THE STUDIO SUSAN

A PERSONAL GALLERY of Ideas and Images

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Mom's Protection - A Photograph by Susan D Stephenson

WELCOME!

... Duck inside. You just discovered a peculiar old bookseller's shop on a quiet side street somewhere, anywhere. You were looking for the comfort of seclusion, a place that smells of old men and pipe tobacco, frayed umbrellas, and stale brownies long ago ported from the equally old bakery down the street. You probably saw it when you passed, the one with the window box and glass case with a wooden frame you could barely see when you bent your ankle stepping in a joint between those polished red bricks near the streetlamp.

Think of a threadbare carcass of an overstuffed, horribly floral gold chair that has hosted countless travelers before you. It's empty. You can breathe deep, sink far into it, and look around. No one is here or there, no one sees you. Set your packages down there, on the faded plaid carpet. Wrestle your still-steamy beverage from your tote. That's like this site, I hope, only without the brownies.

2012

"MAD GENIUS"

In Flight - a photograph by Susan D Stephenson

lived in a golden age, one passing away with me and my companions. The wisdom of our voices might inform, should anyone care to listen. Change does not disallow the merits of hindsight. It is this author's experience, with all humility, a wink, and a nod to those "who also know," that my unproven voice cannot invalidate a truth I might step over like a pebble along my path. Having come through decades of war and dishonesty, assassinations and corruption, I finally have hope. So many beautiful young women in journalism, sports, and commentary, combined with the strength and solid core values of so many young male voices, indeed, I feel with so many of my generation that we are handing our torches to those who will bear them handsomely!

Whaling Captain's grave marked by a whale jawbone, Point Hope, Alaska - a photograph by Susan D Stephenson

At Point Hope, Alaska, a whaling, fishing, hunting subsistence culture, the whaling captain's largest bowhead whale jawbone honors his grave. In the image background shows bowhead rib bones that fence the ancient cemetery.