The Mountain's Other Side

Alan Ballew

Born and raised in the state of Missouri, USA. 

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Missouri's nickname is the "Show Me State" and the state mascot is the mule.  Both speak to a spirit of stubborn independence which forms part of the "Missouri character."  

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I have been taking pictures since 1968, mostly for my own personal pleasure and as gifts for my family and friends.  For me, it is a way seeing the world in a manner different than simply as a backdrop to our lives.  Most of our lives are spent in a tunnel - getting from "here" to "there."  We are fixated mostly on the "there', and frequently do not take the time to look around and see the "here" that is the moments of our lives.