Comments on: Seth Pringle on Public Interventions

By: Katy Hertel

Katy Hertel — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 05:04:12 +0000

I enjoy how the photographs speak for themselves, and at the same time appreciate how Seth articulates his perceptions about how they came to be, before and after.
These pieces evoke a wide spectrum of feelings in someone who remembers what Foothill Blvd and the surrounding area was like 40+years ago. Blended with the elements of endless urban sprawl and emptiness, there is poignant humor, curious wonder, and a dash of zen, which allows one to see anew.
We must keep an eye out for what this artist will do next!

By: vicki

vicki — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 01:07:28 +0000

Awesome work seth! I never got to hang around long enough to really get a feel for what you did so I’m really glad to read this article:)

By: Barbara Bishop-Sand

Barbara Bishop-Sand — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 21:01:19 +0000

The “sublimely repetitive” extent of Foothill Blvd. leads the human brain to “eliminate” the monotony, simply by blanking out on all visual perception of any detail. Yours is a good commentary on the effect of either urban or rural monotony, what it can contribute to our inability to “see beyond the thing” . ‘Welcome/unwelcome’ is a very tight tautology that contradicts itself….totally fascinating. Keep it up, you explorations are very interesting. Hugs,Barb

By: chris sand-ashley

chris sand-ashley — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 19:58:25 +0000

I found this article to be fascinating. Seth’s intriguing public interventions create endless possibilites which have the potential
to lift us beyond our predictable/day to day landscapes and perceptual experiences. As he experiments with subtle alterations
within “empty” public spaces, I found myself wondering about the potential impact of interventions on a large scale; when one
thing is different which invite space and room for change, color and wonder. I love his paradigm of offering the intervention but then
then giving up any control of what happens after his intervention and embracing the dynamic of what may come. I would love
to hear more about his work in the future.

By: Ty Pownall

Ty Pownall — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 18:00:35 +0000

Hey Seth,
It’s good to see what you’re up to. I really like the welcome mat.

By: Eric Olson

Eric Olson — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 16:58:25 +0000

This blew me away for unusual reasons. The conceptual framework is fascinating, to begin with. I also have a special appreciation for the interventions, and the feelings that Seth has about the ennui and monotony of Foothill Blvd.

I grew up in Claremont, and often walked from our home on Harvard & Third up to and across Foothill Blvd. to hike and have adventures in the massive orange groves that once grew there. In the beginning before the freeways, this zone was a vibrant and interesting route of travel and commerce, linking a sequence of unique communities including Upland, Ontario, San Dimas and etc., along the foothills. I used to ride my bike for hours in each direction and knew each section well. As the freeways and growth came, the boulevard became more residential and less exotic, at the same time the distinctions between the foothill cities began to blur. Today it is all one endless mess of continuous commerce, on the slightly shabby side. There is a sadness and a pointlessness to the boulevard now, which Seth picks up on to great effect. I understand exactly how he feels, and am amazed at his sensitivity to feelings that I share, but which took nearly fifty years to mature on my part.

As a kid who was taught to throw pots by Norm Hines, and now as a fine art photographer myself, I’d love to share more thoughts with Seth directly.