Pewaukee Lake in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
This is an image of my father-in-law. He has lived in Wisconsin his entire life and embodies many of the customs that have traditionally defined our state. Fisherman, hunter, snowmobiler, Harley rider. Supper clubs on weekends. Whiskey Old Fashioneds. He worked in paper mills for over 30 years and has since retired. Much of the manufacturing in the state has greatly diminished as we place more emphasis on developing technologies, with Milwaukee leading the way.
Untitled (from Wide Eyed)
Place you live: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
Place your photo was taken: Pewaukee Lake
Can you sum up Milwaukee? Milwaukee is a small city with amazing people and has a lot to offer. There’s a vibrant arts community, great museums, cheese, music and film festivals, and a very active lakefront in the summers. I’m fairly certain it also boasts the most corner taverns per capita in the U.S., but I might be making that up. And we’ll deep-fry pretty much anything you want.
Occupation: Educator/Artist
Preoccupation: Walking, driving, writing, finding good music, wordplay, playing with my dog Waffle
A perfect day in Milwaukee? For me it would probably involve setting out on foot in the morning and wandering throughout the day, preferably with a backpack filled with film. One thing I love about Milwaukee is that if you have the time, it is very walkable and there is a lot to discover.
If someone was visiting, what must they do? Eat. I’d definitely recommend a stop at Comet Café and Kopp’s Frozen Custard for dessert. Maybe finish up the day at Koz’s Mini Bowl, one of the last remaining duckpin bowling venues in the U.S… but only if you have time to spare.
A perfect meal in Milwaukee? I could eat pizza every day of the week. To me pizza isn’t just a meal, it’s a concept. Try this: Pineapple, Black Olives, and Jalapenos. Perfect blend of sweet, salty, and spicy. Two of my favorite places are Transfer Pizzeria and Ricardo’s Pizza.
What is the best thing about your spot? The summers are amazing.
What is the worst? Winter and Spring are the same thing.
A little known fact about where you live? My house is about 20 minutes west of the city itself. I live in an area that was at one time known for its extremely pure and “healing” spring waters. People would travel from around the Midwest solely for the riches of the water. I also live about a quarter mile from Les Paul’s burial site.
Where is your favorite place in the world? I really love the Pacific Northwest and Big Sur, CA.
Who are your three favorite photographers? That’s too difficult! I’m mostly influenced by people like John Baldessari, John Divola, William Wegman, and Ed Ruscha. Right now, I’m looking at a lot of people: Christian Patterson, Rinko Kawachi, Alec Soth, Uta Barth, Adam Ekberg, Jason Lazarus, Saul Leiter… is that three?