Sunday, August 06, 2006

Garbage, man


I hate taking out the garbage. I hate how it smells, and I hate the feeling of neverendingness (yes, I invented another word) inherent in this incredibly lonely, more or less weekly pursuit.

So it isn't surprising that I was in a decidedly foul mood as I added some last-minute material to the recycling bins this week. I wasn't feeling particularly reflective at that moment: I simply wanted to finish off this unwelcome chore so I could get back into the house and wash my hands like the good little OCD addict that I sometimes am.

But I looked over at the garbage bags that had been set out the previous night and had spent hours and hours soaking in the thunderstorms that slammed the region while we slept (see here for a picture of the oncoming clouds, and this set for more images) and noticed they were still covered with water. Even better, the droplets looked kind of interesting on the industrial green plastic background.

So I ran in, washed my hands (of course), grabbed the camera and returned to the curb to capture this. If you remember my thoughts about there being no such thing as mundane (see earlier entry) you'll be pleased to know that I've begun to learn from myself. It doesn't get more mundane than a soaking wet garbage bag. But despite my otherwise-glum mood, I captured a unique scene that was soon rendered history by the garbage truck's arrival.

Beauty does indeed flourish in the most unexpected places.

Your turn: What's the ugliest place where you have found a worthwhile image? What made it worth capturing and remembering? Is it available for viewing online?

19 comments:

Panthergirl said...

That is a gorgeous photo, Carmi! I'll have to look through my iPhoto library to see if I've found a pretty picture of an ugly thing... ;)

Here via michele!

Jennifer said...

amazing how you can take something so disgusting and gross and make it absolutly beautiful in a picture! im not sure i have anything to compare to this...

Unique Designs from Zazzle said...

I'll have to drip dry on that one for awhile. I"ll keep an eye out for beauty in ugliness from now on - I promise.

I sent me

Sandy said...

I am amazed that you can capture an intriguing image out of garbage. Then again, perhaps it's a poignant reminder that beauty and disgust are all relative terms.

kenju said...

Hmmmmm, a worth while image in an ugly spot? I would have to go back through my photos from years back to answer that, Carmi, as nothing comes to mind right now. And no, I don't think anything fitting that description is on-line for you, but if I find something, I'll scan it for you.

Michele sent me. Hope your computer problems are soon resolved.

Anonymous said...

I absolutely hate taking out the garbage. Ours is made worse by numerous dirty diapers. I simply can not hold my breath that long. So, I've "assigned" the job to my husband. Poor guy.

I LOVE this photo, Carmi! The lines, the shape of the droplets, the color. . .Excellent!

Jennifer said...

The only thing that comes to mind is the birth of my children. It sure is ugly when your really think about it, but it's the most worthwhile picture to capture. I'd rather not share though ;)

Anonymous said...

Hi from Michele (and my own blogroll too). Carmi, you are the most intriguing photographer. I love what you seen in the most unique places. I take pictures of not so picturesque things too. On webshots, I have a photo of some flowers growing out of an old window in an abandoned Irish cottage.

Olyal said...

Carmi, the way your mind works is amazing! I don't think I would ever have thought to see rain on a garbage bag in quite the same way!
I love the way you view the world. We could all learn from you.

atpanda said...

You just never know what you'll find to take a picture of. Huh? :-)

Um, ugliest thing? See, that's where I need some practice. Seeing things where they're not obviously beautiful. Your trash bag with water is beautiful. Great job.

Michele sent me. And sorry its been so long.

Anonymous said...

Lovely image. Outwards purity and inside, well, we won't think of it. ;-)

I once took this gorgeous abstract of mould floating on the top of a mislaid coffee cup.

Unknown said...

Carmi: I never cease to be amazed at your subjects and the new perspectives you bring to all of us. You do realize, of course, that you have just invented an entirely new catagory of photography to go on display: "OCD PHOTOS"! For my answer I'd have to say that I snapped photos of the historic Music Hall in (choking) downtown Cincinnati! :)

Karen said...

Hey Carmi! I'm with you on garbage duty being icky! In my house, I seem to be the only one willing to deal with it. Oh well. I'm always just thankful I'm not the garbage man - now THAT'S an awful job! Great pic!

Here via Michele's...sort of....

Carola said...

oh man, i shouldnt come back here, you and your photos just make me wish i had a camera (at all) - i'll save my pennies and see how i go! I'll just stick to my paintings and drawings and laughter :P

I have to say i havent really taken that many pictures, so to describe you one that was relatively good *in my standards* that was in an ugly place, i would have to say i havent. Probably because i dont really think of places being ugly. Just, other words.

Love your work as always Carmi!
PS - thanks for the nice words on Alex's blog (http://aisee.blogspot.com) - made me blush *as did she!*

*hugs* C U Soon!

Tracie Nall said...

I never would have related that picture to anything having to do with garbage!! The colors are wonderful, and I have to say that I really like it!

I am going to have to keep my eye out for beauty in the yuckya nd mundane.

OldLady Of The Hills said...

That's a wonderful photo Carmi...and it may be from the mundane side of life, but what would we do if we couldn't throw our garbage away? (lol) And by the way...I don't consider washing your hands after taking out the garbage abything except common sense. Doctors say that the Washing Of Hands is the most important part of NOT carrying germs to one's face, eyes, mouth, etc. And BTW: Nobody sent me, I'm here because I love to visit you!

Jodi said...

And all the while you are taking a picture of your garbage bag the neighbor is peeking out her window wondering what her freaky neighbor is up to now. ;) LOL

LBA said...

I love garbage night, but for a different reason .. I just love getting all that accumulated trash out of my life. It's another week with a clean slate - I love that 'cleanliness' of trash begone !

That pic is truly beautiful though.
It looks like Lizard skin...

Christine said...

Oh I love this picture, Carmi! Who new something so beautiful could come of the trash!