Art and Autos at the Container Yard
What makes a car meet special? Is it the uniqueness of the automobiles in attendance? Is it the oddball characters who have flocked to and created car culture as it is? Is it the legacy of those who parked and talked shop in the past? Each of these things definitely contribute to the overall impressiveness of an automotive gathering. As a photojournalist however, I don’t think these three factors carry much weight when the gathering occurs at a plane Jane parking lot. It doesn’t matter if the cars in attendance are original GT40 race cars or patina covered 60’s JDM classics. If the car sits in a boring parking lot, some of the magic is lost. One of the most frustrating aspects of trying to capture a car at a meet is the surroundings. Last month at Supercar Sunday, there was a picture perfect white Ford RS200. I was excited to try and capture the car in a unique way. Unfortunately, every available angle was disturbed by either the beat up grey Nissan Sentra on one side, or the comprehensive lounge setup of the owner on the other side. While some enthusiasts will bring a folding lawn chair to a longer car event, the owner of the RS200 brought an umbrella, a lounge chair, a cooler, and a giant bag filled with snacks for him and his friends. In addition to these two distractions, the parking lot itself is just a bland backdrop. 3/4 views become dull and muted. The grey asphalt overpowers the glistening paint with its boring reflection. The parking lines themselves can provide a frustrating distraction if a car isn’t parked properly. Lastly, beyond the crowds, the dull atmosphere, the idiosyncrasies of overpacking owners, and the interloping commuter cars sharing the space, parking lot meets are a chore because cars are meant to be driven. They are moving objects and without motion or an interesting background, the photos can become soulless and sterile.
This last weekend, for what may be the last time, the incredible Container Yard in Downtown Los Angeles graciously opened its mural covered gates for the Caffeine & Classics car meet. Deep in the heart of the Arts District, the Container Yard is a creative compound of remarkable beauty. The yard has a rich history. The compound started out as the first Mikawaya Mochi Factory. The property has four distinct lots that were joined by the late Francis Hashimoto and her husband. The Container Yard project began in 2013 and local artists modified the space. The passionate group covered every inch of the storied brick buildings with soul enriching murals and three dimensional art. Small businesses blend into the artwork and add life to the space. I particularly appreciate their crediting ethos. When film scouts consider the space, they must also recognize the artists who made it special. Outside of simple venue costs, the artists must also be compensated for the use of their artwork. As a struggling artist I especially appreciate this. While I don’t know the names of the individuals who put the work and love into this space. I would like to say thank you for your efforts. I would love to shake your hands and hear your stories.
Arriving at the Container Yard bright and early in typical Blacktop fashion. We had the chance to appreciate the amazing atmosphere before the cars rolled in and added their flavor to the space. The four areas of the place are distinct and fascinating. When you first roll in, you are treated by a full building mural with swirls of vibrant colors. The store space on the right was clean and tidy with bright walls and tons of seating space. Across the yard from the stores, there is a fantastic open aired building with beautiful exposed beams crossing the high ceiling. A powerful blue mural of what may be a vengeful thoughtful Poseidon demanded the attention of the space. The third area we were to be using was overflow parking in the rear of the facility. Despite not being inside, the walls here too were covered in remarkable artwork. The on hand staff had set up a DJ and were playing the catchy Rockabilly tunes that have become synonymous with classic car culture. Soon enough, the stream of automobiles began to flock through the gate. The event filled three of the four lot areas within the first two hours. While I could go into great detail about each car that drove to the event, the truth is, the cars don’t matter here. It wouldn’t have mattered if we all drove 1990 Honda civics, or Koenigseggs and Paganis. In a space as incredible as the Container Yard, anything will feel more alive and beautiful than the nicest of cars, in the nicest of parking spaces, in the nicest of boring old car parks. I highly recommend you take the trip to the Container Yard in Downtown Los Angeles. Until then, appreciate these images.
