A little more information

The two main activities in my life: Helping the hungry in the late hours of the night and helping guitar players sound better one amp at a time.

I always try to remember that in order to do good one has to take action and actually do something.

I was born and raised in Los Angeles. I have watched the city and Southern California change for well over half a century.

I can be found on facebook at www.facebook.com/mylesr or on twitter at www.twitter.com/myles111us

As of late 2019 the music related links and prints noted on this page which had their links to by GAB (Guitar Amplifier Blueprinting) website are no longer accessible. I grew weary of updating my GAB website and let it go away. You can contact me on Facebook. Saunders Stewart Models continues full operation but we are not accepting new clients without a referral.

Los Angeles Architectural History

Los Angeles Architectural History
1935 Art Deco at some of its finest: No. 168 - Griffith Observatory- (click on the photo for information)

Saturday, December 19, 2009

The architecture of the city

Yesterday I changed my routine a little. Normally I go downtown in the early afternoon and then go back in the later evening. Last night I had a music show to attend so I altered what has become my daily routine.

I went downtown in the late afternoon to take some photos as the sun was setting. With the modern glass buildings and their reflections things can get quite interesting. When there are two glass buildings reflecting in each other you almost get a mirror in a mirror effect. With the heat of the day rising from the street below there can be waves in the image as well.

The architecture - the old and the new, classic and modern, run down and rebuilt, torn down and in the process of being torn down or in the process of starting a new life as a changed structure.

Everywhere one looks there are stunning sights to see with not only a visual component but a historical one as well. I never cared for history when I was a child. Perhaps as we get older the desire to understand more of the past ... or what I walked by without taking more than a quick glance?

I was born and raised in this city. My grandfather owned an industrial laundry and uniform company on Grand Avenue. When I was a teenager I worked in the laundry in the summer to make a few dollars. When I was very young my grandfather would take me to places like the Central Market and the Toy District. The Toy District is now primarily skid row. Both of my parents were also born in Los Angeles. Between my parents and grandparents I saw a lot of the city with my eyes but did not process enough of what I saw with my mind. Perhaps as we age we traverse a process. Blind to apathy to what in the hell did I miss?

These days I try to open my eyes a bit wider as I walk a bit more slowly to take in the sights and sounds of the city. I try to think more and take moments each day to become involved for a few minutes in the lives of others, giving help where I am able.

Below are some of the shots of the city, Los Angeles, which I took yesterday in the afternoon. If you click on any of the photos you will be redirected to where they are kept where larger format sizes can be seen.

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The contrasts are so strong.