
inauspicious
Antava is a cascadian black metal band from the bay area, my homie Tyler Parkerson is the bassest and slayer of the band and used one of my photos for their first album Sliva:Return. Recently I had a strange encounter with Antava. Putrid, stinky, and frazzled I stepped into a shanty aged janitor closet between the photo room and the music hall I found a shower. A lewd disinfectant bath with a detachable spigot that produced a thin stream of warm water. I stepped into the vulgar box and the moment I turned the crusted faucet on, the depths of hell rang in the room next door. I had turned on satans orchestra with the twist of the wrist. Naked, slimey, baffled and confused. Why am I naked in a janitors closet at school as a harmony of pounding donkheads ring next door?
The watchful eye that gawks upon your smoking lips in this West Marin cranny is no normal sanctuary. This refuge is a hidden spot at the foot of Mt. Tamalpais on the west side, surrounded by balanced stones and an indelible rock bench. The eye that glares at your presence is part of the alchemy that makes this place so magical as do the hard work of Danny, Lukas, and Leland who keep this spot so pure. The thrashed effect that appears on this shot is from my reel jamming as I was developing the negatives, yet it wasn't the end of the world for I was awarded with this unique effect. Enjoy!!

ANTHEM II trailer from Stew Johnson on Vimeo.