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Jen Baker: Photos

Barn & Roses...this is the first in my "Dilapidated Barns" series in which I have taken pictures at the farmyard of my childhood home in Michigan. The originals are better quality...let me know if you'd like to see the hi-fi versions.
Barn & Roses...this is the first in my "Dilapidated Barns" series in which I have taken pictures at the farmyard of my childhood home in Michigan. The originals are better quality...let me know if you'd like to see the hi-fi versions.
When I initially decided to take pictures of the farm where I grew up, it was with the intention of preserving a visual memory of my childhood.
When I initially decided to take pictures of the farm where I grew up, it was with the intention of preserving a visual memory of my childhood.
I knew these pictures would remind me of my early years, and I knew I would be compelled to share them with others.
I knew these pictures would remind me of my early years, and I knew I would be compelled to share them with others.
What I hadn't anticipated was how inspiring it would be to see these buildings, hopelessly degenerating with the years, through the lense of a camera.
What I hadn't anticipated was how inspiring it would be to see these buildings, hopelessly degenerating with the years, through the lense of a camera.
For me, these buildings are quite beautiful in their state of decay. They are the visual representation of improvisation.
For me, these buildings are quite beautiful in their state of decay. They are the visual representation of improvisation.
I look at the rust, rotted wood, cracked seams, and broken tools and see a work in process-the structures have already been created, and now nature improvises with how they shall find their demise.
I look at the rust, rotted wood, cracked seams, and broken tools and see a work in process-the structures have already been created, and now nature improvises with how they shall find their demise.
As a musical improviser, this process is not new. In music improvisation, I often begin with a set of structural components. It is then for me to decide how to use the components, what to connect, and what to emphasize.
As a musical improviser, this process is not new. In music improvisation, I often begin with a set of structural components. It is then for me to decide how to use the components, what to connect, and what to emphasize.
I find these pictures to be captivating examples of organic improvisation. As mother nature does its work, these buildings change their shape and color. They are ALWAYS moving, changing, and are every bit as dynamic as the music I play.
I find these pictures to be captivating examples of organic improvisation. As mother nature does its work, these buildings change their shape and color. They are ALWAYS moving, changing, and are every bit as dynamic as the music I play.
...and of course, organic improvisation affects more than just the buildings.
...and of course, organic improvisation affects more than just the buildings.
I look at the lines created from the unintended jumble of this binder's twine and marvel at how much it has in common with improvisation. The lines have patterns, and the patterns all connect, but how in the world did they end up looking like THIS?!
I look at the lines created from the unintended jumble of this binder's twine and marvel at how much it has in common with improvisation. The lines have patterns, and the patterns all connect, but how in the world did they end up looking like THIS?!
The beauty of improvisation is the discovery process and anyone who teaches or has kids knows how messy that can be. What's important about discovery is the heightened awareness, the pure consciousness of discovering.
The beauty of improvisation is the discovery process and anyone who teaches or has kids knows how messy that can be. What's important about discovery is the heightened awareness, the pure consciousness of discovering.
Here's the milkroom, and behind me is the milktank. One winter I slipped on the ice in here and slammed into the wall, breaking a tooth and my lip. Another time I got caught singing to myself when the milkman came in-scaring and embarrassing me at once!
Here's the milkroom, and behind me is the milktank. One winter I slipped on the ice in here and slammed into the wall, breaking a tooth and my lip. Another time I got caught singing to myself when the milkman came in-scaring and embarrassing me at once!