Our day in Philadelphia involved some full on urban walking. We covered 6-7 miles of concrete with our sad little geezer feet and bones.
We started the day with a visit to one of the most unique, astounding and disturbingly informative museums on the planet; The Mutter Museum within the Philadelphia College of Physicians. Similar to the medical museum at Walter Reed but far more extensive in scale and breadth. It is an experience that can be found nowhere else. One unfortunate restriction for you all is that there is no photography allowed.
Actually artists can obtain a permit to take photos. The process takes around a month. I had this privilege in 2005. The photos are beautiful and moving. They attempt to capture some of the exquisite grace and humanity found in the afflicted souls on display. I had hoped some pics were in my files but alas, they are on disc at home. So, here are a few internet pics to give you a tiny sampling. Anyone that wants to see my photos, let me know when we return home. I hope to get another opportunity for such photography again within the next year. Partly depends on part if I get a proposal accepted - more on that another time.
After a lovely and healthy Thai meal with a bit of rest for our tired tootsies, we were off to the Eastern State Penitentiary; open to the public with no questionable sneaking required. This is a massive prison that operated from 1829-1971. We had the freedom to wander most of the hallways and rooms at will. There was an audio tour narrated by Steve Buscemi (perfect choice) that got us started. It is filled with endless photo ops around every corner and looming down long hallways; my little camera had flames on it as the memory chip was glowing red hot.
Turns out the prison has an art installation program. Artists can apply for placing art within the confines of the institution. There are also opportunities for arranging things like photo shoots. Uh oh! I am starting to get twitchy now. Imagine this place with models. The potential for photography and the resulting paintings is making me drool..... drip drip. This adds yet another reason to return to PA for more art inspiration. Note: you will see a few sculptures found in a 10-15 rooms. There are the cats - an homage to the cats that lived there even beyond the time it was still functioning. Then there are the small monochromatic figures that seek to capture some of the activities from the former "tenants" - haunting and resonant.
Then in another gift from the Oddasee Gods, we got to visit with another old friend, Marisha Simons. Another Colorado Springs escapee (ooh nice penal colony segue). We met her at the gate and were off for a couple hours of reminiscing in an outdoor cafe -- Marisha worked at my gallery/store Thunderstruck. Some of you will remember the purple hair. We ranted and engaged in art/artist chit chat. Susan and I shared more details about our trek. Note; She is one of the Oddasee devotees. It was great to catch up and talk about how to solve the problems of the world. Oh and of course poor Susan had to listen to Marisha and Rodney go on and on about the woes and wonders of the artist life. It was worth walking for miles just for couple of those famous Marisha hugs; they rock! Miss her I do. We also got to meet her hipster lovey-dovey, Peter; cool guy. A good time was had by all.
It was back to hitting the pavement for a few miles of night urban life. It was a long walk but we loved being in a real city. Philadelphia is alive and thriving. Yep.... we NEED to come back for a much more extended stay. Like DC, we had to skip some wonderful sites and sights.
Love,
Cheesesteak Rodney and Cheesecake Susan
Oddsters,Here's a few bonus photos from the Eastern State Penitentiary.
Note: This place has a long history. It reminded us of the Glore Museum in that the standards of today are so different than when it was opened and operating. We may now look at it as cruel or ever barbarous but at the time, the common way of dealing with criminals included things like flogging, being pilloried, public display and torture. This prison served as the model for many others around the world for years. An oft used word is actually quite accurate...... this truly was interesting. It was also visually stunning.
The photos are a few of the more artfully tweaked. Really, the thought of going in there with models almost makes me weak in the knees. Hopefully that can be arranged at another time.
Enjoy.
Love and Shoofly Pie (we're in Amish country now)
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