31 March

Regular Joes vs. The Volcano...

This first image was taken on our flight down to Seattle with no volcanic ash in the air. Today we are hoping to be as lucky as we try and make our way back to Anchorage. The second image was taken during a observation and gas data collection flight yesterday, looking at the north flank of Mt. Redoubt Volcano. Image courtesy of AVO/USGS.

"Alaska Airlines Travel Advisory: Anchorage flights are now operating on a limited schedule due to Mount Redoubt."

"Alaska Volcano Observatory: 2009-03-31 12:58:20 Continuous emissions of steam, volcanic gases, and minor amounts of ash continue at Redoubt Volcano, and have been visible in the Redoubt Hut web camera images throughout
the day. These emissions have been generally at low level altitudes, less that 15,000 feet above sea level but occasionally rise as high as 25,000 feet. Satellite images from this moring show a broad layer of volcanic haze extending east of the volcano over the Kenai Peninsula, the Anchorge Bowl, and the Matanuska-Sustina Valley. Satellite images from last night show a thermal anomaly at the vent and are possible due to the extrusion of a lava dome in the summit crater."

Some more GREAT art I saw at Fireworks Gallery was made by artist Jim Mullan. These birds were FANTASTIC. My favorite was a large, black Crow. I have always abided by the artist and gallery golden rule of NO PHOTOGRAPHY IN THE GALLERY. But on this trip to Seattle it was REALLY HARD! I saw so many great works that I wanted to share with everyone.
I resisted the urge to whip out my camera phone and opted to
look for other images of work created by Jim Mullan, so I could spread the good word of this gifted artist and share his work. The vintage bird collection was inspired by his fascination with birds and antique objects. The crows were used as hunting decoys in the 30's and 40's and the smaller birds were carved in the 1950's. You will also find other unusual relics used in his work such as croquet balls, old toys, vintage rulers, jewelry and more, giving each bird their own personality. 

6 comments:

Patricia Griffin Ceramics said...

Awesome photography, yours and AVO/USGS. Nature is such a powerful force.
Love the birds. Real treasures.

Linda Starr said...

Oh wow, those birds are great, especially the crows, of course. I've never seen those types of decoys before. I've gone into several galleries and asked permission to take photos and post on my blog if I gave credit to the gallery and artist - most said it was ok - is that a no no? I didn't realize.

Gary's third pottery blog said...

I love all this sculpture, and I have to say, the volcano pictures are pretty---from a safe distance. I remember 1992 when a volcano went off (Philipines I think)and it was a very cool summer, even in Chicago. I wonder if that will happen with this ash etc?

cindy shake said...

Hi Patricia! I agree. Though I've been in a lot of airplanes, I never tire of seeing our world as a bird might see it -even a Boeing Big Bird!

cindy shake said...

Hi Patricia! I agree. Though I've been in a lot of airplanes, I never tire of seeing our world as a bird might see it -even a Boeing Big Bird!

cindy shake said...

Hi Linda. Thanks for the post. I had never even heard of small decoys either! I was so excited to share.

Well, we know what has happened with this ash...
we are still grounded in Seattle, AK Air cancelled all flights yesterday afternoon to Anchorage because the ash blew over Anchorage :o(