William GREINER

BIRNEY, DAVE & ME

2012-01-17T14:14:00.000-08:00

In Remembrance

2012-01-16T15:34:00.000-08:00

RC Body Shop, New Orleans LA 1993 from GBNF

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

Martin Luther King

Along the Boulevard

2012-01-13T08:50:00.000-08:00

Hand Painted Signage, New Orleans LA 1994
DETOUR Lounge II, New Orleans LA 1994
STEAKS, New Orleans LA 1994
Mural on Storefront , New Orleans LA 1994
Hair Salon, early morning, New Orleans LA 1994
THOU SHALT NOT KILL Billboard, New Orleans LA 1994

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

In 1994, I was commissioned along with other photographers to document Martin Luther King Blvds around the country. However, the story never ran.

PICTURING PEOPLE - Dylan Schultz

2012-01-11T07:23:00.001-08:00

Dylan Schultz, Baker LA 12/2011

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

Dylan Schultz - Pastor, Disk Golfer and friend.

Digging the Dirt

2011-12-29T09:36:00.001-08:00

Archeologists, MONTICELLO - Charlottesville VA 2011

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

Anna liked digging in the dirt. She always seemed to have mud on her face when we were kids. Anna live, not next door to us , but around the corner almost right behind our house. Directly behind where we lived was an empty lot. It was an odd parcel of land because there was no direct access to it from the street. You had to either walk up Dr. Hites driveway or climb the fence next to Anna’s house. It was a modest neighborhood, which got more modest on her street. I remember her dad dying when we were kids. She never talked much about it.

Anna still looks today, like she did then, beautiful, plain and sweet. She was literally the girl next door. I think I loved her, but at that age I really did not think about love conceptually.

We use to play doctor in our play house, I have no idea what we did, but it was fun. However, we always seemed to get back to the dirt. One day we got into a lot of trouble for throwing wet mud pies at passing cars. Our downfall was doing this deed in front of my house.

We lived in that house for a few mores years, at that point, my dad was doing well with his business, so he built a new house and we moved to the suburbs. I lost touch with Anna after that, but always wondered what happened to her.

Last week, while visiting Virginia, my wife talked me in to taking a tour of Thomas Jefferson’s famous home, Monticello. I really did not want to go, I hate tours as much as I hate crowds. Fortunately, there were only six of us , walking through the house. It really was fascinating and I enjoyed it.

Afterwards, I was wondering around the grounds, making a few pictures. Off to the side, I noticed a group of people in a hole, excavating. I walked over to take a closer look. These archeologists were working diligently and delicately. I made some comment to them about digging in the dirt, and this beautiful woman looks up at me, smiles and says, “oh hello William, how have you been”. And I felt 12 years old, all over again.

1979 Classic

2011-12-09T13:18:00.000-08:00

"1979 Classic , Baton Rouge LA" 2011 from the series AUTOMATIC

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

It was the Spring of 1979, I was driving home from Boston with a school mate in my third hand Cadillac El Dorado. We were headed to his hometown of Hallandale FL., when we decided to stop at a friends place in New York.

Gary lived in a high rise tenement apartment, somewhere in Manhattan. We ended up staying for two weeks because of the gas shortage. I was wondering if I would ever make it home. However, after a few weeks, with the Caddy parked on the sidewalk, gas lines shortened and we made it to Florida.

By this time, I was out of money, living on a Sears credit card, because Sears had a food counter. One day my dad called with some excuse, like my insurance was expiring and I had to get back to Louisiana.

Yes, 1979 was a classic.

PICTURING PEOPLE - A. Pulitzer

2011-11-28T11:30:00.000-08:00

Arthur Pulitzer, Folsom LA 2011

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

Arthur Pulitzer - Friend, Entrepreneur and Philanthropist .

An Open Letter to Baton Rouge Motorist

2011-10-28T13:44:00.001-07:00

Race car and Helmet, Baton Rouge LA 2006

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

Dear Motorist,

This may be news, but our roads are not a NASCAR racetrack, so please drive accordingly. Also, please refrain from eating, reading, applying makeup or texting/talking on cell phones while driving. My observation is that you are having enough trouble doing one thing at a time well.

Please use your turn signals, most of us are not mind readers, and all surprises are not pleasant! Please look up the term “tailgating” and I am not talking about a party.

These are just a few suggestions, but I am convinced they could make our roads safer.

Now, gentlemen , start your engines.

PEAS in a POD

2011-10-27T07:32:00.001-07:00

Tourist - Tower of London UK, 2006 from UKOK
Red Carpet, Stratford Upon Avon UK 2006 from UKOK

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

I was asked to make a pairing selection of images for a client in London,

and this made perfect sense to me!

PICTURING PEOPLE - D. SMOOTH

2011-10-12T09:02:00.000-07:00

Darren Williams aka D. Smooth, Baton Rouge LA 2011
Darren's Multi-Color Shoes, Baton Rouge LA 2011

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

Darren Williams aka D. Smooth - Hip Hop artist, New Orleans native and Friend.

Triple Bill

2011-10-11T12:45:00.000-07:00

HAUNT YOUR HOUSE, Baton Rouge LA 2011
LASIK $799, Baton Rouge LA 2011
HOT TUBS $3995, Baton Rouge LA 2011

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

PICTURES OF ME

2011-10-10T07:55:00.000-07:00

Burt Finger with Cellular Phone Capture, Dallas TX 2011

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

PICTURES OF ME

October 15 - November 12, 2011

Opening Reception October 15, 2011 5-8pm

Pictures of Me features portraits of Burt Finger, Director of PDNB Gallery in Dallas, Texas. This seminal exhibition will celebrate the life and times of Burt.

Pictures of Me is a groundbreaking exhibition that exposes a new realm for gallery directors and bridges the gap between the business aspect of art (gallery) and the creative (artist). Burt has radically reinvented the gallery world and created over 150 exhibitions in the last 16 years. Besides being a Gallery Director, he has also been a salesman, a U.S. Army officer combat veteran, private detective, photographer, owner of a construction company, a vintage watch dealer, fashion model, a minister, and passionate collector of almost everything.

It is important that you know who Burt is. Aside from his movie star good looks and James Bond charm, Burt remains a regular guy. Burt has many good attributes. He is very passionate, brave, wise, and complex. He is also a visionary who is able to predict trends before they happen and has been known to have ESP.

Many artists have asked to be included in this landmark exhibition. However, the exhibition was limited to only the very best portraits of Burt. Artists include:

Stuart Allen, Xavier Canonne, Karina Cedillo, Stewart Cohen, John Fulbright, Paul Greenberg, William Greiner, Misty Keasler, George Krause, Jim Mahoney, Jim Murray, Don Netzer, Esteban Pastorino Diaz, Al Satterwhite, Don Schol, Jeffrey Silverthorne, Gene Tanski and several more. Also included are photographs from Burt's family photograph archive.

PDNB Gallery

1202 Dragon Street, Ste. 103

Dallas, Texas 75207

214.969.1852

info@pdnbgallery.com

Par for the Course

2011-10-05T14:31:00.001-07:00

Disk Golf Vendor, Lafayette LA 2011
Competitor, Lafayette LA 2011
Hole #1, Baton Rouge LA 2011
Disk Golf Cap, Lafayette LA 2011
Esther waiting for Tournament Start, Lafayette LA 2011
Golf Disk and Shadow on Course, Lafayette LA 2011

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

4 Letter Words

2011-09-27T08:04:00.001-07:00

BLUE SOFA, Metairie LA 2005

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

Shannon told Todd, “throw it all out of the house”! “I want everything that belongs to him out - now!”, she screamed at the top of her lungs. The neighbors next door, were having a new roof put on, after the hail storm, and the Mexican labors on the roof could hear it all. The ruckus scared them because they were all working as illegal alien day labors. If somebody called the police, they might decide to do some investigating next door.

Allen was out of town on another “business” trip to Las Vegas. He had no idea all his earthy possessions were being relegated to the front lawn. The sprinkler system, which cycled on at 3 am everyday, would also render it wet!

Todd , was Shannon’s gay sidekick, like a girlfriend only a gayfriend. Todd wondered what was going on? Shannon, finally calmed down enough to explain she had found photos of her twin sister on a trip, to what looked like Las Vegas on his cell phone! How could she do this, how could Todd do this…… Todd had lost his little phone before he left, Shannon found it between the washing machine and dryer. Curious, she decided to take a look at his texts (nothing) and the pictures (something).

The phone had a four digit lock code, Shannon guessed it, E V I L. Shannon always thought of her sister as the evil twin, now she had proof.

END OF THE ROAD

2011-09-19T09:14:00.001-07:00

Parking Lot, Baton Rouge LA 2009 from Land's End

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

Lucy drove thru this parking lot all the time, almost weekly, visiting Lowe’s, Pets r Us and the Walmart. She had been driving for 60 years, a span of time which included owning 12 different cars, involvement in 4 auto accidents (1 serious and none her fault), 6 speeding tickets and 100’s of parking tickets. Lucy always wanted convenience and parking illegally, although not cheap, was convenient.

All in all, she was a good driver. Her kid’s, all middle aged adults, wanted Lucy to stop driving. Her eyes were not that good and seeing at night had become difficult. However, Lucy liked her independence, liked the fact she relied on no one to take her grocery shopping or to buy her pet supplies. Yet today, she found herself lost in a familiar place. Today she found herself at a de-facto dead end, with nowhere to go but backwards. She realized she was lost, dazed and confused. Lucy knew it was the end of the road.

PEACE

2011-09-11T07:16:00.001-07:00

Peace Children, New Orleans LA 9/11/1991 from Perilous Pilgrimage

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

Violence and Hate will not save this world!

Love and Peace will.

In remembrance of 9/11/01

Happy Birthday Sarah

2011-09-08T09:34:00.001-07:00

US Open, Flushing Meadow NY 2011

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

Sarah plays tennis and she is really good. She was a starter on her high school team when she was just a freshman. In her sophomore year, the team won the state championship. Sarah is the fastest girl on the team!

When she heard about try outs for ball kids at the US Open , she jumped at the chance. Sarah was a natural, given her speed and understanding of the game.
The show courts are usually reserved for the veteran kids, in their second or third working the tournament. However, Sarah was so good she was regularly assigned to Arthur Ashe stadium. Ashe is the largest tennis venue in the world, seating almost 24,000 people. Just to be sitting in the place, during a match is electrifying. Sarah now stood on the court almost daily, in her designer Ralph Lauren uniform. She was proud, proud to play this great game and proud to be around such great talent.

Watching tennis on tv as a kid, she was inspired to play by watching Serena Williams. Williams has proven to be one of the greatest women players of all time; hard working, hard hitting and a killer instinct. Sarah wants to be the next Serena Williams.

Working the courts at the Open is hot and grueling, that is probably why they mostly choose athletic teenagers for the job. For the women’s quarter finals, Sarah was out there, out there with no other than Serena Williams! It also happened to be her birthday. What a great gift this was. Serena cruised in her match, beating her opponent in straight sets.

Serena dutifully signed autographs for fans, as the players are expected to do. As she walked off the court, with tennis bags in hand, she hesitated for a moment. She looked back at Sarah, and with a wink and a half smile, it was as though she was saying “you will be out here one day”, with not just the balls but a racket. Happy Birthday Sarah!

Fairy Tales

2011-09-07T09:03:00.001-07:00

Couple in Central Park, New York NY 2011

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

Ric and Sophia met on Spain’s version of eHarmony. They answered all the questions, supplied the most pleasant snapshot each had and hit the send button. They both said they had a sense of humor, enjoyed following the Madrid football (soccer) team , both played basketball and each had a parent in education. He was 26 and she was 24. A perfect match!

There first date was for drinks at a popular bar in Malaga. Malaga is not a big town but big enough that they did not know each other. The attraction that first night was instant, fueled by loneliness, hormones and nerves. The relationship sort of stumbled along , like walking down a step hill, it was the easiest direction to head.

Six months into the relationship, they planned a trip to New York City. The airlines were offering super cheap Fall fares. By now, they disagreed on just about everything. Sophia liked a lot of sex, Ric preferred to sleep late. Ric liked to eat out, late. Sophia enjoyed cooking and staying home.

It was clear, they both knew it, the relationship had taken it’s course. Ric and Sophia went their separate ways when they got back home. However, neither had given up on online dating. Each reapplied , answering all the questions, and supplying the most pleasant snapshot before hitting the send button. This time, Ric and Sophia, were matched with people the other one had gone to high school with. Each married their respective matches, it all ended just like a fairy tale.

On a Carousel

2011-09-06T13:03:00.001-07:00

JFK Airport, New York 2011

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

It was almost midnight. I had waited for my bag until the last bag was retrieved by another traveler. I am always hoping my bag will be the first off the plane, or at least one of the first. However, the longer I waited, I just hoped I would get my bag.

When the low hum of the stainless steel conveyor stopped, with nothing else in sight, I knew I was not getting any luggage, at least tonight.

Did someone steal it? Maybe it somehow missed my flight, even though I checked in the required one hour ahead of departure. It wasn’t one of those ridiculously expensive Gucci or Louis Vuitton cases. My God, those things cost a small fortune. I started inventorying what I didn’t have or would need.

I had a tooth brush in my brief case, but that was about it. Just as I resigned myself to the situation, I turned to see a small Hispanic woman walking towards me. She was wheeling what looked like my nondescript off brand red cloth suitcase behind her.

She half smiled as she apologized, explaining that she had mistakenly taken my bag. She kindly handed it over, as I said, thank you. When I looked back, she just stood there, and I wondered if she at least had her toothbrush.

LOVE LEFT

2011-08-30T07:08:00.001-07:00

Couple on Street, London UK 2006 from the series UKOK

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

I went out the back door

and you didn’t even see.

There’s just no love

left for me.

The lights are on,

the engines still running.

Look up, turn around

why can’t you love me.

We walk in circles,

round the kitchen sink.

I say hello

while you just stare and think.

No love left for me,

I just toss and turn.

The nightmares this causes,

why can’t I learn.

I went out the back door

and you did not see.

There’s just no love left,

not for you or me.

These Were GOD'S PEOPLE

2011-08-29T14:25:00.001-07:00

A Bible History, New Orleans LA 2005

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

Katrina-

I prayed you would never come and when you did

that you would not hurt anyone.

RUN

2011-08-25T08:49:00.000-07:00

Route 98 at Dusk, Seagrove FL 2011
All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

can i run away today

can i be alone

the noise of cars and

things in my head just

rattle and roll.

can i run away today

and play on boats and trains.

even if i get caught

in darkness flying the plane.

the sound of rain

in my sleep, wakens

me, awakens me. the thunder

in my head, makes

me run away.

shattered glass

seems so hard to see

and when I sleep

it all reminds me,

to run, run away.

I see

2011-08-19T14:51:00.000-07:00

Lost, Pacific Palisades CA 2009 from the series CALI DAYS

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

“I always mistrust everything which I see,

which an image shows me, because I imagine what is beyond it.

And what is beyond an image cannot be known”

Michelangelo Antonioni

The Gray Ghost*

2011-08-18T09:15:00.000-07:00

Abandoned Building, New Orleans LA 2003

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

He is known around New Orleans, as the gray ghost. Some people love him and some hate him. Since 1997, he has driven around town in his van, with a bucket of battle ship gray paint covering anything resembling a tag or graffiti. People have varying opinions as to whether tagging and graffiti is art or vandalism, but it’s safe to assume the gray ghost considers it the latter.

*Fred Radtke , aka The Gray Ghost, was arrested and convicted in 2009 of defacing private property and waging his own personal crusade against grafitti. However, he is still active in the New Orleans area

Losing Diane

2011-08-17T12:51:00.001-07:00

Diane on vacation, circa 2005 from the series CRUISE

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

Diane was my mother's much younger step sister.
I was always close to her but as executor of my mother's estate, she lost i.e. “stole” millions of dollars. We sued her and her defense was temporary insanity, because at the time she was trying to quit smoking and she was taking some experimental smoking cessation medicine.

It went to trial and the judge found her guilty. She was placed in a mental facility outside of Baton Rouge, La. As I said, I was always close to her so even though she betrayed me, I would go visit her at the hospital. The hospital looked like some small suburban Baptist college campus. If it had had tennis courts, I could have seen myself residing there.
In any case, when I would go visit her, she would talk on incessantly about nothing. She appeared to be playing the part of crazy very well. Diane was there for about a
year and one day she disappeared into thin air. They still have not found Diane.

REMEMBERING RUSSIA

2011-08-16T15:43:00.000-07:00

Birds, St. Petersburg Russia 2010 from the series CRUISE

All reproduction rights reserved Wm Greiner

I am not sure how many people can say that they watched each of their parents die. My mother died a few years ago, in a hospital, from complications of surgery. I held one hand, my sister, held the other and with one last breath our mother was gone. It was peaceful and not unexpected.

My dad has made the most of it since her passing. He has traveled a lot, mostly with one or two of his grown children in tow. Last year almost to a day, it was my sister and I with him on a cruise to Russia. My dad , although in good shape for his age , was 89 years old at the time.

We had spent all morning walking the grounds of a Russian palace. In the afternoon, we proceeded indoors, and up the long stairway to the second floor. My dad seemed to grow weaker, losing his breath, face turning ashen. He sat down, then passed out, falling to the floor. Shallow pulse, no color and not breathing.

I have learned that Russia is not the best place to get sick. I am just not sure about health care there, or at least emergency care. The nurse finally showed up with smelling salts and a stiff back hand. Yes, she slapped him, yelled at him and thrust the salts under his nose. I was positive he had expired.

In the moment, the only thing I could think to do was to turn my attention to my sister and console her. We had already done the death watch once. Ironically, my dad started to breath again, a pulse returned as did his color. After a bit of observation and a wait for the bus, we returned to the ship. He had no idea what had happened. He looked at us and said, "I'm hungry, you all ready for lunch".

I had no appetite that day and I never want to visit Russia again.

Jay McSorley RIP

2011-08-12T09:04:00.000-07:00

Cane Field, Baton Rouge LA 2005 from Baton Rouge Blues

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

Jay loved this photograph of mine and he was in the process of writing a story about it. Unfortunately, a story I can now only wonder about, but will never see.

Jay McSorley died today , in Iceland, of a heart attack.

Rest in Peace Jay.

A Better kind of War

2011-08-11T07:40:00.001-07:00

Rugby Match, Reigate UK 2010 from the series UKOK

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

I have always thought that all conflicts, wars, social unrest, feuds or personal disagreements should be fought on a playing field rather than a battle field.

The Dirt Road to Niceville

2011-08-08T12:32:00.001-07:00

Dirt Road, near Niceville FL 2011

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

It was either the beginning or the end of the road. I had passed it many times, but on this occasion I stopped. It was a hot and humid Florida morning. The kind of day that as soon as you shut the engine off, and the air conditioning stopped, you started sweating.

The lure of this location was the beautiful red dirt, the kind that blankets parts of Alabama. Except this sinuous country road was in Niceville, FL. How does a place get a name like Niceville? Is it because everyone smiles, waves as you pass or offers you lemonade if you stop, I wondered?

I began to make a few pictures in the very bright morning light. It was not ideal for making color photographs, too much contrast. I first heard the pick up truck coming, before I could see it. My first instinct was to start walking back to my car, not more than 30 yards away, on the main road. On second thought, I didn’t move but kept shooting pictures, or at least pretending I was.

I could now see the truck as it approached. It looked like a 1950’s Ford, partially painted this weird turquoise color. There were two men in the cab and two sitting in the back. They passed me without a look or a nod. It was as though I was not even there! I made a few more pictures, got back in my car and continued on my journey back home. It was a forgotten moment by the time I hit the Louisiana state line.

Months later, when I had returned to the Gulf, traveling down that same road, I stopped at a gas station. I overheard the convenience store clerk telling another traveler about the gruesome execution style murder which had occurred, a few months early.

It turns out, that road led to the camp of some right wing, separatist militants. The four guys in the truck, that I had seen that day, were headed out to kill someone. Anyone they considered a bleeding heart liberal. All I could think, is it was a nice day to be invisible in Niceville.

Thinking about Garbage

2011-08-04T12:52:00.000-07:00

Dumpster, Baton Rouge LA 2011

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

Looking at this photograph, I was wondering about all the things people have unintentioanlly thrown in the garbage. Money, art, gold, jewelry, diamonds, coins , mementos, keep sakes…photographs. And this made me think about all the children who spend their days in the garbage dumps of Brazil, searching for scraps and hoping to find such treasures. And this made me think about Vic Muniz, the photo based artist, who grew up dirt poor in Brazil and has worked with all these materials and more. And this makes me wonder, what really is garbage……..

WHEN IT'S ALL SAD and DONE

2011-08-03T11:53:00.000-07:00

Building Facade, Baton Rouge LA 2011

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

I cannot help but wonder, has it all been done?

I am speaking in terms of what in the world has not been photographed a million times in a million ways.

SEEN TO BE INVISIBLE

2011-08-02T15:01:00.004-07:00

Thrift Store, Baton Rouge LA 2011

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

I make photographs everywhere of everything with a real camera. Yesterday at a gas station/convenience store I started to drive away but I could not pass up a pick up truck parked in front. I was now double parked, blocking it and a parking space next to the truck. I snapped away, as a car slipped by me and parked in the spot.

A man got out of the car and into the pick up truck. He started his engine, as if it were possible he did not see me.

SMOKING CRACK

2011-08-01T13:33:00.001-07:00

Tennis Court, near Seagrove FL 2011

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

I often describe my addiction to tennis as a crack habit.

However, I realize I am as addicted to making photographs.

TAKE ME HOME

2011-07-17T20:20:00.001-07:00

tv capture 2011

all reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

Take me somewhere we can be alone
Make me somewhere I can call a home
Won't you take me home
Won't you take me home
'Cause lately I've been losing on my own
Won't you take me home*

*Zero Seven Home

When all I've got is You

2011-07-12T05:39:00.001-07:00

Moisture on Window, Seacrest Beach FL 2011

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

I am on the road and not well equipped to blog but here I go. I have been thinking how hard it is to continue to venture out in the world to make relevant images. It seems some of the most exciting work is being made by not leaving the computer.

It has left me in a bit of a haze.

for a cause......

2011-07-07T12:45:00.001-07:00

Limited Edition, signed and numbered book with small c-print.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=330583625879&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT#ht_500wt_1413

Landing Love Field

2011-07-07T09:02:00.000-07:00

Approaching Love Field, Dallas TX 2011

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

Louisiana is hot in the Summer, humid and hot.

However, Dallas is like standing in a convection oven.

Communications Breakdown

2011-06-29T07:31:00.000-07:00

Man holding Cellphone, London UK 2006 from UKOK

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

I have never quite understood the value in an artist talking about the art. The art is the communication. If it needs to be explained, it has failed!

It's the end of the world as we know it....

2011-06-23T08:50:00.000-07:00

M.I.T. Nuclear Reactor - Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge MA 1979

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

"The older notions of photographers physically exploring their world may have in some ways come to pass. The Egglestons, Shores, Levitts, Winogrands ventured out with perhaps only the loosest intentions or framework of a "project" and allowed the world to provide. It is common now for artists to conceive of a project first and then impose that view almost filter-like upon what they are looking at. I would never argue that one approach is better than the other as long as - in the case of the latter - the work doesn't become a mere illustration of an idea. For me, I learned photography through an ability to trust in the world and a rather strong distrust of "ideas," so clever frameworks rarely excite unless the work from image to image surprises and transcends. "

JEFF LADD

http://5b4.blogspot.com/2010/11/new-american-picture-by-doug-rickard.html

Mr. Fix-It

2011-06-22T08:40:00.001-07:00

Man under Red Pick-up, Baton Rouge LA 2011

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

Mr. Holigan , I always thought was an odd last name, since it sounded Irish but he was obviously black. In an impulsive moment one day I asked him about it, and he replied without hesitation that his mother was African-American and his dad was Irish. Mr. Holigan had a University decal on his truck, he told me he was college educated, but chose to be a truck mechanic. He could fix anything he said.

He did not have a repair shop, but instead went to where the trucks were broken down. He was sort of a modern day truck doctor who made house calls. He was known around town as Mr. Fix-It.

Flirting with Fiction

2011-06-21T12:13:00.000-07:00

UNHAPPY SWIMMER, Miami Beach FL 2005

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

Sometimes I can't believe it
I'm movin' past the feeling
Sometimes I can't believe it
I'm movin' past the feeling and into the night

So can you understand?
Why I want a daughter while I'm still young
I wanna hold her hand
And show her some beauty
Before this damage is done

But if it's too much to ask, it's too much to ask
Then send me a son*

* ARCADE FIRE - THE SUBURBS

A Letter to Jeff Lamb

2011-06-18T12:36:00.001-07:00

HOPE MAUSOLEUM , New Orleans LA 2004 from the series Fallen Paradise

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

Dear Jeff,

I really did not know you as a flesh and blood person. We connected on Facebook, like so many do. Through your photographs, mostly of New Orleans , and your posting about your wife, Leyla and your dog, Sonny,I felt like I knew you.

We talked about the city, photography and life. You posted updates often, it was like a running dialogue and I would respond. You were making some fine images of Detroit too. A city I have never visited but connected with in part because of your pictures.

And then, I was busy and did not notice that you had become silent. A recent message to you, responded to by Leyla,told me something was very wrong. I found your obituary after a search, how else, online. I was as sad as if we had been neighbors and drinking buddies for 20 years.

I am sorry I did not notice. I am sorry it took so long! I so appreciated your passion for New Orleans, photography, your family and your dog. You are gone but you are not forgotten.

Thank you my friend. God bless you and rest in peace.

Wm.

So I said....

2011-06-17T14:34:00.001-07:00

Trash, Baton Rouge LA 2007

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

My work explores the relationship between postmodern discourse and emotional memories.

With influences as diverse as Kierkegaard and Frida Kahlo, new tensions are created from both traditional and modern textures.

Ever since I was a child I have been fascinated by the traditional understanding of the human condition. What starts out as hope soon becomes corroded into a hegemony of lust, leaving only a sense of decadence and the prospect of a new synthesis.

As shifting impressions become frozen through boundaried and diverse practice, the viewer is left with a statement of the limits of our world.*

*Words by David James Ross

http://10k.aneventapart.com/Uploads/262/#

Now & Then

2011-06-17T07:49:00.001-07:00

Steven, Baton Rouge LA 2011
Steven, Baton Rouge LA 2008

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

Joe is 90!

2011-06-06T08:11:00.001-07:00

Joseph Neville Greiner, New Orleans LA 1979

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

My dad turns 90 today. I am so blessed to have had this great man in my life, my whole life!

I love you. Happy birthday.

DEAD BIRD SINGS

2011-06-03T12:12:00.001-07:00

Plastic Bird, Covington LA 2011

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

We've all been waiting

We've been wondering - will we ever know the truth?

What it's like washing windows

When you know that there are pigeons on the roof?

Wake up - leave your body lying there

It's like another - just another wrinkle in the sheets

Wake up - I'm gonna poke you if you don't wake up

You remember how to fly?

We've all been waiting

We've been wondering - will we ever know the truth?

What it's like washing windows

When you know that there are pigeons on the roof?*

*Widespread Panic: Pigeons

Breaking up is hard to do....

2011-06-02T11:33:00.001-07:00

Farmland and Subdivision, Baton Rouge LA 2011
Cane Field on River Road, Baton Rouge LA 2011
Highland Road Bayou, Baton Rouge LA 2011

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

My series, Land’s End, which is about melting Polar ice and it’s potential affects on our coastlines is done. However, I cannot seem to stop , or let go of the idea and the work.
It’s like the relationship which just won’t end.

TOOLS of a TRADE

2011-06-01T09:49:00.001-07:00

Plasterer Tools, Baton Rouge LA 2011

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

I watched these guys work on a house for weeks. They recoated one side at a time.

In the morning I would wave and in the evening, almost finished for the day, they would wave. This went on until one day, they were finished. They sat out in front of the house, under a tree and drinking something cold.

I pulled to the back, where all our driveways are located. The boots and tools looked beautiful and harmonious.

I made the picture quickly, because I would not be able to explain the beauty I did see.

MOTO

2011-05-27T14:33:00.001-07:00

Tye and Briana on the Moto, Dallas TX 2011

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

Tye and Briana met at a café bar in Plano, a suburb of Dallas. He had pulled up on the bike, she thought it was sexy. Not long after they had met, out one night late partying, they crashed on the way back to her place.

He perished upon impact, but she lingered for months in a coma.

PICTURING PEOPLE - Burt Finger

2011-05-20T14:26:00.000-07:00

Burt Finger, Dallas TX 2011

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

Burt Finger - Army Veteran, Gallerist, collector and friend.

Songs from Nowhere

2011-05-19T13:17:00.000-07:00

Man on Deck, 2007 from the series CRUISE

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

About to turn 90 in a month or so, he looked good for his age. He rambled around the ship with a smile, always telling people hello and chatting. An avid ballroom dancer, I would spot him in the nightclub after dinner, prowling the sitting area for dance partners.

I found out he had lost his wife a few years earlier, they had been married 62 years, he told me. A sadness in his eyes as he confessed this fact. In a minute the smile was back and he was talking about travel, dancing, and business.

He said he had to go, get ready for dinner and dancing afterwards. I never did see him again in that final week on board.

PICTURING PEOPLE - Father & Son

2011-05-18T08:21:00.001-07:00

Son at Crawfish Boil, Baton Rouge LA 2011
Father at Crawfish Boil, Baton Rouge LA 2011

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

I met this Turkish father and son at a crawfish boil in Baton Rouge recently.

IF THE LEVEE BREAKS....

2011-05-17T13:24:00.001-07:00

Runner on Levee, Metairie LA 2011

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

The Mississippi river is to crest in Baton Rouge soon, then New Orleans.

HAPPY to be in the MIX

2011-05-16T12:56:00.000-07:00

April 16 - July 2, 2011

B L E N D E R

Opening Reception

Saturday, May 21, 2011

5 - 8PM

PDNB

Photographs do not Bend Gallery

Location:

1202 Dragon Street, Ste. 103

Dallas, Texas 75207

214.969.1852

info@pdnbgallery.com

http://www.pdnbgallery.com/Site/HOME.html

AUTOMATIC at U-SKILL.COM

2011-05-10T09:38:00.000-07:00

CADDY Pensacola FL 2007 from the series AUTOMATIC

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

http://www.u-skill.com/skill/william-grainer

EVENING LIGHT

2011-05-06T13:00:00.000-07:00

Traffic Lights at Dusk, Baton Rouge LA 2011 from the series WIRED SKY

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

I have been, for quite some time, making pictures while stopped at traffic lights.

Eight Days in Spring – The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival

2011-05-05T08:09:00.000-07:00

Drink Cup, Jazzfest - New Orleans LA 2005

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

One year the New Orleans “Jazzfest” was held over two, four day weekends. This experiment lasted only one year, but it was the first time I had gone to the “Fest” and made any photographs.

I lived in New Orleans most of my life, never having attended Jazzfest. This had as much to do with my aversion to crowds as anything and Jazzfest could draw some big crowds. When I started dating my wife , Stephanie, she dragged me there one year. It was the first day and the crowds were light. I was hooked and we have been going ever since.

I mostly go to listen to music, eat, people watch and generally have fun. However, since making photographs is an obsession, I had to make photographs. I have avoided making pictures of musicians and instead have concentrated on the people , place and things which make this event unique.

To learn more: www.nojazzfest.com

Say what you mean....

2011-04-29T13:15:00.001-07:00

Billboard Remnants, New Orleans 2011

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

...and mean what you say.

Mean what you say...

2011-04-28T13:24:00.000-07:00

Billboard Remnants, New Orleans 2011

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

and say what you mean!

RED

2011-04-20T07:10:00.001-07:00

Red Light, Baton Rouge LA 2011
Red Arch, Baton Rouge LA 2011
Red Hood, Baton Rouge LA 2011

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

Red is the color for today.

VERY GREEN

2011-04-15T14:01:00.001-07:00

Utility Box, Baton Rouge LA 2011
Truck Trailer, Baton Rouge LA 2001

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

It is obvious that I am attracted to certain shapes and colors!

These two images were on the same roll of film.

PICTURING PEOPLE - Daniel Babin

2011-04-14T12:53:00.001-07:00

Daniel Babin, Baton Rouge LA 2011

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

Daniel Babin - Student, athlete and nephew.

The Story of Keith (Part 2)

2011-04-07T08:12:00.001-07:00

Keith Concar, Baton Rouge LA 2011

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

Keith is wheelchair bound, unable to use his legs. The fact that someone who is not fully ambulatory would come down to a disaster area and do construction work, I found to be a bit odd. As we talked, Keith mentioned his motorcycle. I don’t know if I had a puzzled look on my face, but I definitely had a puzzled thought in my mind. He explained that one morning while riding his motorcycle to a job site, someone backed out of their driveway, right into his path.

Keith had had the full use of all his faculties until this fateful day, in a sparsely populated, post-Katrina New Orleans. Hospitalized for an extended period, all those who he was trying to help rallied around him.

Most anybody who knows me, knows I am not a teary soft heart, but I was having trouble with this story. It never occurred to me that someone who came to give so much, had so much taken from him.

Keith explained to me that as part of his rehab, wheelchair tennis was suggested to him. He had never played tennis but reluctantly gave it a try. The first good forehand he hit, hooked him on the sport and from what I have seen of his game, he has real talent and potential. In fact, Keith is so hooked on tennis, he runs a wheelchair tournament of his own in San Diego.

To learn more about Keith's story and how you can help:

www.KcWalk.com

The Story of Keith (Part 1)

2011-04-06T14:53:00.001-07:00

Keith Concar, Baton Rouge LA 2011

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

Keith Concar has the good looks of a movie star. He is also quite an athlete, playing top level amateur tennis events around the country. I got to know Keith when he was here recently for an international tennis tournament.

My admiration and respect for Keith grew as he told me that he had come down to New Orleans after hurricane Katrina with his church group. They came to help rebuild houses and the city. He liked the work so much that he stayed after his group left to continue rebuilding.

As a New Orleans native, I cannot help but love anyone who would give so much of themselves for our community. I was an instant fan!

While he was here for the tournament, I tried to stay each day to watch his matches, cheer him on and support his efforts. In one of his doubles matches , he and his partner were down, so I cheered hard and loud. I think it helped, they fought back and won the match to play the next day……….. (part 1)

ANGEL ASKS

2011-04-05T09:34:00.001-07:00

REWARD$, Baton Rouge LA 2011

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

There is something seductive and addicting to observing, reading and photographing hand made signs.

PICTURING PEOPLE -Keith Concar

2011-04-04T12:07:00.000-07:00

Keith Concar, Baton Rouge LA 2011

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

Keith Concar - Friend, tennis player and community activist.

Serial Killer - Tree #2

2011-03-22T07:38:00.000-07:00

Trees and Blossoms , Baton Rouge LA 2011

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

Another image from a group which is not a series.

for JAPAN

2011-03-21T09:12:00.001-07:00

Tulip Still Life, Baton Rouge LA 2011

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

It seems the disasters which are occurring around the world just get worse .

It has left me completely lost for words.

One man's junk....

2011-02-24T14:40:00.000-08:00

Beads in Tree, Baton Rouge LA 2011

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

....... is another man's treasure.

I SECOND THIS MOTION.....

2011-02-23T07:43:00.000-08:00

Bumper Sticker, Baton Rouge LA 2011

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

FORGET POLITICS

SUPPORT OUR TROOPS

In the Details

2011-02-22T14:38:00.000-08:00

Yellow Van, Baton Rouge LA 2011 from AUTOMATIC

Serial Killer - Photo Enforced

2011-02-18T13:50:00.001-08:00

Photo Enforced, Baton Rouge LA 2011

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

Serial Killer - Photo Enforced!

Serial Killer - Tree

2011-02-17T11:26:00.000-08:00

Tree Branches, Baton Rouge LA 2011

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

Serial Killer refers to the non-series of photographs, titled Serial Killer.

Where the Art is

2011-02-16T07:48:00.001-08:00

TABLE, Baton Rouge LA 2011

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

What is art?

My art is an object, thing , person or place ,

presented in a way that asks a question or answers a question.

HAPPY VALENTINES

2011-02-14T08:46:00.001-08:00

Blue Heart, Houma LA 1989 from the series The Reposed

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

LOOKING BACK II

2011-02-08T08:44:00.001-08:00

Bel Air Exterior, Baton Rouge LA 2011 from AUTOMATIC

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

There is something desirable , to me, about now showing work which has some age.

LOOKING BACK

2011-02-07T08:02:00.000-08:00

The Mint, New Orleans LA 2011

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

I woke up this morning thinking about how my life and work has been divided into Pre-Katrina and Post-Katrina.

And I am not sure if the two will ever mix!

Looking under the Hood

2011-02-03T15:14:00.001-08:00

Open Car Hood, Baton Rouge LA 2011 from Automatic

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

A 2006 interview, after relocating to Baton Rouge, LA:

http://www.makingroom.com/feature_wgreiner.php

Serial Killer Landscape

2011-02-01T08:52:00.000-08:00

VINES, Metairie LA 1998

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

Serial Killer is all about showing photographs which are part of nothing,

other than what you see!

POLING PLACES

2011-01-27T13:29:00.001-08:00

Light Pole, New Orleans LA 2011
Telephone Pole, Baton Rouge LA 2011

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

I repeat myself, but try not to be repetitious.

I see, you see, we all......

2011-01-25T09:15:00.000-08:00

Power Lines, Baton Rouge LA 2011 from Wired Sky

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

Stopped at traffic lights, I often look up, and see pencil drawings in the sky.

PICTURING PEOPLE -Sami Huurinainen

2011-01-21T07:54:00.000-08:00

Sami Huurinainen at Talin Tenniskeskus, Helsinki 2010

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

Sami Huurinainen, professional tennis player, coach and friend.

WORD ON THE STREET

2011-01-20T13:59:00.001-08:00

SORRY, London UK 2003 from UKOK
LIFE, London UK 2003 from UKOK
CLOSED, London UK 2003 from UKOK

It appears I did a lot of window shopping in London, 2003.

MIX n MATCH

2011-01-19T14:56:00.000-08:00

Tree Branches, Key Biscayne FL 2011

Tree Trunk, Baton Rouge LA 2010

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

I am not a big fan of diptych presentations of images,

but when I discovered these two on consecutive rolls…

He had a dream.....

2011-01-17T09:33:00.001-08:00

RC Body Shop, New Orleans LA 1993 from GBNF series

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

MARTIN LUTHER KING, the American clergyman, activist and leader of the African American civil rights movement who was assassinated in 1968, is being remembered across the United States today (17th January 2011) as the nation celebrates 'Martin Luther King Day'.

PERFECT VIEW

2011-01-11T06:37:00.001-08:00

Miami, FL 2011 from the series Serial Killer

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

Like listening to an L.P. with all it’s flaws, I embrace a photograph which is under exposed and full of grain. It’s not perfect but it’s beautiful!

There is no language barrier in Tennis!

2011-01-10T12:17:00.000-08:00

Ben and William on Center Court, Key Biscayne FL

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

Avant la bataille sur le court central!

Przed bitwą na korcie centralnym!

Före slaget på centercourten!

Antes de la batalla en la pista central!

Cyn y frwydr ar Ganolfan y Llys!

Before the Battle on Center Court !

BOX SET

2011-01-05T08:33:00.000-08:00

Sea Grove FL 11-27-05
New Orleans 10-13-05
Miami 12-22-05

Its not a matter of “thinking outside the box”,

it is a matter of “thinking inside another box”.

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

4eyes

2011-01-04T10:13:00.001-08:00

Man in Vintage Sunglasses on Deck, 2009 from the series CRUISE

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

I just bought new eyeglasses and thus found six used pairs in my desk!

So I decided to do something and I hope you will to:

Donate your old eyeglasses and sunglasses to help people with eyesight difficulties worldwide. (Sunglasses can be non-prescription. They are needed in countries near the equator to help protect people's eyes from sun damage.) Collection facilities include Goodwill Industries stores, LensCrafters stores, and Lions Club drop boxes. Items also can be sent in padded envelopes or boxes to:
New Eyes for the Needy
549 Millburn Avenue
P.O. Box 332
Short Hills, NJ 07078
E-mail ten friends who wear glasses to see if they have old pairs that could be recycled for people with eyesight problems. Collect them for donation.
http://charityguide.org/volunteer/fifteen/eyeglasses-donation.htm

RUNNING OUT OF PEOPLE*

2011-01-02T09:19:00.001-08:00

Boy at Parade, New Orleans LA 2000 from PERILOUS PILGRIMAGE

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

Population: 354,850
Population Change 2000-2009: -128,813
Population Percent Change 2000-2009: -26.63%
Home Vacancy: 21.5%

New Orleans is unique in that its presence on this list is not due to industrial decline, but from natural disaster. Hurricane Katrina flooded 80% of the city, caused by some estimates more than $80 billion in damage, and displaced tens of thousands of residents. The period of widespread homelessness, severe crime, and slow recovery has left the city as a shadow of its former self.

While people are trickling back into the city, many will likely never return, and the city has lost more than a quarter of its population in just 10 years.

*American Cities That Are Running Out Of People by Michael B. Sauter

Happy New Year

2010-12-31T09:30:00.000-08:00

Miami, FL 1/2009 from the series CRUISE

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

Yesterday, today was tomorrow
And tomorrow, today will be yesterday
So ring out the old
Ring in the new
Ring out the old
Ring in the new*

* George Harrison - Ding Dong, Ding Dong

BODY PARTS

2010-12-30T07:34:00.001-08:00

Blue and White Truck, Baton Rouge LA 2010 from the series AUTOMATIC

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

Function was valued more than form , concerning cars and trucks, when I was growing up!

I have come to realize everyone does not feel the same.

REMEMBERING JORDAN

2010-12-29T09:47:00.001-08:00

Jordan Gautreau, Baton Rouge LA 1997 from the series Perilous Pilgrimage

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

I was working on the series , Perilous Pilgrimage , when I made this image of my nephew, Jordan Gautreau in 1997. The idea for the work was that growing up was fraught with risk and that over time, children took on more adult like mannerisms.

Tragically, Jordan was killed , at the age of 22 this past November, in a freak automobile accident. He had made it through that Perilous Pilgrimage, only to be taken prematurely as a young adult.

I have always loved , and appreciated, the way photography stops time and leaves indelible images for us to always remember.

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS

2010-12-28T08:56:00.001-08:00

Support Wires and Shadows, Baton Rouge LA 2010

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

I am most interested in photographs which condense the essential elements of color, form and content.

Turn! Turn! Turn! (to Everything There Is a Season) *

2010-12-27T07:34:00.001-08:00

Parking Lot, Baton Rouge LA 2010

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

To everything - turn, turn, turn
There is a season - turn, turn, turn
And a time for every purpose under heaven

A time to gain, a time to lose
A time to rend, a time to sew
A time to love, a time to hate
A time of peace, I swear it's not too late!

*The Byrds - Turn! Turn! Turn! (to Everything There Is a Season)

COLOR BY NUMBERS

2010-12-26T08:23:00.001-08:00

Tennis Racket Still Life, Baton Rouge LA 2010

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

A photograph filled with color does not make it a color photograph.

MERRY CHRISTMAS et. al.

2010-12-23T12:45:00.001-08:00

Wreath on Fence, Baton Rouge LA 2010

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

MERRY CHRISTMAS et. al.

POWER & PEACE

2010-12-22T15:03:00.001-08:00

White Power, New Orleans LA 2000

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

This season is not about power,

it's about peace!

PEACE

WHITE STALLIONS

2010-12-21T15:28:00.001-08:00

White Car and Wheels, Baton Rouge LA 2010

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

She had four white stallions coming up around the bend
four strong angels at her command to send
four more seasons, for all thats broken to mend

I got four good reasons why I cant go back there again*

* Four White Stallions Lyrics

by Counting Crows

SEASONAL COLORS

2010-12-20T08:05:00.000-08:00

Painted Concrete Curb, Baton Rouge LA 2010

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

Photographs which offer information but no mystery, will fail to hold our attention.