The current issue of Wired has a maze of power lines on its cover. Inside, there is a small blurb informing the reader that New York fashion photographer Christopher Griffith took the pix for his upcoming book, Power Tokyo.

Intrigued, I called Griffith. He muttered a few complaints about how Wired smacked some inappropriate type on a red background on his image, to near devastating effect.

The limited edition book will probably be out next spring in a large format, 13 x 17, priced $75 like some of his previous books. [There is one called BLOWN - exquisite images of blown tires that he collected over two years from all over the country].

So here is the story. Griffith was on a 3-day layover in Tokyo a few years back and was awed by the power lines. "It is a very considered and organized place. And you look above your head and its complete and utter madness."

He went back several times - including nine days last year - assembling a block of about 100 images.

Each time he visited, he was entralled by huge pylons marching across the landscape. Ride in from Narita Airport to central Tokyo, he said, "and the infrastructure of electricity is unbelievable." That is unlike, New York, where Griffith lives, where the power just kind of "is." Some have explained to him that the reason the power grid is so above ground in Japan is the fear of earthquakes. Buried lines would be harder to repair if disaster strikes.

"Tokyo is unapologetic about it." 

Griffith is a commercial advertising photographer shooting "planes, trains and automobiles" for banks and other such clients. 

His passion is a very personal style of abstract photography - and books, which he collects. "In this digital age, people still yearn for the printed page," he said.

POWER TOKYO, he said, "Is an art project one does on the side to keep oneself amused."

To see his work, click here: POWER TOKYO [ www.christophergriffith.com ], click on projects, then click on POWER TOKYO.