while wandering

'tit Rex and Barkus

2012-02-14T13:42:00.001-08:00

The first few Mardi Gras events I made it to this years so far. More coming soon. Thanks

'tit Rex a micro Krewe - Their site

Tipitina's

2012-02-09T20:11:00.000-08:00

This is my first time at this fine venue as a photographer. I was a good time and got to see a few interesting local groups perform. For even more photos and a write up on the show check out Invade NOLA.

Children

Gold and the Rush

Big History

Urban Nature Issue #10

2012-02-06T11:36:00.000-08:00

Hey all, its been a year in the making and finally Issue #10 is up!! Fittingly there are 10 photo essays from through out 2011 and music by 16 different groups. From Mardi Gras to Winfield to wandering Chicago and New Orleans. So turn up the volume, kick back and explore the new issue.

UrbanNatureMedia.com

Men and Women of Unity Second Line

2012-02-02T13:14:00.000-08:00

I have started to work with the fine local radio station WWOZ to document New Orleans music culture. This was my first time attending a second line and had a blast.

Happy Birthday Jesus

2012-01-04T14:15:00.000-08:00

It has been interesting wandering New Orleans around the holidays. As a northerner, it's been hard to really feel the winter holiday vibe with green grass and mid 60's. Also living in Kenner, a suburb of New Orleans, has been an experience. The area was built with cars in mind, so biking has felt like the search for Shell Beach in "Dark City." Bike paths along the lakeshore only last a mile or two before being interrupted by construction, and neighborhoods are moated by waterways. I enjoyed Xmas with the Torres family and was able to catch Lagniappe Brass Band at a New Years event downtown. While I started 2012 with a cold, I feel excite for moving forward with another year of possibility. Thanks.

The Whistle Pigs in Chicago

2011-12-24T14:32:00.001-08:00

The Whistle Pigs came to Chicago in late October to play at the Abbey Pub and Fitzgerald's Side Bar. It was a rare visit for the guys but a great time. These guys are great. If you haven't heard them check out personal favorites #9 Coal and Bury Me With My Boots on their site. I hope to see them in New Orleans soon. Also below is Sexfist at the Abbey Pub.

Abbey Pub

Sexfist

Fitzgerald's

Sidewalk Chalk

2011-12-24T14:20:00.001-08:00

Sidewalk Chalk play the Hot Box in Chicago, 2011. They are putting the final touches on their first album.

Why Are We Building Such a Big Ship?

2011-12-23T16:53:00.000-08:00

and Magnetic Ear at Siberia, 2011.

Almost a month in New Orleans, and the end of an exciting year

2011-12-18T08:44:00.001-08:00

It has been a crazy year, shooting many music festivals, exploring urban nature around chicago, camping, hanging out with friends, and working the day job. But the final months of the year brought the biggest change: moving to New Orleans. And now the close of our first month in New Orleans, and the close of 2011 is here. In this last month there has been a good deal of resting, but also a lot of discovery as I get to know my new home. I am truly excited about all the music I am going to be checking out and, with all this water around, all the kayaking I will be doing. I am working with www.invadenola.com on documenting this city, from my point of view as a new transplant. I am hoping in the new year to have the time needed to finish the year-long issue #10. Thanks for a great year and here's to new chapters!

Yojimbo at Maison

The Suburbs

Red Raw Black

Mario Abney Quartet

Bonnet Carre Spillway

a letter to my students

2011-12-04T16:11:00.000-08:00

As I pack the car for my move to New Orleans, I was also putting to final touches on a closing letter for my students at the learning center. Each student I worked with received a letter along with 5x7 prints representing my dreams, a copy of a select folk tale from a book I used for teaching, and info on how to contact me in the future. I am truly thankful for the five years spent tutoring kids I learned so much from. Below is an image from the annual apple picking field trip I helped create, along with a copy of the letter, and one of the stories given out. Thanks

Student,

As this chapter of my life comes to a close and a new one begins, I would like to thank you for the time we have spent together. While it has not always been fun it has been a great learning experience that I have grown from, and hopefully it has been the same for you. If you ever have questions or are in need of guidance feel free to contact me. Keep this pack of items as it will grow in value to you over time. Below are my thoughts for moving forward from here. Not all of it will make sense now, but as you grow it may be of assistance.

Life is your choice. While young you have time to learn the ropes of society, but there are many distractions and pit falls within and many people young and old become lost. We live in one of the most entertained and least informed countries in the world. What does this lead to? Television is a twisted and wishful perception of life, teaching us to feed on drama that then seeps into our everyday life. Television was created to sell products, making corporations super wealthy and keeping the majority of the population numbed to the world’s true condition. Consumption has become comfort, a dangerous association for life. The fragmenting of our communities has been intentional to aide the growth of this profit game made to fill the void. Ask yourself who wins as this reality plays out.

"Whenever a people are separated, and they focus on what they do not have in common or label themselves different from others, it is a perfect disguise to keep them from discovering what they do have in common. This separation keeps people from banding together and becoming very strong." “Whenever people oppose people, those in control benefit," -F. Light

Be strong. It is a gift that you are here in this world. You are here to make a difference, but first you must realize and love yourself. This takes time and can be hard, and you must learn from the struggles life places in front of you. Don’t run from them as they are hard to escape, and running leaves you weakened by the stress of fear. Life has a natural flow to it much like a river. We must follow the stream like a fish. Those who resist this are worn away and at times can hurt those around them, by denying the natural flow of life. Think positively and you will eventually conquer any challenge. As you learn to stand up on your own, you will discover people who will aide you in your journey and people that will need your help too.

“The thing about living a lie is wondering when they will find out.” - Tune-Yards

“Those who serve life adapt to changes as they act. Changes arise from the times; those who know the times do not behave in fixed ways. Therefore I say, “Ways can be guides, but not fixed paths; names can be designated, but not fixed labels.”” - Lao Tzu

It takes love and an open mind to create. Start with small challenges. It can be anything from cooking a meal to reading a book to greeting a stranger. Prove to yourself that YOU CAN do it, and put your heart behind the actions you take. You will find that this overtime will soothe and strengthen your soul. Big tasks will present themselves over time, but first you must know that you can complete something, so start small. Try not to harm others for your gain, and if you do something wrong own up to it and people will respect you for that. Strive to not brag about yourself as actions prove your abilities more than words. And any word can be twisted to trick those listening, so listen and speak thoughtfully.

“Don’t be surprised, don’t be startled; all things will arrange themselves. Don’t cause a disturbance, don’t exert pressure; all things will clarify themselves.” – Huai-nan-tzu

"He who knows men is clever; He who knows himself has insight. He who conquers men has force; He who conquers himself is truly strong." - Lao Tzu

I am personally concerned with our disconnect from nature. Electric power is barely 100 years old and in that time we have quickly manipulated our living environment for luxury. Control of light and temperature alone has changed our way of life, but to what end. If you forget how to connect and listen to our planet you may get thrown right off of it.

Along with our connection to the planet it is important to connect with the food you eat. Food should be from the Earth, but much of what is eaten today is fabricated by chemicals and man made substitutes that slowly make us sick and dependent on the expensive health care system. Your body is the most important machine you will own, so consider how you fuel it.

The world is hungry for change and it is only a question of how it will go down. This is your time here and it is your choice what part you play. If you don’t exercise your connection to the world, your rights as a living being, your body and mind you will lose it. If you lose it those running the game will win. The struggle is what makes us strong. Move forward with quiet words, an open mind, and love in your actions. Change is a part of nature and simplicity is key.

"Mysteriously, wonderfully, I bid farewell to what goes, I greet what comes; for what comes cannot be denied, and what goes cannot be detained." - Chuang-tzu

Sincerely,

Ryan Hodgson-Rigsbee

The Boatman

A Sufi Story from the Middle East

A scholar asked a boatman to row him across the river. The journey was long and slow. The scholar was bored. "Boatman," he called out, "Let's have a conversation." Suggesting a topic of special interest to himself, he asked, "Have you ever studied phonetics or grammar?"

"No," said the boatman, "I've no use for those tools."

"Too bad," said the scholar, "You've wasted half your life. It's useful to know the rules."

Later, as the rickety boat crashed into a rock in the middle of the river, the boatman turned to the scholar and said, "Pardon my humble mind that to you must seem dim, but, wise man, tell me, have you ever learned to swim?"

"No," said the scholar, "I've never learned. I've immersed myself in thinking."

"In that case," said the boatman, "you've wasted all your life. Alas, the boat is sinking."

Heading to New Orleans

2011-11-15T11:51:00.000-08:00

After a very busy Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall this year the time has finally come for change. I am moving to New Orleans at the end of November with the lovely Cle Torres. To celebrate and to prepare for this major move, I have put together two books revolving around my visits over the years to the city. All purchases will aide the projects filling this site.

Also prices have been lowered to $40 on the 1-2-3 book series. All books are available via Blurb or at the Urban Nature Store.

Thanks

visiting Mardi Gras by Ryan Hodgson-Rigsbee | Make Your Own Book

visiting Mardi Gras - $20

The picture essay within this book was composed within two visits to New Orleans during the final week of Mardi Gras in 2009 and 2011.

First Impressions by Ryan Hodgson-Rigsbee | Make Your Own Book

First Impressions: New Orleans - $13

This short 20 page photo essay offers a flavor of my first impressions of New Orleans in late 2008 and early 2009.

Winfield 2011

2011-09-26T19:09:00.001-07:00

Winfield is a home away from home. It has been great spending time with so many new and old friends. Urban Nature Issue #10, which will include Winfield among many other photo essays, will launching in the next few weeks.

Calamity Cubes

Truckstop Honeymoon

Tragic Prelude

Carrie Nation and the Speakeasy

Winfield

2011-09-20T13:07:00.000-07:00

Another Winfield has passed and there are many images to dig through. It was a great time hang out with old and new friends, and taking in all the great music in the air. There will be more images posted here in the next week. Also the Winfield book of the last three years is now for sale on blurb (link below). All sales of the book will go towards funding future work. Thanks.

Winfield by Ryan Hodgson-Rigsbee

The Tour West

2011-09-07T12:30:00.000-07:00

This was my first time going on tour with musicians, and it was eventful from start to finish. The tour was quickly marred by vehicle problems as the transmission on our van went out in west Kansas. Despite this and other issues the music still flowed for two nights around Colorado with stops in Leadville and Denver, and new friend were made over the trip. As Joe of the Whistle Pigs would say "at least we still have each other".

Tyler Gregory

Grass Crack

Carrie Nation and the Speakeasy

Tyrannosaurus Chickencken

Grass Crack

Whistle Pigs

Carrie Nation and the Speakeasy

Tyrannosaurus Chicken

Honky Suckle

Bubbly Creek

2011-09-07T11:17:00.000-07:00

Bubbly Creek is the nickname given to the South Fork of the Chicago River's South Branch, which runs entirely within the city of Chicago, IL. Gases bubbling out of the riverbed from the decomposition of blood and entrails dumped into the river by the local stockyards in the early 20th century give the creek its name. It was brought to notoriety by Upton Sinclair in his expose on the American meat packing industry entitled "The Jungle".

Info from Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bubbly_Creek

Chicago Urban Nature Gallery Show

2011-08-17T21:11:00.000-07:00

Chicago Urban Nature Gallery Show (the first!)

Photography by Ryan Hodgson-Rigsbee - Urban Nature Media
Linoleum Prints and more by Andrew Petersen

WHEN: August 20 and 21 open 11am-4pm

FREE Show Opening Mixer
Saturday, August 20th 6pm - 11pm
DJ set by DJ Derwood of Flamethrowers Flamethrowers
Beer Tasting by Duxbury Brewing - Duxbury Brewing

WHERE:
Above, Rootstock Wine & Beer Bar - Rootstock
954 N California Ave

ABOUT:
In 2009, for the first time in human history, the majority of us live in an urban setting rather than rural. With this shift comes consequences. Research shows that, despite advances in technology, we are becoming disconnected from nature and each other. Why is this? This selection explores the blurring point between nature and urban life and aims to cultivate new appreciation for and insight into our relationship with the everyday, with the world, and with each other.

The photos, taken in and around Chicago, are of the quiet shift between seasons and the sometimes elegant and sometimes awkward ways that city and nature confront each other.

Andrew Petersen will also be displaying a series of linoleum print portraits.

OTHER THINGS GOING ON:
This show is part of a community open house during the Humboldt Park Arts Fair. There will be lots to do in the area, so come on out.

Pulaski Polka Days

2011-07-26T21:46:00.000-07:00

Taking place in the small town of Pulaski, Wisconsin, Polka Days is a wonderful festival. Quality musicians, good dancing and some of the kindest people I have met. Thanks to all I met. These are the first few editted, more images coming in a while.

Pitchfork and BitchPork

2011-07-20T15:48:00.000-07:00

While this is not exactly the coverage I had hoped for this weekend, but it is what it is. I would like to apologize to Bitchpork for not giving their festival the full coverage it deserves. Sadly this may have been the last Bitchpork.

Mayor Daley at Bitchpork Music Festival

Ono at Bitchpork Music Festival

Pitchfork Music Festival

Twin Sister

TV on the Radio

2011-07-15T23:35:00.000-07:00

more coming soon...

Chicago Folk and Roots Festival

2011-07-15T20:06:00.000-07:00

Taking place on the north side of the city. For a $10 donation Folk and Roots offered a beautiful mix of people and music with a relaxed vib in the air.

Fitzgerald's American Music Festvial, African-Caribbean International Festival of Life, and American F--k Yeah!

2011-07-03T23:13:00.000-07:00

I photographed a few festivals and a show this weekend. I met many great people and heard a bunch of good music.

Peace Fest and Fiesta Puertorriquenas

2011-06-28T20:35:00.000-07:00

Both festival took place the same weekend making for a good but very tiring weekend. As the summer kicks into full gear this may stand as a relaxing weekend in comparison to what is to come. All the same I look forward to the many adventures ahead, and only hope it wont be as overcast as that weekend.

Festy Fest

2011-06-06T21:41:00.001-07:00

I would like to thank everybody I met at Festy. It was a great time and stay tuned for the full essay in Urban Nature Issue #10, which is hopefully coming soon.

Chicago Lakefront

2011-06-06T21:38:00.001-07:00

Wandered the lakefront this weekend. Here are images from Montrose Beach and Northerly Island.

2011-05-06T19:38:00.000-07:00

I am Shooting some images for Fulton Fit House. The trainer there does active work outs with sledge hammers and stuff. Very fun and one hell of a work out. I thought this was a good combo.

fultonfithouse.com

Buffalo River - Arkansas

2011-04-26T11:18:00.000-07:00

Here are the first few from the Buffalo River camping trip. I shot a total of 2,430 images, so it will be quite a task to get to that final edit. The river is a must if you have the chance, and if you do stay at Jim's Bluff. Thanks to the friends I did the trip with.

Spring in Athens

2011-04-15T09:50:00.000-07:00

Here are the first few images from my short trip to Athens, Ohio. Unlike Chicago, Spring was in full effect. It was a refreshing trip all around.

Cletus Got Shot

2011-04-13T12:38:00.000-07:00

Cletus Got Shot is a group I discovered at Harvest Music Festival in Arkansas. They are a hard hitting folk group with an important message for the people. In these time we need more music and communicators like this. If they are passing through your town check them out.

Cabrini Green

2011-04-03T20:37:00.000-07:00

In 04 and 05 I documented the final days of Rockwell Gardens and some of Henry Honer being torn down. Watching the last of Cabrini Green going down this weekend is quietly gripping. I hope we can learn from it, but I fear that full understanding will never occur.

The city continues to have major food deserts and public schools have lost touch with its kids. Communities have become deeply fractured by intentional and indirect stress from all sides. We must learn from this.

Rockwell 2005

2011-03-30T08:07:00.001-07:00

I spent this past weekend biking the south side of Chicago. After spending so much time in on the west side, this area holds a great deal of character. Here are the first few working images from this weekend.

Mardi Gras

2011-03-15T20:39:00.000-07:00

Here are the first few edited. The next issue will be a bit, but it will feature the Blizzard, Mardi Gras, and one other series not yet decided. If anybody has music they would like featured to the theme please contact me via www.urbannaturemedia.com. Thanks

Some Characters of the Blizzard

2011-02-21T23:26:00.000-08:00

Blizzard 2011

2011-02-17T12:34:00.000-08:00

2010-05-10T23:09:00.000-07:00

Urban Nature Issue#8 is online! Within this issue are three stories that revolve around the changing seasons in Chicago.

The Chicago River - The cover story explores the river from north to south of downtown. The story is accompanied with music by Colony Collapse. A print version of this story can be viewed in the may issue of Mindful Metropolis. www.mindfulmetropolis.com

Graffiti - Check out graffiti from around the city. The story is accompanied with music by the Flamethrowers.

Urban Nature Chicago - Follow the city's ever changing natural landscape. The story is accompanied with music by Jon Blazini.

www.urbannaturemedia.com

Also the new online Urban Nature Store is now up and taking orders. All proceeds will assist in funding present and future story production and improvements to the site.

urbannaturemedia.bigcartel.com

Thanks and take care
ryan