It’s hard not to see the closure of photo programs as a strong indicator of the state of things. My grad school closed. My undergrad is struggling. And the school at which I taught studio photography for a decade has all but eliminated its photo program.
Wow, what a story! And what finds! The best dumpster dive I ever had was around 1991 in Philly. I rescued a (very cheap) Nagel print on foam core that hung in my bedroom to class up the joint. It wasn't the Duran Duran Hungry Like The Wolf Nagel, but it was close.
Behind our studio, just downhill of California and Van Ness in SF, was Austin Alley. During some construction a dumpster was placed there of which many took advantage.
Coming back from the morning coffee run we turned downhill right into the alley from Van Ness, the sun quite low shining into our eyes. Standing next to the dumpster was a pretty shabby bum (c1982, remember) in silhouette with his back to us. His left hand was on his hip, arm akimbo, and his right elbow resting up on the ridge of the dumpster, supporting his raised hand in which there was an 8x10 chrome. His gaze at the chrome, backlit from the sun, was thoughtful.
Nothing like a good find.... I have heard so many great stories of magic finds!! Very good post. I know a couple of people who went to RIT on the Korean War Bill, but not anyone from you side of the country. I might sub sand and surf for Northern NY State. Seems like a good choice. Thank you for a great post.
A great read—my own photo program is currently winding down, and I feel this nostalgia deeply. Those prints are lovely.
It’s hard not to see the closure of photo programs as a strong indicator of the state of things. My grad school closed. My undergrad is struggling. And the school at which I taught studio photography for a decade has all but eliminated its photo program.
Lovely post! It made me feel excited about the prints you found and then worried about the future of the medium (although I am optimistic like you)
You think he’s optimistic?!?
Haha I read the last paragraph as being optimistic that not all is being replaced by AI.
“And some chunk of folks are convinced computer generated slop will completely erase the importance of this peculiar medium. I don’t see it.”
Well that is true! Glass half full, very much so.
Thank you for reading and commenting!
This was my initial reaction too. 🤣 I suppose I’m optimistic about some stuff.
Wow, what a story! And what finds! The best dumpster dive I ever had was around 1991 in Philly. I rescued a (very cheap) Nagel print on foam core that hung in my bedroom to class up the joint. It wasn't the Duran Duran Hungry Like The Wolf Nagel, but it was close.
This is a great comment.
Behind our studio, just downhill of California and Van Ness in SF, was Austin Alley. During some construction a dumpster was placed there of which many took advantage.
Coming back from the morning coffee run we turned downhill right into the alley from Van Ness, the sun quite low shining into our eyes. Standing next to the dumpster was a pretty shabby bum (c1982, remember) in silhouette with his back to us. His left hand was on his hip, arm akimbo, and his right elbow resting up on the ridge of the dumpster, supporting his raised hand in which there was an 8x10 chrome. His gaze at the chrome, backlit from the sun, was thoughtful.
The Art Director.
Poignant.
Nothing like a good find.... I have heard so many great stories of magic finds!! Very good post. I know a couple of people who went to RIT on the Korean War Bill, but not anyone from you side of the country. I might sub sand and surf for Northern NY State. Seems like a good choice. Thank you for a great post.