Flower in the City, Knoxville, June 2012
Here’s another round of random photographs taken in June which I felt deserved to be seen. I’m always taken with the juxtaposition of nature – even if cultivated – in the city, and hence the pictures of this beautiful flower. To me, a city’s contrasts and the tension they sometimes create form the essence of urban living. The photograph of the Bijou celebration tent in Krutch Park reveals the polar opposite station in life from the homeless people who often enjoy that park. It’s beautiful – no criticism intended – but it is quite a contrast in station.
Flower in the City, Knoxville, June 2012
Bijou Donor Celebration, Krutch Park, Knoxville, June 2012
I’ve always really liked the Whittle Building. I find it a beautiful example of what we could build if we wanted. That said, I know there are other perspectives about the building and some other important buildings were lost when it was erected. I think I took the shot of the gates when I was looking for ironwork. Just around the corner I saw this truck with a very strange object in the back. I had to take it fast, so it blurred a bit. What in the world?
Gates at the Whittle Building, Knoxville, June 2012
Truck with mysterious cargo, Gay Street, Knoxville, June 2012
Knoxville Skyline, June 2012
I’m always after better skyline shots. I don’t think Knoxville has a great skyline and I’ve had a hard time finding just the right perspective. For these shots I walked out onto the overpass coming in from I-275. I wouldn’t suggest anyone else try it. I found it particularly unnerving with the cars flying by and I’m not sure the photographs merited the effort, what do you think? Do you have an idea of a vantage point I should try?
Knoxville Skyline, June 2012
Knoxville Skyline, June 2012
Knoxville Skyline, June 2012
Knoxville Skyline, June 2012
Finally, I have a little motorcycle action. There are two photographs of motorcycles, one taken outside Saw Works Brewing Company (with a pretty good looking Prius in the background) and the other taken on Union Avenue. My favorite recent motorcycle image doesn’t include a motorcycle at all: it’s the image of two members of the Outlaws of Detroit walking around Market Square with their Shih Tzu. I’ll let you provide your own punchline.
Motorcycle outside Saw Works Brewing Company, Knoxville, June 2012
Motorcycle on Union Avenue, Knoxville, June 2012
Outlaws and Shih Tzu, Market Square, Knoxville, June 2012
Nice pics.
I don’t understand why they close those gates through the Whittle buildings. That is Market Street they’re shutting off. Which brings up a related question … if you were a visitor to Knoxville, how would you try to get from Market Square to the riverfront? If you try Market Street you’ll be blocked by the Whittle gates or the City complex. If you try Gay Street you’ll find no official access (although there is a dirt path worn down the hill by people who want to get to the river. Nowhere will you find signs directing you down the steepest street in the world (Walnut) to the hidden secret entrance to the pedestrian overpass.
I guess the city wants to keep the waterfront for local residents’ use only. I’m looking forward to riding a bike on the greenway when it reopens.
As for the Whittle Building, I believe they agreed when it was built to maintain a level of public access and they define that as daytime hours – excluding holidays. I think it is wrong. Regarding river access, I think this is a major problem and I’ve mentioned it before: it is very possible for a visitor to our city to not realize we have a riverfront. I’m not sure that is considered a problem.
Nice pic of the bike! That is actually my bike…nice to have it in a blog like yours! Keep up the good work!
Nice bike.