While writing my post yesterday about Mueller, I was reminded of when back in 2012, I photographed the former National Guard Armory buildings. They had mostly been sitting empty I assume since the old airport closed, and that year the bond money was approved to renovate. It was not easy to get permission, but after some persistence, I was able to spend a few hours walking freely around the complex. My idea was to capture images of it exactly as it looked at that time, knowing that once it was completely renovated, a lot of the original and well-worn charm and details would be lost. Maybe someone would then like to hang some of those photos in the new space for nostalgic or artistic purposes? The intention was to be more proactive and create opportunities.

Come to find out after some searching, it is now called the Creative Media Center at Austin Studios plus Stage 7. The ribbon-cutting for the completion was almost one year ago. I honestly had forgotten all about it until now. So I dug up the photos and thought I would share my favorites with you. My photographic eye is reliably most drawn to color, texture, and line, and I search for framing that creates something more abstract than representative. Human use, time, non-use, and the elements all conspire to wear down anything man-made. Observing and capturing these kinds of artifacts, visual stories, and abandoned places is something I find enjoyable.