paying attention to these things.

Time for Steve, Frank, and Saturnino to turn back east. They ride with the setting sun on there backs returning to Santa Fe. It was a very good day..a very good ride...filled with brotherhood.

be strong, be safe, Carlan

2011-06-08T17:06:00.001-07:00

Murals, Windmills and Real Indians:

This past Thursday we were in Tucumcari, NM with our Route 66 Photography Workshop. Nancy and thirteen students met me in Adrain, TX on Wednesday. We travel together spending four very fun filled days exploring Tucumcari and Route 66 into Santa Fe. Incredible group of photographers! Made beautiful photographs. A big thanks for all the good energy everyone shared together.

Tucumcari is alive and well. The entire town celebrates the history of Route 66.

Life size murals are being painted on buildings through town. It is a very good idea to keep an eye out for the Route 66 traffic when crossing the historic highway.

Mesa Community College is developing an exciting wind energy program. Standing under one of the windmills in the evening can be an experience to remember.

Just outside of Santa Fe traveling the Mother Road provides opportunities to experience times and places past.

Rest day at home in Santa Fe. Changed the oil, washed the bike, did some laundry. On the Mother Road west early in the morning. Skies are filled with smoke tonight. Fires in AZ. Tornados, hail, rain, wind and now smoke filled skies...never expected to see what I have. Excited to get the kickstand up.

be strong, be safe, Carlan

2011-06-02T16:30:00.001-07:00

Where am I, what is it?

Hard time Googling this one?

Carl Short, Jr III had the answer. The first known stone outhouse with a flush toilet. "When you lift the seat, auto flush occurs". Very modern for it's time. Located along Route 66 in Warwick, in the great state of Oklahoma. Carl, there is a ticket with your name on it in the SFPW raffle. Good luck!

In Tucumcari tonight!

be strong, be safe, Carlan

2011-05-31T16:26:00.001-07:00

Into Texas...on the road for two weeks:

In Vega, TX tonight. Two weeks on the road. Checked the odometer and have ridden around 2200 miles since leaving Santa Fe on May 16. Let me catch up for a minute. I rode out of Santa Fe heading for Chicago. Several days of very heavy storms in Kansas caused a bit of a delay. Seems like I was under all the storms across the Midwest. About 150 miles south of Chicago more storms moved in. Rather than ride into the storms I decided to start on the Mother Road north of Springfield, Il. Since that time I have been true to Route 66 except when I approached Joplin and closed roads.

Conway, TX is home to a tribute to the Volkswagen and Route 66. Bet you thought it was only Caddys buried nose first in Texas.

Caddys are actually along I-40 just a short distance from 66. Stunning ride through Texas today. Mother Road is smooth and continuous. Slight tail wind. Gliding along after all the wind, rain, hail, and tornados the past two weeks.

Groom, TX famous for a water tower which was constructed with a built-in lean. The idea was to put Groom on the map. Not really sure it worked.

Tomorrow will be in Adrian, TX half way point of Route 66 between Chicago and Santa Monica. Hard to believe. Time has been standing still for me the past two weeks.

The last "Where am I, what is this"?...ended up being much too easy via Google....so here is the next one...another raffle ticket...another chance at a great SFPW of your choice....be the first one to identify the location and subject...big hint...located less than 150 feet from the Mother Road...

be strong, be safe, Carlan.

2011-05-29T19:53:00.001-07:00

Two days on the Mother Road in Oklahoma:

The Mother Road dips and rises straight across Oklahoma. Much of the original road is intact. It has been two days of thumpy thump along the concrete roadway. Seen so much and experienced so many incredible people the past two days. Hard to believe it has been only two days.

In Stroud some of my friends I have been working with in Bokoshe drove up and we met at the historic Rock Cafe. That's Tim from Bokoshe on the left.

Carl Shortt rode his bike and met me in Chandler. We had a great ride from there on down to Oklahoma City. The ride included a stop at the DX station and motorcycle museum at Warwick. More on this will be in the book of the trip.

After arriving in Oklahoma City Carl's dad...also Carl, gave me a great tour of the area including the National Cowboy Museum. If you have not experienced this...put it on your list. It is a must see in Oklahoma City.

After a wonderful dinner with the Shortt family we spent the evening at the Federal Building Memorial in downtown Oklahoma City.

How many times I have driven by the exit while traveling on I40. The memorial is a tranquil yet powerful place. A place to reflect on the senselessness of violence.

Left Oklahoma City this morning. Route 66 passes through El Reno the location of a violent tornado last week. As I rode into the path of the tornado it is difficult to express with words what I saw. I stopped along the road. A pickup pulling a trailer pulled up next to me.

I met Tim Hobson a local resident. He and some friends had been out looking for his truck which was destroyed by the tornado. They had just found it. He wanted to talk. For the next twenty minutes he told me about several of his friends who had perished in the tornado. Tears came to his eyes and mine. One minute a stranger along the road...minutes later two individuals sharing together the emotional impact of a violent event.

Two days on the Mother Road in Oklahoma. Changes in my life forever.

be strong, be safe, Carlan

2011-05-29T18:46:00.001-07:00

The Blue Whale:

My, my...I never thought so many of you would use Google to discover the mystery of the Blue Whale. What did we ever do before Google! I should have made a bw photo of the Blue Whale!!

Thanks very much to everyone for discovering more about the historic road side attractions along 66 in Oklahoma. The lucky winner of the raffle ticket for a chance at the SFPW workshop is......drum roll......
Peter Delfe from Los Alamos,NM. Good luck Peter in the raffle on June 5.

Stay tuned...more attractions on the way.

be strong, be safe, Carlan

2011-05-27T19:13:00.001-07:00

Where am I? What is this?

A very famous landmark on the Mother Road today.

Be the first email to identify the historic landmark by name and location and win a free raffle ticket for a chance at a fully paid Santa Fe Photo Workshop of your choice. Only one entry per person. Winner will be announced in the next post.

be strong, be safe, Carlan.

2011-05-26T19:49:00.001-07:00

Into Oklahoma:

Been having trouble posting to the blog the past couple of nights. Just posted yesterday a little late. Problem with posting the photos as well. This evening will be words only.

Rain this morning in Lebanon before leaving the Munger Moss Motel. Drank coffee and discussed the current state of affairs with Ramona and Bob the owners until the rain stopped about 10A. Rode west along 66 through the countryside of gentle rolling hills under a heavy gray sky. Seemed a bit lonely. No other cars for well over an hour.

As I approach Joplin stopped for gas and talked with some of the local folks. They shared the news with me 66 was closed both sides of Joplin. Backtracked a couple of miles and picked up the new 66 (Interstate 44). It was a cold ride and the air felt heavy closer I got to Joplin. The tornado cut directly across the Interstate. Pictures you have been seeing can hardly express the reality of the situation. Everything twisted and broken to pieces. Forces of nature unleashed. Navajo would say Monster Slayer was very mad about things. That was the thought in my mind as well. No pictures, just thoughts.

In Miami, OK tonight. Hard time finding a motel. Got one of the last rooms. Town is filled with people here to help in Joplin. Put all those people in your thoughts tonight they need your strength.

be strong, be safe, Carlan

2011-05-26T15:28:00.001-07:00

Rusty Snaps:

Been in so much rain lately the snaps on my leathers are beginning to rust. You might ask...how wet can you get on a motorcycle? If you could see my motel room tonight with clothing hanging everywhere you would answer that one.

Watched all the tornado activity last night. About 3AM this morning a large cell came into Cuba with heavy winds and rain. Mid morning the sky began to lighten so I decided to get back on 66.
Hooker Cut is a four lane section of the Mother Road with one of the deepest rock cuts in the U.S. The road was dry and I had it all to myself. Off to the left I spotted the Mule Trading Post and pulled in.
Daryl was sitting at the front desk and met with with a friendly "Howdy".
The Mule Trading Post has been located on Route 66 for over sixty years. You can find everything from frying pans, old vinyl records, to classic Route 66 "collectibles". The "Memorial Day Specials" appeared to be from a few years past.

Back on the road for a few miles and very quickly the sky turned coal black. I saw an old gas station ahead. Stopped under the covering and discovered the station was now the home of a florist shop. Met Darlee inside arranging flowers. She graciously offered me shelter from the storm complete with a storm cellar if needed. Hail the size of golf balls fell from the sky for over thirty minutes. Two hours passed and there was a break in the sky. I only needed to go thirty more miles to find a motel. Seemed like a short distance, not so. Within a few miles another downpour. This time I spotted an old barn and took refuge. A woman came out and offered me a chair to wait it out. What friendly and neighborly folks in Missouri.

At the Munger-Moss Motel in Lebanon tonight. My room here is an "original" 1950 decor. When I checked in the owner said..."feel free to park you bike by your door to keep it out of the weather....."
Like I said...friendly, neighborly folks here in Missouri.

be strong, be safe, Carlan

2011-05-24T18:11:00.001-07:00

Into Missouri:

Clear skies this morning. Crossed the Mississippi River and entered Missouri. Had to ride a section of I-270 through Saint Louis with heavy traffic. Breath of fresh air when I turned back onto the Mother Road.

Stopped at the Circle N in Bourbon, Mo for a late morning breakfast. Circle N has been serving great diner road food on Route 66 for over fifty years. This place is the real deal. Not a plastic tourist stop. Great friendly people to chat with.

A few miles after breakfast a tee-pee caught my eye off to the side of the road.

Met Joe and his wife. They are both Cherokee. I realized I was on a part of the "Trail of Tears". They were making buffalo jerky to sell along with other native crafts. Joe and I stood outside talking, sharing stories and family history. We talked about Question of Power. He brought out his flute and played a song for my trip.

I bought some buffalo jerky to carry in my saddle bags before we parted. As I pulled back onto Route 66 Joe raised his arm with a parting wave. Felt like I had known him for a long time.

The largest rocking chair in the world is located four miles west of Cuba, Mo.

Yes, that is my bike sitting in front of the rocking chair. No funny Photoshop tricks here. It's real! It's BIG! Why...one can only guess.

Spending the night at the Wagon Wheel Motel in Cuba. Stone cottages built in the '30s. A classic Route 66 spot. Beautiful!

The ride today was all about "pressing and leaning". Which means the Mother Road was filled with gentle curves and rolling hills. Great riding.

Checking the weather tonight. Tornados all along the route. Springfield, Mo tomorrow weather permitting.

be strong, be safe, Carlan

2011-05-23T16:59:00.001-07:00

Horse Shoes, Cozy Dogs, and Severe weather:

In Springfield, Il. Dinner last night with good friends Lorrie and Jake Bunn. Jake asked me have you ever had a "Horse Shoe" dinner...not lately was my reply. I thought...wonder what it is? Question you may be thinking....did he order it? Answer...yes. The "Horse Shoe" dinner is a Springfield original. Picture two pieces of toast...sirloin steak...tomato slices...crispy French fries...smothered in a gallons of cheese sauce...all in that order. Never slept so good as last night.

Up early this morning to meet Jake and Lorrie. Our plan to ride the original Route 66 between Springfield, Il. to Saint Louis, Mo. First stop was to have an original "Cozy Dog" for breakfast.

The Cozy dog is a historic Route 66 Springfield original. Not to be confused with a corn dog!

We rode the original 1926 Route 66 toward Saint Louis until we began seeing very black greenish clouds ahead. At that point Lorrie and Jake decided it best for them to make tracks back to Springfield while I headed on to Saint Louis. Got to the Mississippi River and hit the storm head on! Made a quick exit and here I sit in a motel room in Granite City just outside of STL. Waiting out the weather. Hail, rain, and heavy winds. My schedule is to be through Joplin on Thursday. Will see how things go.

Been talking with a lot of local folks all along the way. Have been hearing over and over again...weather has never been like this before...

be strong, be safe, Carlan

2011-05-23T16:55:00.000-07:00

Riding For Ron:

In Illinois the past two days on Route 66. Yes, finally made it to the Mother Road. Before hitting the Mother Road I had the opportunity to see some special people in Missouri.

Wanda Mullendore is married to my cousin who passed away last fall. She and Ron both rode Harleys. I called Wanda and we talked about meeting when I came through. She had not ridden since Ron passed. "I have been thinking of selling the bike since Ron is gone. Battery needs a charge, tags have expired". I asked her...why don't fire up your bike...we'll ride together for a while for Ron. She did...and we did. It was great seeing and riding with her. We stopped along the road when she needed to turn around. I looked and caught the smile in her eyes. As we gave each other a parting hug... She looked at me and said..."I think I'll keep riding the bike now".

be strong, be safe, Carlan

2011-05-22T05:29:00.001-07:00

Blue skies...nothing but blue skies do I see:

That verse kept running through my mind as I rode through the Kansas Flint Hills today and into Missouri. Beautiful ride. Blue skies all around.
Illinois tomorrow...Route 66 here we come! Get ready for the Mother Road ride!

Be strong, be safe, Carlan

2011-05-20T19:34:00.001-07:00

Ray of sunshine in Kansas:

This morning as I was savoring my Best Western Motel breakfast of sausage, eggs, biscuits, and gravy I met Diane and Rick Hickman. They are members of the Classic Car Club of America. The club was holding a rally here in McPhearson. Diane and Rick were driving their 1947 Packard Clipper.

Due to the continuing rain here I had decided to keep the kickstand down for another day. Diane and Rick said they were going to tour the area for the day along with about fifteen other cars. They asked if I would like to join them. "Well, I was planning another trip to Wal-Mart..." In less than a flash at a 1/125 sec I accepted their offer.

First stop McPhearson College.

Several years ago Jay Leno provided a grant to the college which helped develop the only four year degree program in the country in auto restoration.

Next stop the Kansas State Motorcycle Museum. Stanley and LaVona Engdahl created the museum in Marquette.

Stanley was state motorcycle champion. The trophies on the right from floor to ceiling were all won by Stanley. Over 300 motorcycles in the collection including Harleys, Indians, Hondas, and all the rest! LaVona took the time to share some exciting motorcycle adventures with me.

Across the street from the museum I spotted Corky standing in the door of the old Williams gas station. We need another day for all his stories.

As we left Marquette to head back to McPhearson, the clouds parted and for the first time in four days I saw blue skies.

A big thank you to Diane and Rick for taking me for a ride today in their beautiful Packard Clipper!

Sun tomorrow...kickstand up...on the road!

be strong, be safe, Carlan

2011-05-19T08:50:00.001-07:00

Kansas and the weather:

Hindsight always creates interesting thoughts. My hindsight for the morning is thinking I should have re-read the Wizard of Oz, especially the accounts regarding the weather in Kansas as I started my trip. You may be able to guess from this thought...yes, still in Kansas. Still sitting here in the motel room. Severe weather today...by the way in Kansas this means rain, hail, wind, oh, did I mention rain, hail, and high winds.

There is a Wal-Mart across the road here. Plan to spend the stormy day walking around in the store. Will let you know what "prices are lower" at Wal-Mart today. Thinking of also beginning a new photo project. Stay tuned for photos of my motel room. Here is a "view from my room" last night around midnight as it rained "cats and dogs". Yes, in Kansas it does rain "cats and dogs".

be strong, be safe, Carlan

2011-05-18T12:17:00.001-07:00

Thunder and Lighting:

After a day of winds across Kansas woke up around 4AM this morning to the rumble of thunder and the sound of heavy rain. Break in the rain about 10AM. Saddled up...down the road about ten miles and the sky opened up with a combination of ice and rain. No sooner had I pulled over along the road when a "local lady" stopped to check on my condition. Guess I must have looked pretty wet. She was traveling from the east and said "weather is worse in the direction you are headed". "Ok, I thought... that's the deal breaker for me". Time to put the kickstand down for the day. Wonder what's on HBO?

Be strong, be safe, Carlan

2011-05-17T17:21:00.001-07:00

Winds of Kansas:

Riding across Kansas today with the dust blowing and 50 mph headwinds visions of the dustbowl FSA photographs swirled in my mind. Even with modern farming practices it looked as if parts of Kansas were being transported to another part of the country.

Just outside of Spearville on HWY 56 the winds of Kansas were being utilized for purposes unthought of in the 30's. Acres of windmills sending electricity across the country. A quite beautiful site to see.

be strong, be safe, Carlan

2011-05-16T06:09:00.000-07:00

Shaking out the leathers:

Saddle bags are packed, shaking out the leathers, kickstand up this morning around 8:30A.

North from Santa Fe I will connect with the original Santa Fe Trail and follow the wagon wheel ruts across Kansas. Plan is to arrive in Chicago on Friday. Saturday morning begin Route 66 west toward the California coast.

My guide for Route 66 will be the first mile-by-mile handbook written by Jack Rittenhouse in 1946. Jack traveled about 25 miles a day making notes on a yellow pad along the way. In the evenings he would sit at his typewriter writing about the day's adventure. My plan is to travel the original route as much as possible. In place of the typewriter I will be sharing the day's adventure with all of you on an iPad.

Santa Fe Trail east...Route 66 west...what could be better. Someplace out in Kansas tonight.

be strong, be safe, Carlan

2011-04-15T12:52:00.000-07:00

Thoughts on Photography for a Friday:

In a letter to Ansel Adams on May 3, 1955 Beaumont Newhall wrote the following:

"There cannot be a man of any sensitivity today who is not shocked, bothered and distressed by every issue of the newspaper...In the face of all the present turmoil and unrest and unhappiness...what can a photographer, a writer, a curator do?...To make people aware of the external things, to show the relationship of man to nature, to make clear the importance of our heritage, is a task that no one should consider insignificant...These are days when eloquent statements are needed."

The date May 3 is a few weeks in the future. The year 1955...56 years in the past. The thought is for today. "To make people aware of the external things, to show the relationship of man to nature, to make clear the importance of our heritage." This is the responsibility we carry as photographers.

be strong, be safe, Carlan

2011-04-11T11:50:00.000-07:00

Eliot Porter - Tesuque, New Mexico:

The opening of the Earth Now Exhibit in Santa Fe this past weekend was packed with events surrounding the exhibit. On Sunday afternoon Nancy and I were invited to a small reception at Eliot Porter's home in Tesuque. What made the visit to the Porter home so exciting for Nancy and I was the original experience we had in 1985. In that year we had made a trip to Santa Fe. Spending several days in Santa Fe we explored every gallery and took in the great history of artists in New Mexico. We stopped in one gallery and viewed an original portfolio of dye transfer prints made by Eliot Porter. Knowing he lived just outside of Santa Fe in Tesuque, we looked up the address and drove by the house. That is what we saw...the outside of the house. On this past Sunday we finished the experience by being invited inside.

The house is beautiful. Being a photographer I was very excited to see his darkroom and work area.

The dye transfer process Eliot used for his color prints is very involved. It was not unusual for the process to take over 40 hours per print to obtain proper densities and color.

Today there remains only a small number of photographers who understand the art and craft of dye transfer color print making.

Most of the materials required to create dye transfer prints are no longer available today. The materials and methods have been replaced by digital ink jet printers.

As Nancy and I walked out of the darkroom we stopped to view a portfolio of original color dye transfer prints open on the table. My breath was taken away by the color, luminance, depth, let alone the emotional impact of Eliot Porter's color landscape work.

What a Sunday. Twenty-six years later we were invited inside.

be strong, be safe, Carlan

2011-04-11T08:30:00.000-07:00

Lesson for the day:

Thanks everyone for the emails regarding the video. Always learning something new. Sorry if you received a big black square on the last post via email. :-) My lesson for the day: when you embed a video into the blog...it does not travel with the email version. So..here is the video...sitting on the blog at http://www.carlantapp.blogspot.com

Never too old to learn new tricks.

be strong, be safe, Carlan

2011-04-10T09:08:00.000-07:00

Earth Now: Video interview

During this past year as the Earth Now Exhibit was being created Katherine Ware ask me to do a video interview discussing my Question of Power work. I would like to share this short video with you. It provides my thoughts on the direction, purpose, and importance of the photographs made for Question of Power.
be strong, be safe, Carlan

2011-04-07T14:12:00.000-07:00

Earth Now: American Photographers and the Environment:

I am pleased to announce that photographs from Question of Power have been selected as part of the Earth Now exhibition, website, and book. It is an honor to be included in this exhibition with my mentor, Ansel Adams.

The New Mexico Museum of Art, Santa Fe, NM

Opening Reception: April 8, 2011 5:30 to 7:30 pm

Exhibition will be open from April 8 - October 9

"Ansel Adams' and Eliot Porter's landscape photography fueled a growing concern for the environment in this country. Their idealized, unpopulated landscapes set the standard for twentieth-century photography. Earth Now begins with a suite of works by these two artists and moves on to a group of photographers who came of age in the 1970s."

Please visit the Earth Now website to view the online exhibit and video interviews.

be strong, be safe, Carlan

2011-04-04T13:32:00.001-07:00

Santa Monica College: Question of PowerWe had a great opening last Saturday evening 4/2 at Santa Monica College Photography Gallery. I wanted to especially thank Ford Lowcock and the Photography Department at the college for all of their help and support. Santa Monica College has a terrific photography program with around 1800 students.Lucy A. Willie - Question of Power exhibit will be in the Gallery until May 13, 2011. The Photography Gallery Hours are Monday - Friday 10am - 3pm & 5pm - 7pm. The Gallery is located on the Santa Monica College campus 2nd Floor, Drescher Hall. If you are in the area please stop by and view the exhibit.

be strong, be safe, Carlan

2011-04-02T06:17:00.000-07:00

Santa Monica, California:

Santa Monica College will host an exhibit of the work of documentary photographer and educator, Carlan Tapp from April 2 to May 13. The exhibit features 40 black and white prints showing the effects of coal mining and coal-fired power production on the lives of a Navajo community near Farmington, New Mexico. The work centers around Lucy Willey, a Navajo elder whose personal story symbolizes the fate of her community.

On the road again. Arrived in Los Angeles yesterday. Spent some time with the students in the photography department at Santa Monica College reviewing their work and discussing their photographic goals. Saw some great work from young emerging photographers. This afternoon (Saturday) I will be presenting a public lecture on the work of Question of Power at 4 P.M. The lecture will include stories from the Navajo Nation, TVA Kingston TN, Uniontown AL, and Bokoshe OK. The opening of the exhibit is scheduled from 5-7 P.M. A "big thank you" to everyone for your support for the work of Question of Power and getting the exhibit and stories to Santa Monica.

be strong, be safe, Carlan

2011-03-30T10:31:00.000-07:00

Bokoshe Oklahoma and ABC World News:ABC World News with Diane Sawyer aired a coal ash story I've been working on in Bokoshe, Oklahoma. As many of you know, I first traveled to Bokoshe this past August when I heard of the serious health problems in the area. Recently ABC began investigating the story and aired a very good report Tuesday evening 3/29. Here is the link to the ABC Bokoshe story. I am headed back to Bokoshe in April to work more with the community.

be strong, be safe, Carlan

2011-03-23T14:43:00.001-07:00

Mother Road 2011 New Mexico Photography Workshop:

What historic town on Route 66 in New Mexico boasts dinosaurs, ostriches, and a cheese factory? Hint: It rhymes with Chuck Berry.

Mother Road 2011 Photographic Workshop has only three spaces left. Sign up and join us for the ultimate, fun-filled Route 66 photographic experience as we explore Route 66 in eastern New Mexico. You workshop donation is tax-deductible providing support for Question of Power a 501c3. To learn more plus hear a little Chuck Berry, log onto Mother Road 2011.

Looking forward to our paths meeting on Route 66.

Be strong, be safe, Carlan

2011-02-27T06:20:00.000-08:00

Mother Road 2011:

A few days ago I sent photographs to the 6th grade class in Bokoshe, OK for their Learn and Serve presentation at the state capital next week. For those of you following the Bokoshe coal ash story you'll remember I took these photographs in December as part of my 501c3 project, Question Of Power. As I stood in the 6th grade classroom their teacher asked "raise your hand if you have asthma." Nine out of the seventeen students raised their hands. I was shocked.

I spent the day with these bright kids to photograph and record their stories. One story I'll never forget. I asked one of the boys what it was like to deal with asthma every day. His answer went straight to my heart. "It hurts," he said, "it really, really hurts." To see and hear his and other student's personal stories, please visit: http://www.questionofpower.org/bokoshe_letters/index.html.

As in other Question of Power projects, photographs have played an integral part in bringing a voice to people affected by the mining, burning, and disposal of coal byproducts. My photographs have been successfully used in numerous publications, as an educational tool for high schools and colleges, and as Federal court evidence for people fighting for their land.

Question of Power has taken me from the Navajo Nation to Tennessee, Alabama, and recently, Bokoshe, OK. It takes money to continue to bring voices to people who often don't have resources to do it themselves. They need your help. I need your help.

On May 21, 2011 I will ride my American made motorcycle on America's Mother Road across America from Chicago to Santa Monica to raise money for Question Of Power, a 501c3. A four-day tax-deductible photographic workshop will also take place on the New Mexico section of Route 66. Buy some miles and join in the ride (all wheels welcome). Make plans now to follow me across our beautiful country via a daily blog from the comfort of your home. Your tax deductible dollars will not only keep me in gas it will earn you a fabulous tee shirt plus many other wonderful gifts.

To learn more about Mother Road 2011 and how to make a donation for the ride, please visit: http://www.motherroad2011.org. Thank you for taking the time to read this and please feel free to pass it on.

Be strong, be safe, Carlan

2011-01-28T12:58:00.000-08:00

Imagine:

This past week I have been on the road in Arizona. In Tucson I realized I was in need of more sun screen. A simple stop at a shopping center was all I was looking for. We can only imagine what may unfold as we travel through our lives.

I stopped short when I realize where I was standing. A stone with the lyrics of John Lennon reached out to share with me the words, "Nothing to kill or die for...Imagine all the People living in Peace...Imagine no need for greed or hunger...Imagine all the people sharing all the World".

I felt compelled to make some photographs...to "Imagine how the world can live as one".

(click here to hear the words and see the pictures)

be strong, be safe, Carlan

2011-01-15T17:37:00.000-08:00

Mother Road 2011:

I feel honored that my work takes me across a country I feel passionate about. One day as I rolled along I-40 somewhere out in Texas listening to the hum of my tires on the highway a thought came to me straight and clear. Historic Route 66 crosses many of the states where I am working on stories for Question of Power. I've always enjoyed riding motorcycles and what better way to raise funding for my non-profit than to ride an American made motorcycle on America’s Mother Road across America from Chicago, IL. to Santa Monica, CA.Thinking back, I consider myself very fortunate growing up with a father who loved road trips. When summer arrived my father would load up the Pontiac Chief with suitcases and coolers. He'd fill the canvas water bag and hang it over the front bumper, check tire pressures, log in the gas mileage, double check the maps, and make sure my sister and I were settled in the large back seat. With my mother in front he would turn the key and we were once again off on a family road trip on Route 66 from California to Missouri. And what a time it always was. My father made sure it was a trip filled with adventure, seeing the natural and man made wonders of America, with a bit of important education thrown in. No nightly reservations made in advance. When the sun began to sink into the horizon we would pull into the closest town and "scout" a motel. A special treat if there was a swimming pool. It was the true American road trip.

In 1926 the Federal highway system was launched. Numbers ending in zero were reserved for major coast-to-coast routes. The highway between Chicago and Santa Monica, considered to be of lesser importance, was designated U.S. 66. John Steinbeck made mention of it in his 1939 novel, The Grapes of Wrath. It was in his great story that the name "Mother Road" emerged. In the late 1950s the United States began building a new set of highways referred to as "interstates". I-40 replaced Route 66. Over the years my photographic work has taken me down a number of different highways - - sterile highways, highways without soul, highways separating us from the true American road trip.

As I ride I will blog each day, share stories and make pictures of the people, places, and things of America. That's the plan.

Starting date: May 21, 2011. Place: Chicago, IL.

(Mother Road website - click to join in)

be strong, be safe, Carlan

2011-01-13T13:30:00.000-08:00

From Rust to Rods:

The sun was just breaking the horizon as I drove into Bokoshe, OK to meet Tim for coffee. It was an early Saturday morning. I had been working all week in Bokoshe on the coal ash stories. My thought was to take Saturday "off" and maybe even sleep in a little. Tim called on Friday night around 9 P.M. "Can you meet me early for coffee, I have someone I want you to meet". As I pulled up to the convenient store I could see Tim's truck parked along with several others. Through the window of the store I caught a glimpse of Tim talking with another individual. They were both working on cups of steaming coffee. Before I could close the door behind me Tim was up and standing with coffee pot in hand motioning me to have a seat at the table. "Carlan, this is Lee. Lee, this is Carlan." Tim and Lee were long time friends. Both had attended Bokoshe High School together. Several cups of coffee later Tim stopped short and said "Lee, you need to show Carlan what you have in your garage". Lee's reply was a quick "ok". Lee opened the side door to his garage and turned on the lights. The room was filled with old auto parts of all kinds. Parts and pieces everywhere. Tim said, "Lee open the other door". Lee opened the door and motioned me through. The garage was filled with gleaming chrome and sparkling paint.Tim had a big smile on his face. "Lee's been building hot rods since he was in high school". Lee stood in the center of the garage surrounded by years and years of work.Each car had a story. "It took me five years to get the guy to sell me that car. I found this motor in Texas. That car over there is pretty fast. I wanted to race some old boy for pink slips, but he never would do it. I would have won, and he knew it. That's a "48 Merc flathead. You can't find those anymore."Lee is a true artist. Talking with him you know he has a final vision for each project long before he ever starts. He has a passion for "hot rods" which you can hear in his words and see in his eyes. Each car contains a piece Lee's personal vision and touch.I thanked Lee for sharing part of his world with me. As I headed toward the door I saw Lee lost in a moment of thought. He turned to me and said, "you know a hot rod is never finished, I need to paint these fenders brown".

Sure happy I didn't sleep in.

be strong, be safe, Carlan

2011-01-04T08:23:00.000-08:00

Suella "Sue" Hudson - Bokoshe, Oklahoma:

When I arrived in Bokoshe, OK last August the first individuals I met were Sue Hudson and her daughter Susan. Meeting Sue for the first time was just like seeing a long lost friend after many years. As we sat drinking coffee in Sassy's Cafe Sue was open and generous sharing her story of Bokoshe with me.Sue moved to Bokoshe in 1978 and opened Hudson Corner Convenient Store with her husband Jim Hudson. After Jim's death she and her daughter Charlee established Charlee's Gourmet Beef Jerky in 1994. I watched the sparkle in Sues eyes as she shared her story of the "secret recipe" they developed together for the jerky. Suddenly one day Charlee became ill and within two weeks was taken by cancer. Sue reached up and handed me a picture of Charlee. "This is one of the reasons I became active in the citizens group, B.E. Cause, here in Bokoshe. I know the coal ash is causing health problems in our community." She felt strongly about protecting the environment for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Shortly after I returned from my August trip to Bokoshe I received a call from Sue's daughter Susan. "Mom has not been feeling too well, we just found out she has cancer with only a few months to live."

I returned to Bokoshe in December to work more in the community. I visited with Sue. The same sparkle was in her eyes, the same warm smile across her face.

Sue completed her journey on the surface of Mother Earth on January 1, 2011. She left many gifts behind. Thank you Sue for your gift of the lessons of determination and sharing. For the sparkle in your eyes and your smile. For your spirit to protect the environment and the communities in which we live. For your voice to create a better future for our grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

be strong, be safe, Carlan

2010-12-31T13:59:00.000-08:00

Question of Power : Mother Road 2011

May 21 - June 14, 2011

Stayed tuned for complete details

Best wishes for the New Year. May it be filled with Peace, Harmony, and Beauty for all of you. A BIG thank you to everyone for your support and belief in getting the stories out.

be strong, be safe, Carlan

2010-12-28T13:08:00.000-08:00

Letters to the President - Bokoshe Oklahoma Elementary School:

In a sixth grade classroom at Bokoshe Elementary School nine out of seventeen students suffer from chronic asthma. Eighty coal ash trucks a day rumble through town carrying loads of toxic coal ash to be dumped 1.5 miles from the Bokoshe Elementary School. Feeling their voices were unheard the six grade class wrote letters to the President sharing their concerns for their community.I spent a week in Bokoshe on this trip. I met the students, spent time in their classrooms, and listened to their stories. Here is what they shared with me.

(click here to see and hear their stories)

be strong, be safe, Carlan

2010-12-06T17:00:00.000-08:00

6th Graders Take on Energy Giant in Bokoshe, Oklahoma:

Fearing for the health of their small eastern Oklahoma town, sixth grade students in Bokoshe are publicly speaking out against a toxic coal fly ash pit near their school.The students selected their town’s number one concern as part of an environmental component of the national Learn and Serve America Program that encourages civic participation and awareness. More information can be found at www.Learnandserve.gov. The operators of the disposal pit, Making Money Having Fun, LLC and several state regulatory agencies have come under fire for failing to adequately protect residents from fugitive dust that has covered the community for years. Fly ash is the result of burnt coal from the power plant and is a toxic mixture of heavy metals such as mercury, arsenic, chromium and lead. Residents contend they were never told the material was hazardous when the disposal pit began operation 8 years ago. The Environmental Protection Agency is currently considering classifying fly ash, or coal combustion waste, as a hazardous material. Power producers such as AES and local electric co-ops oppose the potential EPA safeguards.

Nine fifth and sixth grade students in a class of 17 at the Bokoshe school have asthma or other respiratory conditions.The students, concerned individuals, and families of Bokoshe have scheduled a media event for Tuesday, December 7, 2010. The students will have the opportunity to share their stories regarding health issues with asthma during the event. A new sign created by the citizens of Bokoshe will be unveiled.

be strong, be safe, Carlan

2010-11-13T21:16:00.000-08:00

In The Air We Breathe - Bokoshe, Oklahoma:
Eight trucks make ten trips each daily down Highway 31 between the AES Coal burning power plant to Bokoshe, Oklahoma carrying coal ash. The distance is a short ten miles. The eighty loads a day carry a heavy toil for the people of Bokoshe.

Fourteen out of twenty families in Bokoshe suffer from joint disease, emphysema, and cancer. In 1988 the EPA reviewed the potential health hazards of exposure to coal ash. No decision was made. Ten years later in 1998 the EPA again reviewed coal ash. No decision was made. Today, the EPA is again reviewing the potential health hazards of coal ash. The residents of Bokoshe know what the health hazards of exposure to coal ash are.

To hear their story ( click here ).

be strong, be safe, Carlan

2010-10-30T09:36:00.000-07:00

When the telephone rings:

We never know what message awaits us when we hear the ring of the telephone. Quite different from reading an email. Over the years that familiar ring has delivered many different types of messages and stories to me. Friday afternoons usually bring a different message then do Monday mornings. Yesterday afternoon (Friday) when my phone rang I received a message I have been waiting to hear for nearly six years now.
This past August a Federal Court in Denver heard the case regarding Lucy A. Willie and other families of the Burnham, NM. community on the Navajo Nation whose lives, health, and way of life have been affected by the mining and extraction of coal. Some of the families have lost their homes and grazing permits to the mining operation. Ceremonial and grave sites have been desecrated. Lucy and her family were in the direct line of the mine expansion. For the past six years the constant threat of a knock on the door with an order to leave her home lingered in Lucy's daily thoughts. You know the story if you have followed this blog and viewed the stories on Question of Power.

Little did I realize the ring of my telephone yesterday would be a ring for social justice. The court decision was released. The mining permits issued by the U. S. Office of Surface Mining had been done improperly over the years. The permits neglected to include consideration for the National Environmental Protection Act, clean water, ethnographic studies, and historic and cultural resources. For Lucy, her family, and community members, the decision brings peace to their lives. The immediate threat of being removed from their homes for mine expansion has for the present time been removed.

I spoke with Lucy on the phone shortly after I received the call. Her voice carried a very happy tone. We laughed together. Then she said, "almost a year to the day since Ambrose has passed, I know he is happy to hear the news." I told Lucy how proud I was of her for standing so very strong through these times. Persevering with purpose and passion. Believing and standing for social justice.

This Friday phone call had a very good ring to it.

be strong, be safe, Carlan

2010-09-17T15:42:00.001-07:00

TEDx Saturday September 18:

Update on my presentation with Tedx. The entire day will be live streamed on the internet. You can log on here to join the live web cast:

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/tedxabq

I will be sharing the Question of Power stories at 2:26 PM MDT. If you have a moment please join us.

be strong, be safe, Carlan

2010-09-13T08:48:00.000-07:00

TEDx - Ideas Worth Spreading:

I am honored to present the idea and stories of Question of Power at TEDx in Albuquerque on Saturday September 18. I will be sharing stories of the untold human costs of coal from Bokoshe, OK., Burnham, NM., Uniontown, AL., and Kingston, TN. The TED program is about "ideas worth spreading". If you have not visited their website please take a moment and do so. If you can be in Albuquerque on Saturday I will look forward to seeing you there.

be strong, be safe, Carlan

2010-07-22T14:55:00.000-07:00

Living in Coal Ash: Uniontown, Alabama:
For the past twelve months 88 rail cars filled with coal ash from the TVA coal ash spill in Kingston, Tennessee have traveled 300 miles to Uniontown, Alabama daily. The Arrowhead Landfill, once only used for household waste, is now the depository for material from a designated Super Fund site. Individuals, families, and the community of Uniontown have changed in the past year.

Click here to see and hear the story.

be strong, be safe, Carlan

2010-07-17T15:54:00.000-07:00

"Oil and Water":

There are many photographs of the Gulf Oil Spill circulating around the world. Last month when I was in Louisiana I had the opportunity to meet and spend time with individuals whose families have lived in the Gulf for over five generations. They shared with me their concerns, fears, frustrations, and stories.To hear their stories and see their pictures follow this link:

(CLICK HERE)

I will be returning to the Gulf in a few weeks. Stay tuned in.

be strong, be safe, Carlan

2010-07-01T12:19:00.000-07:00

Gulf Stories: Woodland Plantation

A few miles north of Venice, Louisiana on Highway 23 I spotted a sign stating..."Only remaining Plantation in the Mississippi Delta". A short drive off the highway lead me to Woodland Plantation.Woodland Plantation was built in the 1830's by one of America's first chief river pilots, Captain William Johnson. Captain Johnson and his partner, George Bradish, were sea captains/pirates from Nova Scotia who had come down to the Deep Delta in the late 1700's. Captain Johnson and his four sons built a thriving sugar cane plantation with one of the most modern mills of its time. Johnson was also in partnership with the famous pirate, Jean Lafitte.Lafitte would bring slaves up Grand Bayou, which was a short cut to the Gulf of Mexico from Woodland, holding them at the slave quarters. From there Captains Johnson and Bradish would pick up the slaves and trade them up and down the river. Over the years, Woodland withstood the torment of several hurricanes and saw many changes, including serving as a haven for bootleggers during the prohibition.Since 1934 Woodland Plantation has graced the label of Southern Comfort continuing it's early prohibition history.In 1997 the Creppel family rescued this formerly neglected landmark. Woodland stands today as the only remaining plantation home in the Delta on the west bank of the Mississippi.

be strong, be safe, Carlan

2010-06-21T12:32:00.000-07:00

Summer Solstice - Chaco Canyon, New Mexico:

Today is Summer Solstice 2010, the first day of summer. According to Wikipedia, Summer Solstice, or the "first day of summer," is "when the Earth's axial tilt is most inclined towards the sun at its maximum of 23Â° 26'." It's the longest day of the year, with the shortest night. A solstice is an astronomical event that happens twice each year. The Sun stands still in declination; that is, the apparent movement of the Sun's path north or south comes to a stop before reversing direction.

In Chaco Canyon, over one thousand years ago, there arose among the Pueblo People a great and culturally sophisticated civilization. On Fajada Butte the Chacoans created a site to record the importance of the solar cycles.

On the south side of Chaco Canyon a large kiva, Casa Rinconada, was constructed with a window which allows the light of the Summer Solstice Sun to pass through. At the exact moment the sun breaks the horizon on June 21st, its light is cast through the window upon the wall marking the seasonal change.

The Zuni are direct decedents of the People of Chaco. On the Summer Solstice the Zuni return to Chaco Canyon to bring life back into the canyon through their dances, songs, and ceremonies.

The Zuni beliefs are centered on Mother Earth, Sun Father, and Moonlight-Giving Mother. The Zuni words for daylight and life are the same word. The Sun is, therefore, seen as the giver of life. The beginning of the new season is the time to think of life. To see where we have come from. To see if our directions and intentions are correct and in harmony with Mother Earth. Many lessons have been left for us in Chaco Canyon by our ancestors. Summer Solstice...a new season...a time for clear vision...giver of life...a time to decide where we need to go from here...

be strong, be safe, Carlan

2010-06-04T07:36:00.000-07:00

Oil and Art - Larose, Louisiana:
Along Louisiana Highway 1 a few miles from Grand Isle is the small town of Larose, Louisiana. Highway 1 makes a sharp ninety degree turn and located on the corner is Bobby Pitre's Southern Sting Tattoo Palor.
Bobby was born and raised in Larose and has been creating tattoo art for over fifteen years. His family for four generations has "lived" off the land, marshes, and bays in the Gulf. Bobby is French - Cajun.
Eric Guidru has been learning the "art" of tattoo from Bobby for the past three years. He is a young artist with a deep concern for what is happening to his home and culture.
Bobby and Eric brought their art together last week to share their concern and frustration on the Gulf oil spill. "I wanted to show BP as the "Grim Reaper" of the entire Gulf way of life" said Bobby. Eric added the iconic image of President Obama, this time with multiple question marks. "I not trying to make a political statement...just trying to raise the question...what do we do next".
Bobby added two figures holding a sign. A man holding a fish, and a small child covering her head in fear. "The child represents my little girl who lives down the street", Bobby replied with a sad expression in his eyes. "God Help Us All!"

be strong, be safe, Carlan

2010-05-30T14:34:00.000-07:00

Signs of the times: Gulf Oil Spill

Working in the Gulf of Louisiana the past several days I began to notice "signs" of the oil spill. Different signs of course hold different meanings.

Making a photo of a sign...standing on a public road leading to Halliburton Offices in Venice, LA. brings out private security and the U.S. Army telling photojournalists with Press credentials to leave the area immediately...or possibly experience arrest. "Do Not Litter".

The President arrived on Grand Isle on Thursday. Local residents carried hand painted signs to voice their concern.
Residents along the entire Gulf area are raising questions regarding how the Oil Spill is being handled.
The economy of the Gulf of Louisiana is dependent on fishing, shrimping, oysters, and oil.

Signs of the times in the Gulf.

be strong, be safe, Carlan

2010-05-27T07:09:00.000-07:00

Grand Isle, Louisiana: "Beach Closed"

Day thirty-eight since the Gulf Oil Spill. Oil continues to fill the Gulf waters. BP working on a "Top Kill". Oil has come ashore on over 100 miles of the Louisiana coastline. In some areas booms have been placed in an effort to stop the crude oil from coming ashore and into the delicate Gulf marshes. In most cases the booms have had little effect in stopping the oil.

At Grand Isle the oil has come ashore along a five mile long beach. Wet land marshes, some boomed, others not boomed are being covered in crude oil.
Elmers Beach is closed. Crews work around the clock in a struggle to slow the encroaching crude oil. Click HERE for the story.

be strong, be safe, Carlan

2010-05-02T12:55:00.000-07:00

Elizabeth Avedon Blog:

Elizabeth Avedon writes an excellent photography blog. She contacted me last week regarding posting some of the Question of Power photographs on her blog. Here is the post: Elizabeth Avedon. Thank you very much Elizabeth.

The past month has been busy. Traveled to Bradley University, Il. and Plattsburg State University, NY. I had the opportunity and honor to meet many wonderful students, faculty, and individuals from the surrounding communities. My heart felt thanks goes out to everyone for your thoughtful support of the coal stories I add voice to.

The Question of Power web site has been completely updated. The photo/audio essays are posted here.

Will be on the road again soon.

be strong, be safe, Carlan

2010-03-04T15:50:00.000-08:00

Graceland:

I had been working for over two weeks in Tennessee and Alabama. Now I was headed home. Called to let Nancy know when I would arrive. Mentioned my route I40 through Memphis. Memphis...Graceland...on the bucket list. We both had the same thought at the same time. Nancy flew into Birmingham. I picked her up at the airport late in the evening. We headed to Graceland in a blinding rain.

I always enjoyed the music Elvis created. Nancy knew...every song...every word.

At Graceland I began to understand who Elvis really was. Singer, actor, humanitarian. He donated over 50% of his income to humanitarian causes. Take a walk through Graceland. Listen to the thoughts Elvis shares in "Walk a Mile in My Shoes".

For a larger version of the photo/audio story click (Here)

Thank you Elvis. Thank you for your music, your words, and your generous spirit to all our brothers and sisters. TCB...

be strong, be safe, Carlan

2010-02-14T08:59:00.001-08:00

Photographer Carlan Tapp's images tell story of power - Peoria, IL - pjstar.com:

Photographer Carlan Tapp's images tell story of power - Peoria, IL - pjstar.com

2010-02-04T11:05:00.000-08:00

White Hill Rd - Uniontown, AL :

The Arrowhead Landfill located in Uniontown, Al was selected as the dump site for the TVA coal ash being dredged from the Emory River in Kingston, TN. Eighty-eight railcars of coal ash are arriving in Uniontown seven days a week. Over the next twelve months over 3 million tons of coal ash will be deposited in Uniontown.

Many residents live in extremely close proximity to the Arrowhead Landfill. Public meetings to inform the citizens have been limited. The residents are concerned how the coal ash is being handled in their community and what hazards may be present now and in the future.

I returned to Uniontown this past week. I had first visited the area last August. Changes have occurred. I spoke with several local residents wanting to voice their concerns. One of them is Ruby Homes. The audio at the beginning of her story was recorded as I opened her front door and stood on her porch facing the landfill.
For a larger version of the photo/audio story click (here).
be strong, be safe, Carlan

2010-02-02T07:10:00.000-08:00

February 4 – 28, 2010 Press Release: Question of Power Exhibit and Lecture

Bradley University, Peoria, Il.
Heuser Gallery
Lecture: February 18, 5:00 – 6:00 in the Horowitz Auditorium
Reception: February 18, 6:00 – 7:30pm in the Heuser Art Center
An exhibition by the photographer, Carlan Tapp opens in the Heuser Gallery this week. Tapp is the 2010 Bunn Lecturer in Photography. He uses the medium’s documentary qualities to bring light to the devastation caused by coal mining and coal-burning power plants in the Southwestern United States.  Tapp will present a public lecture on February 18 at 5 PM on the Question of Power.

2010-01-29T13:30:00.000-08:00

TVA Cleaning Up:

In May 2009 the EPA returned to Kingston with a government order covering the requirements for the TVA coal ash spill clean up. The site is described as "the largest disaster of its kind in the history of the U.S." It is also classified as a "Super Fund Site".

As I mentioned in my last post, the first phase of clean up is to remove over 3 million cubic yards of coal ash from the Emory River. Approximately 500 individuals are on site 12 hours a day to accomplish the daunting task. Several large dredgers are used in the Emory River to pump the coal ash out of the river.

Dredgers pump coal ash from the Emory River 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week.

The coal ash removed from the river is spread to dry down to a 30% moisture content. Retaining walls have been constructed to prevent the possibility of the drying ash being carried back into the river during the winter storms.

Retaining walls and dyke to prevent dredged ash from escaping into Emory River.

The EPA has determined to prevent migration of the coal ash during clean up it must be constantly maintained with a moisture content. Water trucks move through the site every few minutes to ensure this process.

Water trucks prevent migration of drying coal ash.

The coal ash from the Emory River is being shipped by rail car to the Arrowhead Landfill in Uniontown, Al. Eighty-eight rail cars per day leave the Kingston location and travel the 350 miles to Uniontown.

Rail cars to be loaded with coal ash from the drying area.

To prevent the coal ash escaping from the rail cars on the 350 mile trip to Uniontown a "burrito" wrapper has been designed to encase the coal ash within the rail cars.

Rail car fitted with plastic "burrito" wrapper.

Currently coal ash remains an "unclassified" material by the EPA. The procedures I observed at the spill/cleanup site to prevent potential migration of ash showed great concern for potential problems. When exiting the work site boots are scrubbed and all vehicles are required to pass through a three phase wash/cleaning process. All wash water from the cleaning is recycled and filtered before release.

Three phase vehicle cleaning required before exiting the spill site.

Will the Emory River and the Swan Pond community return to what it was before December 22, 2008? Time changes all things. It is a big job and there is a big story yet to unfold.

Swan Pond Slough Phase One clean up.

be strong, be safe, Carlan

2010-01-28T06:21:00.000-08:00

TVA Coal Ash Clean up:

The Dec. 22, 2008, spill at TVA's Kingston Fossil Plant dumped 5.4 million cubic yards of coal ash into the Emory River, Swan Pond Creek and surrounding community.

December 30, 2008. Swan Pond, Kingston, Tenn.

The first phase of the cleanup, which involves removing 3 million cubic yards of coal ash from the Emory River and shipping it to the Uniontown Alabama landfill, should be complete this spring. TVA has committed to spending at least $428.5 million during the first phase, but some of those contracts will extend into the second phase, officials say.

Steve McCracken, who has managed three extensive environmental recovery and remediation projects for the Department of Energy, joined TVA as general manager of the Kingston Ash Recovery Project this past September.

Steve McCracken, general manager Kingston Ash Recovery Project

At a community meeting in Kingston on Tuesday night McCracken released initial plans for public review, covering phase two and three of the coal ash clean up.

Alternative 1: Excavate ash from the embayment, close the dredge cells of the failed holding pond and ship 2.8 million cubic yards of coal ash offsite for permanent storage - $439.6 million to $455.3 million.

Alternative 2 - Excavate ash from the embayment and portions of the dredge cells, and ship 6.8 million cubic yards of coal ash offsite for permanent storage - $719.3 million to $741.1 million.

Alternative 3 - Excavate ash from the embayment and dispose of the 2.4 million cubic yards of coal ash in rebuilt dredge cells that would be capped and closed - $268.2 million to $315.5 million.

At the end of the meeting during a public Q & A, McCracken was asked what the situation would be for disposing of coal ash "if" the EPA classified it as hazardous material in the near future. McCracken stated, "In the United States fossil fuel plants (coal burning power plants) create 170 million tons of coal ash per year. The United States does not have the facilities to handle the volume of material if coal ash would be classified as hazardous material."

be strong, be safe, Carlan

2010-01-27T12:19:00.001-08:00

Smith Mountain Coal Ash Dump Site:

In Crossville, TN. the Cumberland County Commissioners approved an old coalmine at Smith Mountain, located a short distance from Kingston, TN., to be come a new site for the disposal of TVA coal ash.

Cumberland County residents thought they were going to take part of the wet coal ash from the Kingston 2008 ash spill. That would have ended in three years. Currently the wet coal ash being extracted from the Emory River at Kingston is being shipped via rail cars to a dump site in Uniontown, AL. The Smith Mountain site, if permits are approved, could become a site for new coal ash.

Seventeen county residents have joined to say the coal ash landfill will destroy their quality of life.

Dave Brundage has put his heart, soul, and life's savings into the Black Cat Lodge which is located near the proposed Smith Mountain Mine dump site. He invested $2 million of his own money to provide transitional living for individuals struggling with addiction and abuse. Brundage has created a dream location where seven people already put their lives back together. Here is Dave's story:

To see and hear Dave's story in a larger version (click here).

be strong, be safe, Carlan

2010-01-25T17:26:00.000-08:00

Swan Pond Circle: "Before and After":

On December 22, 2008 3.5 million cubic yards of coal ash spilled from a holding pond at the TVA Coal Power Plant in Kingston, TN. One of the areas directly impacted by the coal ash is called Swan Pond. Many of the photographs I made thirteen months ago are from this area. Today, I revisited a resident of the Swan Pond neighborhood. Tom Grissard and I spent the morning driving through this once lively neighborhood. Tom shared with me how his community and life has changed forever. Here is Tom's story:

To date, TVA has purchased over 170 homes in the Swan Pond area. Families have moved, homes filled with laughter are silent, a community changed. (for a larger version of the story click here)

be strong, be safe, Carlan

2010-01-23T06:00:00.000-08:00

On the road...
...to Harriman, TN, Crossville, TN, and Uniontown, AL(see map)to work on the coal stories. Storm moving through New Mexico made the roads interesting early in the morning. My usual first morning stop after leaving Santa Fe on this route is Tucumcari, NM. Interstate 40 has cut off this historic town on the old Route 66. Still an original diner in town...road food.
When you travel alone eating on the road is a quiet time to stop and take in the surroundings. Always interesting things to see. KIX on 66 is an original diner from the 50's. Feels good to sit in the old booth and put that gravy on the hash browns.Not many customers at KIX today, but the people there are always friendly. Good food...good stop.

Out of the rain and snow and into the sun. Open road ahead. Into Texas. Largest cross in North America they claim......interesting thought.."is bigger better?"..oh well...breaks up the horizon line and you can see it at 70 mph. Gas stop in Shamrock, TX. Part of the "historic" Route 66.Gas stations and cafes have changed over the years. Couldn't get gas here had to drive down the street to the Chevron. Cafe has been replaced with a McDonalds. Quick stop...no time to linger..American "way of life". On into Oaklahoma.Wind farm along the road. Sky is clear...big difference from being in the Four Corners last week and what the skies look like there. Beautiful...graceful...they sway in the wind with the trees.

More tomorrow. Stay tuned.

be strong, be safe, Carlan

2009-12-21T13:09:00.000-08:00

Ambrose Willie 1944 - 2009:

Ambrose and Lucy Willie, Burnham, N.M. Navajo Nation

I first met Ambrose Willie in 2005 while working on the Question of Power project on the Navajo Nation. Lucy Willie, Ambrose's wife, was the first person I met, spoke with, and interviewed on my initial trip to the reservation. Since that first day Lucy and I had been working together traveling across the Navajo Nation collecting stories, making photographs, and listening to the voices of the Elders regarding the problems created by the coal burning power plants.

The day I met Ambrose, we had coffee, and then sat in silence together for about an hour with no words being shared between us. Ambrose turned, faced me directly, looked deeply into my eyes and only then began to tell me his story. I listened intently for several hours as he shared part of his life's journey with me. He was husband, father, grandfather, medicine man, Vietnam Vet, Purple Heart, a soft spoken wise man. He and Lucy had lived together in their home for over thirty-eight years. While serving in Vietnam he had been exposed to Agent Orange. In and out of the VA hospitals many times for health and lung problems caused by Agent Orange, he knew western medicine alone was not providing healing solutions. He worked with the VA to establish a Native healing service for Vets using traditional ceremonies and sweat lodge.

San Juan coal power plant, Four Corners area, NM. December 2009.

The Willie family lives in the shadow of two coal burning power plants on the Navajo Nation. The emissions from the power plants have caused breathing, asthma, and related lung problems with many families in the area. Ambrose's lungs, damaged in Vietnam by Agent Orange, were constantly irritated by the polluted air from the power plants. Lucy told me many times the great pain Ambrose experienced. In October after another series of breathing attacks, Ambrose was taken to the hospital in Shiprock. The doctors there were unable to help him and he continued to, as Lucy told me, "go down fast". Lucy realized Ambrose needed additional medical treatment available at a VA hospital. No beds were available in VA hospitals in New Mexico and Arizona. A private hospital in Colorado was located where Ambrose could receive the treatment and care he needed. He was immediately transported to Colorado with Lucy following in her truck. After two nights sleeping on the floor next to Ambrose's bed, Lucy spent the next two weeks sleeping in the cab of her pickup in the hospital parking lot.

Shiprock, NM

On the morning of October 27, 2009 at 5 A.M, his family by his side, Lucy holding his hand, Ambrose finished his journey on Mother Earth at the age of sixty-four.

Veterans Cemetery, Shiprock, NM. Navajo Nation

The final request from Ambrose was to be buried near their home in Burnham with other family members in a special ceremonial site. As Lucy made arrangements for the traditional services she was advised not to have the burial at the home site. If she buried Ambrose at the home site within two years he would be moved when the coal mine came through and took her home and burial sites. In a moment of distress and worn from the constant struggle to save her home and family from the mine extension, Lucy made the heart breaking decision to bury Ambrose in the Shiprock Cemetery.

Ambrose Willie: 1944 - 2009

Nancy and I gathered with family and friends as Ambrose was buried with honors by Navajo Veterans and Singers. I will miss his kind and gentle words, strong thoughts, and his concerns for the land and family he loved.

Ambrose stood strong to protect his homeland on foreign soil only to return home and discover the need to continue the stand to protect his homeland on native soil. I will always remember his words and Navajo ways he shared with me. Thank you for your strength Ambrose.

Be strong, be safe, Carlan

2009-12-16T15:00:00.000-08:00

Highway 550 Bloomfield, New Mexico:
Last week I was working in the Four Corners area. Heading home south on Highway 550 just outside of Bloomfield I looked to the west as the sun was slowly setting. Both coal power plants were visible on the horizon. The cooler winter air had created an inversion holding the emissions from the power plants creating multiple colored bands across the sky. No Photoshop or image adjustment here...just what was in the sky.

Today the EPA released some interesting figures for the year. Air emissions from the two coal power plants in the Four Corners released 340,066 pounds of material into the sky in the past twelve months. The emissions include: Selenium 4,279 pounds, Barium 1,801 pounds, Chromium 524 pounds, Sulfuric Acid 143,254 pounds, Hydrochloric Acid 64,941 pounds, Lead 661 pounds, Mercury 727 pounds, and Arsenic 77 pounds.

I just opened the dictionary and looked up Hydrochloric Acid: a clear, fuming, poisonous substance. I wonder which ones make the color?

be strong, be safe, Carlan

2009-12-03T14:04:00.000-08:00

Changing Times:

I have been thinking of the song "For the Times They Are a Changing". Looking back at my first post last March...the past months have brought many changes. I read this morning 7.3M jobs have been lost in the U.S. since December 2007. When I was in New York last month the talk on the street was about the loss of over 34,000 jobs since January 2009 in the newspaper/magazine industry. Budgets have disappeared which enabled photographers to properly bring complete stories to the public. Headlines this morning: "Comcast buys NBC". New entertainment ahead...

Changes? Yes. Business as usual? No. New opportunities? Yes.

The coal stories I have been working on this past year have shown me how limited the major media support is for social and environmental justice stories in the U.S. My goal is to address important social justice and environmental justice issues that affect us all. In 2010 I will expand the scope and locations of the coal stories. Exhibits and public lectures at Universities are scheduled and in planning stages. Redux Pictures will be working to syndicate the stories nationally and internationally. I will make regular posts here as I work "on the road".

The coal project: Question of Power is a non-profit Federal (501c3). The essays and issues advocate for positive social change. The goal: to educate, stimulate an awareness, and create change. To..."show America to Americans". 2010 will be a very busy year, we have alot of work to do. Several individuals have contacted me to ask how they can help. To find out how you can help click here. Many thanks to each and everyone for your continued support. For the times..."they are a changing"...and they hold many great opportunities for positive change.

be strong, be safe, Carlan

2009-11-17T23:37:00.000-08:00

Nicaragua:

Last week I had the honor of being invited to travel to Nicaragua to visit and work with an educational NGO, Empowerment International. Kathy Adams is the founder of the organization and she is doing some very incredible work. I had the opportunity to spend time with three of her students and share the wonder of photography with them. In my last post I wrote about the power of a photograph. These young students in Nicaragua helped open my eyes to their world. Here is what I saw through my camera in Nicaragua. Click this link to see Nicaragua as I saw it: NICARAGUA

be strong, be safe,

Carlan

2009-11-07T14:48:00.001-08:00

New York City:
Just returned from New York where I spent a few days meeting and talking with editorial/documentary photo agencies. I have been looking for additional avenues to extend my coal stories to a larger audience. I am going to be working with Redux Pictures in New York. I will continue to create the stories in the same manner. Redux will work to syndicate the stories both nationally and internationally. They are great folks and share my concerns regarding social and environmental justice issues in the U.S.

It is my firm belief that a photograph is a window, it can create a portrait, it can create awareness, it can educate, and it can create change. I want to thank everyone who has been supportive of my beliefs and my work. Without your support, these stories would go untold and the voices unheard. Thank you for your continued support, it is greatly needed and appreciated. I will continue to use my pictures to educate and stimulate an awareness of the unrecorded human cost encountered in the extraction, production, and waste materials of coal for the creation of electricity in America.

We have a lot of work to do.

be strong, be safe,
Carlan

2009-10-05T09:19:00.000-07:00

60 Minutes : TVA Coal Ash

Last night, Sunday October 4, 60 Minutes did a very good story on the TVA coal ash spill. If you missed it, you can view it here:

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/10/01/60minutes/main5356202.shtml

be strong, be safe, Carlan

2009-09-07T11:18:00.000-07:00

Uniontown photo/audio story:

I have received several emails from individuals telling me they missed the link to the Uniontown photo/audio story at the bottom of the last post. Here is a small version of the story:

For a larger version of the story click here:

Uniontown:End of the Line

be strong, be safe, Carlan

2009-08-22T11:12:00.000-07:00

Uniontown, Alabama. "End of the Line":

Uniontown is a small rural community located in southwest Alabama twenty-five miles from Selma. Eighty-eight percent of the population is black with a per capita income of $8268. Current unemployment runs sixty to seventy percent.

In my last post I wrote about the approval of the EPA to allow the TVA to transport coal ash from Kingston, Tenneesse to the Arrowhead Landfill in Uniontown.A study just released from Duke University researchers suggests exposure to dust and river sediment containing toxic metals and radioactivity from the Kingston ash could pose health risks. The study shows samples from the spill contains radium, arsenic, and mercury. An August 15 study in the journal Environmental Science & Technology states: "high probability the dry ash containing fine particles enriched with these elements will be in the air as dust and could have a severe health impact on individuals who come in contact with it".

I have just returned from Uniontown. Here is the story of its people and their "unheard voices" regarding the impact of coal ash being dumped into and onto their community.

Click here to view photo/audio essay
"Uniontown: End of the Line"

be strong, be safe, Carlan

2009-07-30T11:31:00.000-07:00

EPA allows TVA to dump spilled coal ash in Alabama:

Leo Francendese, On-Scene EPA Emergency Response Coordinator, views task ahead of removing over three million cubic yards of fly ash from Emory River at Kingston, TN. TVA plant.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- "The nation's largest utility can dump millions of tons of coal ash from a Tennessee spill into an Alabama landfill, federal regulators said, despite criticism that the plan is unfair to one of Alabama's poorest counties.

The Environmental Protection Agency said it would let the Tennessee Valley Authority ship dredged material about 300 miles from the site of a huge retention pond failure in eastern Tennessee to the Arrowhead Landfill in central Alabama's Perry County.

EPA said the commercial landfill that most often receives household garbage is well-suited for accepting the ash, which contains toxic materials including arsenic and lead.

TVA said the shipments, which will go by rail, would begin immediately.

A rail line runs from Tennessee through northeast Alabama to Arrowhead Landfill near Uniontown. Operators say it's one of the nation's largest commercial landfills.

Perry County will make millions of dollars off the shipments from dumping fees, and TVA has said as many as 50 jobs could be created to handle the shipments at the landfill, which now has five full-time employees.

Uniontown has about 1,600 residents, 88 percent of whom are black. U.S. Census statistics show 31 percent of families live in poverty.

"We still feel that there are elements that seem like an injustice to the people of Perry County," said Michael Churchman, executive director of the Alabama Environmental Council. "The benefits of the new jobs and increased income to families in that county is not as significant as it's being portrayed to be."

"The landfill is permitted to accept waste materials such as coal ash and has the capacity to accommodate the anticipated volume of material," EPA said in a statement.

About 5.4 million cubic yards of coal ash was released in all, but TVA hasn't said what it plans to do with the rest. The utility said it was looking for sites other than the Perry County landfill, which typically accepts household garbage.

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation has given TVA permission to conduct coal ash disposal tests at four landfills in East Tennessee, but a TVA spokesmen said the agency has no current plans to do so.

TVA's disposal plan said it would initially send 85 loaded railcars every two days to Alabama, and shipments of the same size would become daily within weeks. The disposal could take a year." Associated Press, Jay Reeves.

New rail construction at TVA, Kingston, TN to transport over three million cubic yards of fly ash which will be dredged from the Emory River and shipped by rail car for disposal in Alabama.

be strong, be safe, Carlan

2009-07-28T16:21:00.000-07:00

Four Corners New Mexico:

Photo and short story on the Four Corners published on Photo District News today.

be strong, be safe, Carlan

2009-05-22T11:26:00.000-07:00

On the road: Kingston, TN. TVA Ash Spill:

On Tuesday, May 19, 2009 I arrived back in Kingston, TN. the site of the ash spill on December 22, 2008. It has been five months since I was here and I wanted to visit the individuals and families I had met in January 2009 and see how the situation had progressed. Two weeks ago on May 5 heavy rainfall caused large amounts of the ash in the Emory River to move further down river. On Monday the local papers reported ash was found in the intake of the water processing plant for the city of Kingston. When I arrived the ash had settled a bit since the rain storm, but crews are working along the river down stream from the main spill area daily and river booms fill with ash.

Fly ash along the banks of the Emory River under the I-40 Bridge

WBIR Knoxville television released the following report on fly ash accessment this week:

"A study by an Appalachian environmental group and Appalachian State University is showing high levels of toxic chemicals in the fly ash released by the massive spill at the TVA Kingston Fossil Plant.

Appalachian Voices released the study Monday. Samples of ash, water, sediments, and fish tissue collected near the site, 18 days after the December 22 spill, showed cause for concern.

In the water samples, they found levels of arsenic, barium, cadmium, lead, and selenium that exceeded protective drinking water and/or aquatic life criteria levels.

They found particular concern in the Emory River at mile 2.2, where ash clogs the river. There, they found that arsenic levels in the river were 260 times the allowable amount in drinking water, and lead was 16 times the drinking water standard.

They also found that selenium levels in fish were at and beyond the threshold of toxicity for reproduction and growth.

The tests were conducted at Appalachian State University by Dr. Shea Tuberty, Dr. Carol Babyak, Dr. Sarah Carmichael, and Dr. Susan L. Edwards.

The scientists concluded the most dire impact was taking place in the immediate area around the spill, but the levels of toxic elements in downstream sediments was also a cause for concern. They called for additional monitoring of fish in the Emory for years to come."

Caught in debris and fly ash the tail of a dead fish emerges.

This is a difficult story to tell, and even harder to find a starting place on this trip. I have met and spoken with all of the individuals again whom I met in January. A few short updates for now.

Rick Cantrell and I re-visited the area where he had spent time with his family and "many hours on the dock fishing". Other than the plastic safety fence, the slough remains filled with fly ash.

Rick Cantrell looks at the dock where he once was able to fish. The slough remains filled with ash.

I visited with Penny Dodson and Evyn Davis her grandson. The last time I had seen them they were at the local Holiday Inn awaiting word from TVA on relocation housing. A rental house was provided, but Penny was notified by letter this week that in July, she had to vacate the house and the rental furniture, including Evyn's crib, would be picked up by the rental company. Originally, she had been promised a year by TVA.

Penny Dodson and her grandson Evyn after hearing their housing agreement with TVA will end in July.

I have been here five days, but it seems like weeks with all the incredible people I have had the opportunity to spend time with. Back on the road again on Sunday. Stay tuned...I will be working on a full story update with many concerned voices.

be strong, be safe,

Carlan

2009-04-08T18:03:00.000-07:00

Burn Magazine:

Last summer I had the opportunity to teach a National Geographic Workshop with David Allen Harvey. David is an incredible human being, a wonderful photographer and a special friend. He is publishing on-line photo essays at burnmagazine. This is a great site to read on a regular basis and view the excellent photo essays being created by many passionate photographers. My TVA photo essay is currently showing at burn magazine. I truly believe this is the exciting beginning of the 21st century "Life" magazine. Thanks very much David for creating this exciting publishing venue for photo essays.

be strong, be safe,

Carlan

2009-03-18T09:14:00.000-07:00

The online photo magazine Fraction March Issue 6 has a feature on New Mexico photographers this month. It is an honor to be included with the group. Here is a link to the current issue: Fraction.

be strong, be safe, Carlan

2009-03-16T09:00:00.000-07:00

For the past five years much of my work has focused around the social cost of producing energy in the USA. I continue to work in the Four Corners area of the Southwest on the Navajo Nation striving to photograph the true "cost" of using coal for the production of electricity. An on going project, Question of Power, shows the human condition as we mine, burn, and dispose of combustion waste using coal in the creation of electricity.

One part of the process which has received little notice is the combustion waste. In the burning of coal for the generating of electricity this is called "fly ash". To date, fly ash is "unclassified" by the EPA and Federal Government. Current legislation may change that this year. If you do a little research you will quickly discover fly ash contains most of the toxic heavy metals which are left after the coal is burned. There are over 300 locations in the USA where this toxic material is simply placed in an outside pile.

On December 22, 2008 shortly before the Holidays, I caught a brief news flash regarding a "spill" of fly ash in Kingston, TN. at the TVA (Tennessee Valley Authority) coal burning electric generating plant. (My understanding is: the Kingston TVA Plant is the largest coal burning electric generating facility in the USA. The fly ash has been stored in an outside pond next to the river since 1954) With a little digging I found information stating 5.3 million cubic yards of "fly ash" had spilled into the Emory, Clinch, and Tennessee Rivers at Kingston, TN.. I thought it strange how it was down played in the news. Knowing fly ash is a highly toxic material this had the potential of being a major disaster.

A single look at my wife Nancy, she quickly said, "you need to go". I drove to Kingston and spent eight days working there. I interviewed residents and photographed as much as possible. To be honest, TVA made it difficult to actually "photograph" the magnitude of the situation. The residents of the Swan Pond area I had the opportunity to meet openly shared their stories and concerns with me.

Rick Cantrell
Tom Grissard

Matt Landon
Penny Dodson

To see and hear their stories on how their lives changed on December 22, 2008 view Clean Coal TVA Ash Spill. To learn more about the current situation go to United Mountain Defense. I plan to return to Kingston in the next few months and will give you an update.

be strong, be safe, Carlan

2009-03-13T10:19:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Portrait U.S.A.

Some individuals feel a photographer has to travel around the world from their home to find and share meaningful photo essays. I have always felt quite the opposite. The history being written today and the current state of the country helps to strengthen my feelings. Incredible photographic work has been done during some of the most difficult times in our country. The 30's FSA photographic work stands as one of the most important photographic documents ever created to date.

So...is this a difficult and trying time...or one of great opportunity? I believe it is a time of great opportunity to document and share "America with Americans". I will be working on doing this on the blog and sharing my observations through my photographs with you. Observations from where I live to places my journeys may carry me. It is my thought to share the current "human condition" of our country with photographs and reports from the field. Please join me. List yourself with this blog and I will work to share a "Portrait USA" as I see it through my camera with you.

be strong, be safe,

Carlan

2000-12-31T16:00:00.001-08:00

2000-12-31T16:00:00.000-08:00

Two days on the Mother Road in Oklahoma:

The Mother Road dips and rises straight across Oklahoma. Much of the original road is intact. It has been two days of thumpy thump along the concrete roadway. Seen so much and experienced so many incredible people the past two days. Hard to believe it has been only two days.

In Stroud some of my friends I have been working with in Bokoshe drove up and we met at the historic Rock Cafe. That's Tim from Bokoshe on the left.

Carl Shortt rode his bike and met me in Chandler. We had a great ride from there on down to Oklahoma City. The ride included a stop at the DX station and motorcycle museum at Warwick. More on this will be in the book of the trip.

In Oklahoma City Carl's dad...also Carl, gave me a special tour of the area including the National Cowboy Museum. If you have not experienced this...put it on your list. It is a must see in Oklahoma City.

After a wonderful dinner with the Shortt family we spent the evening at the Federal Building Memorial in downtown Oklahoma City.

How many times I have driven by the exit while traveling on I-40. The memorial is a tranquil yet powerful place. A place to reflect on the senselessness of violence.

Left Oklahoma City this morning. Route 66 passes through El Reno the location of a violent tornado last week. As I rode into the path of the tornado it is difficult to express with words what I saw. I stopped along the road. A pickup pulling a trailer pulled up next to me.

I met Tim Hobson a local resident. He and some friends had been out looking for his truck which was destroyed by the tornado. They had just found it. He wanted to talk. For the next twenty minutes he told me about several of his friends who had perished in the tornado. Tears came to his eyes and mine. One minute a stranger along the road...minutes later two individuals sharing together the emotional impact of a violent event.

Two days on the Mother Road in Oklahoma. Changes in my life forever.

be strong, be safe, Carlan