I had my car cleaned, and decided to go out west to Utica, Illinois. About an hour or so west from the Chicagoland area, where I live.  Getting out there is a nice drive, and now that I have a new car, I enjoy the journey more. It is my way of relaxing. Creating images, out in the middle of nowhere.

I used to take quite a few photos in Chicago, but in recent years and especially after 9/11/01, taking quality, artistic, city photos has become more of a hassle that an enjoyment. I attribute it to more security personnel, either watching you or bothering you and asking you what you are doing, and why you are taking photos. Going downtown in Chicago used to be such a fun time. But now, with all this new world, paranoia, the big city does not seem to be the same. The vibration of paranoia,  and fear flows through the city. I bet you can’t even fart downtown, without raising an eyebrow, or parabolic microphone.

This tense, paranoia, is why I choose to take photographs of more relaxing things, in less congested areas. Plus I like to drive fast ;-)