September 9, 2010
Yet again
![[IMAGE] September sunset](/blog/blogpix/Septsunset1.jpg)
![[IMAGE] September sunset](/blog/blogpix/Septsunset2.jpg)
…about the musicA lovely distraction.
What is it about sunsets?
Each one different, each one compelling.
Theme, and variations.
Inspiration, and distraction.
Yup. Of the most riveting kind.
I can stare over the railing of the deck of this seafaring studio, more boat than house, really, and be transported each evening. Not just to the Canadian isles which dominate the western view, but to an other-worldly place of my imagination (ok, sometimes that’s Canada, but mostly it’s more like some parallel universe populated by alien creatures who neither resemble me in their Socialist leanings nor human life form).
At this upper latitude (48.4 degrees, if you’re interested, and yes, I can claim that I’m north of Canada), the sun still sets pretty late even as autumn nears, and the penumbra of color and glow lasts for a very, very long time. Long enough for me to think about all the things I should be doing instead of gazing mindlessly into the sunset. And long enough to think about how really, there’s nothing else in the world that’s more important to do. I like rotating around this elusive flaming star year after year: age improves my sense of priorities!
![[IMAGE] September sunset, photo snapped by Dan or Lisa Kubiske](/blog/blogpix/studiosunset2.jpg)
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Britt Burns said,
September 9, 2010 @ 5:28 pm
Wow, this photo is stunning! Incredible!
Bernard said,
September 10, 2010 @ 8:24 am
Nice set. I can imagine it’s a little hard to work with that spectacle going on outside the window. I’d probably be sitting out on the deck sipping a glass of red wine. What focal length did you use for the top one?
Alex Shapiro said,
September 10, 2010 @ 10:18 am
I probably had my Nikon 300mm at full throttle on that top photo; maybe a tad less. I often declare that it’s truly amazing I get any work, much less the large amount of work I actually do, accomplished! Being here is a parade of awe-inspiring, jaw-dropping moments strung together like gems. I suppose photographing them is my way of possessing these jewels forever and showing them to the world….
Glenn Buttkus said,
September 10, 2010 @ 1:50 pm
Encountered your terrific sunsets on the Salish shots
over on your Facebook page first, and then happily
was led back here. Thanks for letting us hear 3:12
of Archipelago while gazing long long at your dreamy
pics; perfect blend of Shapiro eye and ear art.
You never did respond on the last posting to my
inquiry as whether your mp3 was in fact something
you wrote for the TV series MOST WANTED?
Your insightful and heart felt comments, of course,
contain the prose poem I am always smitten with
alacrity for as I read and listen to you.
What About Sunsets?
What is it about sunsets?
Each one different, each one compelling.
Theme, and variations.
Inspiration, and distraction.
Yup. Of the most riveting kind.
At this upper latitude–48.4 degrees,
if you’re interested, and yes, I can claim
that I’m north of Canada, the sun still sets
pretty late even as autumn nears,
and the penumbra of color and glow
lasts for a very, very long time.
Long enough for me to think about all the things
I should be doing instead of gazing mindlessly
into the sunset. And long enough to think about
how really, there’s nothing else in the world
that’s more important to do.
I like rotating around this elusive flaming star
year after year: age improves my sense of priorities!
Alex Shapiro
Alex Shapiro said,
September 10, 2010 @ 2:05 pm
Oop! Sorry Glenn– a couple of your recent comments somehow ended up stuck in the folder rather than posted. I answered your burning question in my previous “eagle attack” post.
Bernard said,
September 11, 2010 @ 5:47 am
OK, you can do sunsets. Now how about some good photos of rain? You must see the occasional drop on the San Juan Islands.
Jeremy Jennings said,
September 12, 2010 @ 8:56 am
I’m going to assume I haven’t mentioned this, because I think I’ve only commented on your blog once, but I’m jealous. To put that in context, I grew up on Waldron Island, a bit north of you (but still barely in the US) and (as a much more junior composer) have always figured I couldn’t move back and continue in music. Ferry vs. non-ferry island makes a difference, but I really admire you for making it work in the islands. Or at all, for that matter.
Jeremy Jennings
http://www.jeremyjennings.net
Alex Shapiro said,
September 15, 2010 @ 5:57 pm
Hi Jeremy,
Wow! Another Waldronite composer (now I know TWO of you!). I am staring out to Waldron as I type this, as a matter of fact, and visited it for the first time this summer. Beautiful place!
From Waldron to Firenze ain’t bad! Both are very inspired places to compose. I really enjoyed the audio clips I heard on your website. Congratulazioni!
Paul Muller said,
September 21, 2010 @ 6:10 pm
More amazing photos.
Must be great never to lack material for an album cover…
Alex Shapiro said,
September 21, 2010 @ 6:21 pm
Ah, Paul… now, if only I had material for the album! Ha! I have been threatening for two years to release a follow-up to Notes from the Kelp. And somehow, life and work have gotten in the way, and I still don’t have all the tracks produced (I think 3/4 of ’em). I want a 50 hour day!