GPS Drawing | Friend or Foe!

Our GPS drawing was a little different. We had a group of five and decided to take two different routes to one location. Below are some photographs of things we encountered. We met two homeless men who lived at the complex. While we were there he showed us graffiti that he like and told us the history of the land/buildings. The most interesting thing was none of the men came out of hiding until they asked us friend or foe. It makes me wonder what they encounter or how their day to day life is.







There is so much I could probably write about this experience. So, I think I may have to come back and edit this once I get my thoughts wrapped around this experience...

matt

micro/macro| Vancant Land and Coffee..

Micro/Macro Intervention| Coffee and Vacant Land....

My micro intervention would preferably be a giant over grown field by my house. Here is a screen shot from Google Maps. The corner of Jefferson and Lyon is where I walk my dog everyday. I have seen foxes, tons of birds, and hear crickets non-stop. Its a surreal experience; to be in the city and have nature surrounding you. So, my intervention for this field by my house will be to drink coffee on the east end of the field. This will not only be a very relaxing experience for me but show people in the community that they should come and utilize the field as well.



Maybe people could then turn this into a coffee drinking park. There is a Starbucks right near by and all the customers would have to do is to walk across the street and have a much better coffee experience! I think I get this idea from my camping experiences where you brew a hot pot of coffee and walk down to the lake early in the morning with a fresh cup of coffee. And, like I said this field is like a surreal experience because not only do you feel and hear the nature; but, you hear all the sounds of the city. Its similar to the overture before an orchestra plays in unison.

My macro intervention is also relating with a coffee cup. My Grandpa's coffee cup given to me several years ago. Its old.... Older than me. Made in the USA actually and has signs of character; discoloring, cracks, and dents, etc. When I though of a great place that was similar to this I thought of Stone Creek Coffee or Alterra where they brew/roast all the coffee right here in Milwaukee. Then I thought of a great venture to take a stroll through the city with my coffee cup visiting these local brewers and roasters. Then purchase a cup of coffee. It would almost be like if my Grandpa was still around today I would of most likely taken him to these great establishments where he could have gotten a good brew!

The Coffee Cup:

Here is another screen shot of all the Alterra's in this area:

Stone Creek Coffee:
thanks for reading...
matt

Personal/Public

A place that I have been visiting my whole life is Boulder Junction WI. I don't really know why. Maybe tradition. Maybe history. Maybe its what really makes me happy....
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Regardless, every year I make the journey up north to experience peace from the everyday hectic lifestyle I live. And, I don't only make this venture because its a family vacation but my Dad and my grandfather used to go up here. They would name the constellations, hike, or discover a new trails made by animals. Maybe its a trait or a gene programed in me to venture up north for two weeks of the year. Like geese who migrate south for winter. When I go up north its my migration from the fast paced lifestyle to a slow peaceful two weeks. Maybe its such a lifestyle change that gets me back to reality. Where I get to sail all day. Listen to the wind and be able to look at the lake to tell you when a big gust of wind is about to blow the sail. It may just save years on my life. Slowing it down to where I realize ripples on the lake in relation to wind. Or, even remembering how the world used to operate. For example, when you visit some local stores in the town they only accept cash; so, there still is a connect of someone making sure you get the correct change instead of say sign here and thank you. Whatever it is, everyone should have that ultimate escape. Some people do cruises and lavish vacations; however, I always pack up my tent and go sleep in the woods for two weeks.

thanks for reading,
matt

3 Days 3 Ways

#1- The first walk. I was thinking how can I make this different, I walk around this area everyday with my dog. So, I was on a search to find new ways to travel through neighborhoods (this is one reason why I took audio recordings). I really had to try to make it different. Below, is the route that I took. It was a mixture between urban and nature. I did snap a few photographs with my phone; however, I recorded most of my data onto a recorder. After listening to the recording the first time I realized when I was stopped at a cross walk (by hearing idling cars) to traveling through the woods along the bike path. Somethings it captured where: crickets, car horns, conversations, wind, flag whipping in the wind, and so much more.

#2- The early morning is when I left for this walk. Which, in Milwaukee is quite peaceful at 7:00am. Even walking down the street was a peaceful experience. Sure there were cars on the main streets like Water St; however, when I reached some neighborhood areas it was quite. You could hear the birds, leaves, and crickets. An interesting part of it was is I could see everyone running out to their cars for work. I even saw one gentleman take three trips to the car before leaving for work. Another thing I realized is the streets are bare. Wide open. Empty. The meters were blinking waiting to be fed coins.

#3- A late night walk. I had my flash light ready to trek through the woods. But, when I got to the path I couldn't travel my usual route. It was blocked off with police tape etc. Later, when I watch the news they discovered a dead body. Really creepy. So, I had to route around my path along the river to the pedestrian bridge. To be honest it would of been a very different experience walking along the river at night. Your imagination would get the best of you etc. Sure, I had to change my route. I simply thought of it as a detour.

In the end, it was a great way to try and change my everyday walk around the city. I combined routes and tried listening to my surroundings. The interesting thing was that I could always hear and smell nature and the city together.