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Phil Douglis | all galleries >> Galleries >> Gallery Twelve: Using color to express ideas > After the Snow, Santa Fe, New Mexico, 2004
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23-NOV-2004

After the Snow, Santa Fe, New Mexico, 2004

These mailboxes, framed in the contrasting residue of two seasons -- fall leaves and winter snow -- are not just vividly painted in red and blue primary colors by their owners. They also incongruously seem to symbolize everything that colorful Santa Fe is, and the authoritarian US Postal Service is not. These are the boxes of expressive souls who boldly mock the words barely visible beneath the layers of frivolous paint: “Approved –Postmaster General.” The colors not only demand our eyes. They reach out to tell us who lives here, and how they live their lives

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Phil Douglis26-Sep-2007 23:07
Beautiful colors can warm even the coldest snow.
Guest 11-Sep-2007 06:15
Just delightful despite the cold heavy snow on top!
Phil Douglis03-May-2005 06:38
Delighted this image speaks of the iconoclast. Santa Fe is full of iconoclasts, Ruth. Santa Fe is an artists town. It's residents generally make light of authority, unless, of course, the authorities are those that make the grants that keep those artists in their art. You are right. It is awesome to break the rules and get away with it. And that is what this image is all about.
ruthemily02-May-2005 21:55
iconoclastic! (i've been waiting for a good time to use that word). i love it, Phil! this speaks to me of turning your back on stupid rules and society's conventions and getting out there, loving and living life. who cares about the postmaster and what he approves? these mail boxes are awesome.

i think the contrasting seasons helps to strengthen the idea...the snow falling regardless of the leaves or what season it's "supposed" to be and simply covering what gets in its way.

i will have to get a mail box first (we simply have letter boxes - a hole through the front door, essentially), and then paint it!
Jean Ray22-Feb-2005 03:14
I just love this image, Phil! To me it speaks of someone who takes the mundane-- the standard issue, USPS-approved mailbox, and uses it as a vehicle to express individuality and joy.
Phil Douglis24-Dec-2004 03:48
They would fine me if I painted my mailbox, Bruce. I live in a gated community, and have sacrificed my individuality for the sake of maintaining "property values." What a sell-out!!! But you have my permission to go out and paint your own. Thanks for the comment. Glad this image has inspired you.
Guest 23-Dec-2004 22:52
Are you tempted to go out and paint your mailbox now, Phil? I am!
Phil Douglis13-Dec-2004 23:47
Thanks, Bruce, for this comment. There certainly is a nostalgic feeling expressed here- those snow covered mail boxes are quite seasonal. Just one more example of how different viewers see different things in images -- you see the timeless presence of human contact through writing letters and sending cards. Others see the colors as a visual stimulus. I saw rebellion -- the artist vs. the establishment, with anarchic painting all over the authoritative embossed steel. All of these feelings are valid, and that only strengthens the value of the image for me. Thanks again.
Guest 13-Dec-2004 23:20
This is a gorgeous photo - full of life. It makes me think of letters and cards and packages and all the wonderful ways that people reach out to each other through (snail)mail.
Phil Douglis08-Dec-2004 03:29
Lara, you learned your lessons well in my Sedona workshop this fall. You can indeed dominate an image with its coloration by moving in with the camera and building your idea around essentially color itself.
Phil Douglis08-Dec-2004 00:37
Thanks, Mo. Primary colors do catch the eye, even in muted tones such as these.
Lara S07-Dec-2004 14:24
and I love the framing. By closing in on the photo you make the colors much more controlling.
monique jansen07-Dec-2004 09:18
This one is an eye-catcher Phil, because of the red and blue and because of the autumn leaves and the snow. Well done!
Phil Douglis06-Dec-2004 05:11
Thanks, Anna. Yes, it sure does snow in Santa Fe. It's nearly 8.000 feet high. I would not have made this image if those boxes were not laden with snow. it's what give this picture its incongruity (along with the colorful paint job over those official looking mail box doors.)
Anna Yu06-Dec-2004 04:48
Heh in Sweden we don't need approval for our postboxes. The snow here is the master touch that grabs the eye. I didn't even know it snowed in Santa Fe. Very colorful juxtapostion of metal, ice, leaves. A happy picture.
Phil Douglis06-Dec-2004 00:35
Dave, thanks for the kind words. I'll look for any checks, and hope to hear a few new meanings!
Phil
Dave Wyman06-Dec-2004 00:27
Yes, yes, Phil. But are the checks in tne mailbox?

Beautiful picture than can indeed be viewed with at least a few meanings.

Dave
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