2025 09 22
No Parking. Ashland, Wisconsin. July, 2025. © Clayton Hauck
It’s a bit surreal to spend a weekend with friends, bopping around Chicago and falling in love with the place all over again, only to open up your social media on Monday morning to read about how the president is pledging to “save” your city after Charlie Kirk pleaded with him to do so. I grew up in the same area as Kirk and attended the same high school as he did. I’ve lived in Chicagoland all of my life and love it now as much as I ever have. Obviously, we all have our opinions and perspectives on the world (and yes, of course there are issues here), but the stark juxtaposition between what I’m seeing with my own eyes vs. what I’m hearing from outraged folks on the internet… and running our country… is maybe more concerning than anything I’ve yet to encounter in my life. An administration with total immunity to enact whatever policies it wants, choosing my own hometown to make an example out of, is not at all a pleasing thought, esp when you consider the perspective they choosing to view us by — the enemy — whom Trump admittedly hates.
Last week I had a dream about a missile flying overhead and exploding at a nearby but safe-for-me distance. It gave me the feeling that, while there are big issues happening around us, we are still relatively safe to carry on with our lives. It was still someone else’s problem. Then, an ominous motorcycle drone rounded the corner, clearly seeking us, perhaps for a new missile target. As I was startled awake, I couldn’t help but feel for the millions of people currently living in these exact conditions on a daily basis in Gaza, Ukraine, or elsewhere. Then I wondered if we might soon have to learn how to live with the bombs ourselves here in Chicago.
-Clayton
2025 09 21
MP shows off his battle scars. Chicago, Illinois. July, 2025. © Clayton Hauck
We’ve now done 11 Realm popups. It has become a real job quicker than I’d imagined. It doesn’t help that my partner is out of the country this month, leaving me with much of the work to handle myself. I don’t mind it, but am starting to notice myself falling behind on things I’d previously been on top of, like updating this here blog.
I’m due to get some more thoughts out and writing helps me do that. Aiming to get a post about my portraits project up this week, and perhaps another one on the bookshop if I can find the time.
-Clayton
2025 09 20
A walk on the beach. Benton Harbor, Michigan. October, 2024. © Clayton Hauck
I continue to get excited for sweater weather, but the beach weather just won’t quit these days. Eighty degrees this weekend; eighty degrees next weekend. It might finally be time to move to Canada, eh?
-Clayton
2025 09 17
Some of my photos hanging on the wall. Chicago, Illinois. June, 2025. © Clayton Hauck
I continue to be behind on so many things. Clearly, this is because I am doing (or at least attempting to do) far too many things. One of the big things I need to do is catch up on editing my Illinois Wandering personal images I’ve made this year. Perhaps even more importantly, I need to send out all of the photos I’ve made of people on the road whom I told I would send photos to. I’m convinced this is creating some kind of cosmic jam that is preventing me from moving forward on a number of things. Sorry, everyone. I will send you those images I promised you soon.
-Clayton
2025 09 14
Allison. Chicago, Illinois. July, 2025. © Clayton Hauck
Today is the one-year anniversary of our wedding. Off to celebrate, a bit!
-Clayton
2025 09 13
Neon art. Chicago, Illinois. May, 2025. © Clayton Hauck
I have a friend who is having weird thoughts. I’m beginning to get concerned. He wants to be an artist, he says. He’s doing all sorts of things that don’t make any logical sense. He wiped his social media clear of all normal photos. No selfies, no family, no friends. People are calling him, asking him what’s the meaning of all this. To this, he calmly explains himself, but this only gets the people even more riled up and angry. I think a wellness check is in order. Maybe he’s got a couple screws loose. I think I need to distance myself from him; to claim I never met the fella.
-Clayton
2025 09 11
Bay Theater. Ashland, Wisconsin. July, 2025. © Clayton Hauck
Seeking Stephen Shore. Didn’t find him, but got the book.
-Clayton
2025 09 08
Dave sports Don’t Fret. Chicago, Illinois. June, 2025. © Clayton Hauck
-Clayton
2025 09 07
The road to the Maryland coast. August, 2024. © Clayton Hauck
Around this time last year I was out east making photos fro Ocean City, Maryland tourism. It’s been a rather slow year, but considering I haven’t even gotten around to posting the images I made over a year ago now, it seems I’m doing a great job of keeping myself occupied (and likely focusing on the wrong things).
I am definitely not a beach person, but I do love the vibes on the Atlantic coast. The grittier the better. Ocean City was an enjoyable place, and not just because they were paying me to be there.
-Clayton
2025 09 06
Anderson Japanese Gardens. Rockford, Illinois. May, 2025. © Clayton Hauck
-Clayton
2025 09 05
Another Busted Car. May, 2025. Chicago, Illinois. © Clayton Hauck
They should move Labor Day to September 5th. Nine to Five. Get it?
-Clayton
2025 09 03
Playing music alone in the park. Chicago, Illinois. July, 2025. © Clayton Hauck
As I learn to navigate being an artist, I think it’s vital to manage your voice. What are you saying, both literally and visually through your work. To be candid, this is not something I’m good at. I’m not even sure it’s something I want to be good at. This is perhaps the biggest hurdle that has been keeping me relegated to an artistic tradesperson.
I was reminded this week that the things you say and do are interpreted differently by every single person digesting them. Perhaps it’s an ego thing, but I often forget this and speak as though we’re all on the same page. We’re all in on the same knowledge and have the same perspectives, when clearly the exact opposite is true.
I think one of the amazing things about art is that is unifies and bridges gaps between everyone’s unique perspectives. This is not a profound statement by any means, and perhaps I should’ve been writing this a few decades ago as a student, but I mean it merely as a reminder to myself. Focus more on what I want to say through my work, and less on posting stuff just because: it’s pretty; I’m supposed to; to feed the algorithm; to remind people I exist.
We all can play music alone in the park, but those of us playing with purpose will find the audience they are seeking.
-Clayton