In Plain Sight

Thursday, October 10, 2013

The Second Atlas

One evening, not long after I photographed the Atlas in Buckhead, I spied a second Atlas. He was perched on the crest of a hill along my daily commute. I was surprised to see an Atlas "in the middle of nowhere" and quickly turned my car around to take pictures. None of the other drivers seemed to notice. You would think he'd have been more of a spectacle - he's pretty large! But, no. We daily commuters focus only on the road... or our phones... or the radio... or the food we've spilled in our laps... not the spectacular.

When Atlas first appeared in Buckhead (many years ago), there were actually three individual Atlas sculptures. One was near the center of Buckhead at Roswell Rd. and Irby Ave. The Second Atlas was placed on Pharr Rd., a block from Peachtree St. He carried a globe and advertised a gym. I believe that this Second Atlas is the sculpture I saw on Windy Hill Rd. The Third Atlas was installed at Spring St. and Linden Ave. and is still there. (I will have to take a picture!)

The three Atlases have different gestures and personalities. The First Atlas is somber and introspective. The Second Atlas has curly hair and an 80's style. When I saw him on Windy Hill Rd., he was chained in the holding yard of a construction firm, held in place by a crane and surrounded by fences. His only company was a billboard for the Pink Plumber and the occasional passing bird. I felt that he was ready to party, but that he didn't have a lot of options.

The Second Atlas has moved on since I took these photos. I meant to ask permission to take pictures from inside the fence. I wanted a closer shot of his face. I wanted to see if he was made of mesh and if he was somewhat transparent like the First Atlas. Too late. Sometimes these perfect subjects get away before I can ask all my questions.

Atlas from the roadway

Windy Hill Rd. at Dixie Ave

Atlas and the Pink Plumber billboard

Closer view

A quiet moment between a man and his billboard

Atlas from another angle, showing the crane behind him

Atlas with his chains and the crane

Closer view of Atlas' head and hand

A peaceful place for birds to rest

Caterpillar Garden

The Caterpillar Garden is a public sculpture just North of Lake Nickajack on Hwy. 24. Created by sculptor, William Ralston, it is located in the rest stop where it charms and lifts the spirits of weary travelers.

Entrance to the Caterpillar Garden

South side of the sculpture

Center caterpillar

Caterpillars posing

Close-up of the expression of the caterpillar on the left

Group shot

Extreme posing for the caterpillar on the right

View toward the the rest stop building

View of the sculpture and the highway

I love this sculpture!

Frosty Caboose

Fabulous frosty treats in the heart of Chamblee!

The Frosty Caboose

Peachtree Rd, Chamblee

Ramp to the front window

Frosty treats and friendly smiles!
The owner is on the left

Street-side signage

Track-side view

Back 'o the caboose

Monday, October 7, 2013

The Burden of Atlas

Have you heard the old stories of Atlas and how he was fated to carry the heavens on his shoulders? Well... apparently Atlas has moved to Buckhead and he is shouldering signage for advertisers instead. The pay is better, but, oh! the weather!

Atlas promotes a Sherwin Williams paint store

Roswell Rd at Irby Ave

Buckhead

Front view of Atlas

Close-up of Atlas' face

Atlas clearly takes his work seriously. You can tell by his expression that he's a professional.

View from below

Side face view

He's made of tough stuff.

Fierce titty tattoos

Over time, some parts have fallen away...

Left hand

But Atlas maintains his determined foothold.

View of Atlas' left foot

And his hunky-ness.

Back view and his buns of steel mesh

Atlas recommends that you get out of the rain by visiting the One Star Ranch on the other side of Irby Avenue. He recommends the BBQ and fries.

One Star Ranch restaurant

Irby Ave, Buck-head

This is traditionally recognized as the spot where, in the 1800's, Henry Irby built his saloon and nailed a deer head over the door so that his customers could fine him. This was clever branding before there was "branding." The brand overtook the location and, all these years later, the neighborhood is known as Buckhead. You can raise a toast to Atlas (outside in the rain) while you're there.