It's easy to think about exotic places when thinking of creating a beautiful image. However, some of the best places are right next door. This is a scene I come across almost everyday during my morning runs around West Seattle. I always think, "One day I'm going to come out here with a camera." So I did.
Image created with Leica M6 + Ilford Delta 400 + Zeiss 50mm f/2.0 at f/8.0. Developed in Ilford DD-X at ASA 1600.
One of the most rewarding volunteer experiences this year was the two quarters I mentored young people in photography at Youth In Focus. Founded by Walter Bodle , the mission of Youth In Focus reads is:
to empower urban youth, through photography, to experience their world in new ways and to make positive choices for their lives.
For six hours a week I had the privilege of working with some of the brightest, most thoughtful, creative, and talented people (not just youth) I've ever known. I honestly believe I learned more from them then they learned from me. I could go on and on about what these students mean to me and how they've improved my skill in photography and my outlook on life, but I'll suffice it to say that I emerged from this experience a much better person and much more skilled artist. Thanks to all the wonderful people who make this program what it is.
Chris creating video clips for a project he is doing for Youth In Focus. Kate Burnley mentored with me in the Beginning Black and White class. I really love the work she does in and out of the classroom. Check out her site. Image created with Leica M6 + Ilford HP5+.
The end of quarter show where the students display their work to their friends and family. This is the show everybody works towards.
Trina Gadsden, Executive Director of Youth In Focus (black dress), looks on proudly as the students individually present their work.
The White Pines cutting ceremony at The Whidbey Institute was a special day for me. About a month before this day took place, I was attending the Whidbey Island Bioneers. The Bioneers event was the first time I visited Whidbey Island. I found it to be a truly special place as there is something here that is generative, calm, and restful. It's a great place not only to relax and reflect, but to grow, build appreciations, and recharge.
During one of the sessions, Gabriel Shirley recognized that two of the White Pines, due to disease, were becoming a liability and would be cut down in December. The Pines were originally planted by the founders of the Institute, and have thus been part of this environment and community, over 100 years ago when it first began.
Before making any images of these trees, I stood next to them for about half an hour, thinking about all of the life that has been affected by their presence, from the people who come in contact with them, to all of the insects, birds, disease, and other organisms that have found some sort of haven here. Only after I felt a deeper sense of meaning and appreciation did I unpack the Mamiya RB67, load up the film, and begin photographing. I chose this camera and classic film stock (Kodak Tri-X 400) because that's what would have been used when these trees were in their prime.
Image made with Mamiya RB67 with Kodak Tri-X 400 and developed in Kodak HC-110.
Image made with Mamiya RB67 with Kodak Tri-X 400 and developed in Kodak HC-110.
Image made with Mamiya RB67 with Kodak Tri-X 400 and developed in Kodak HC-110.
Image made with Mamiya RB67 with Kodak Tri-X 400 and developed in Kodak HC-110.
The past couple of days I got a chance to get away for a couple of days to Vancouver, BC. Originally intending just to attend the (Hollyhock)[http://hollyhock.ca) launch party, I decided to make the time a little more fun and look for a opportunities to connect with art, culture, and people in addition to the event.
Bike shop next to where I'm writing this blog post (down the block from Lunapads)
The day before leaving I headed to Google to search for "cultural things to do in Vancouver" when I came across a very well-organized resource, the Von Dop Arts & Cultural Guide to BC. Was it enough for me to simply look at the website? Of course not. I value human connections, so I figured I'd give it a shot and try to meet the people who put this resource together. So, with very little notice, I reached out via Twitter to @Art_BC and asked if they could make any time to meet. A few hours later I had an email address and a welcome.
The front of the Von Dop Gallery
After a fun experience at the border crossing (read not so fun), the rest of my experiences thus far in BC have been excellent. Trudy and Chester welcomed me into their beautiful home/gallery, brewed some herbal tea, and sat down with me to provide an overview of the art guide, how it came about, and how they are working with artists to help create opportunities for them to share their craft with locals and tourists. It was a real treat to be able to spend some time with these two in such a comfortable and welcoming setting. If you find yourself visiting this area, I definitely recommend checking out their site.
Chester and Trudy of Art-BC
The Hollyhock launch party was fun, but the highlight was the time I got to spend with two former classmates from BGI Hilary and Alexa. This morning I finally got a chance to see the interior of Lunapads and had breakfast with the co-owner Madeleine Shaw. I always enjoy seeing people for who they are outside of the workplace. Madeleine is a very interesting, thoughtful, and fun person. Now it's off to the Museum of Anthropology. See you when I get back.
Madeleine Shaw of Lunapads
