The work of Thomas Prior can be found here:

http://thomasprior.com/

My favorites from Mr. Prior are these quiet, simple, and sunny spots, where the world still seems to be doing its own thing.

Not too long ago, a good friend of mine (pictured in the forth image) showed me a palace that a man named Joel had built over the last decade or so.  Joel’s palace is positioned alongside a bluff face, and has been his home ever since he started working on it. 

We both talked to Joel for awhile, and learned that his palace had not been built without hardships.  At one point, he was in threat of being “evicted” by the rail police, who combed the trails alongside the train tracks, and found encampments to break up and disperse.  Joel’s home was so impressive, that the police allowed him to continue living there without disturbance.

He remains there to this day, both during the winter and the summer.  Although he is one of the rare individuals who has claimed his own land and has built his own house there, he mentioned that he is often lonely, and has started inviting people up to chat.  

Amongst his few possessions are the trinkets he has found while digging out the cliff side, that he proudly displays along the wall.  After only a short visit, I can’t help but conclude that he’s gotten things figured out quite nicely for himself.

“Joel’s Palace”
Completed Mid 2011 - Photography Work - Shapes Industries

I think a rampant exaggeration of character can be just as important as honesty.

Where have you been, and where will you be?  These are fundamental questions we dance around answering, and try our best to fulfill with our actions.

And so, if you must judge your life’s value in some manner, let it be in living.

(Square Ideology)