As I find that I usually do at this time of the year, I've spent some time in the "introspective" cave of winter, looking at what direction I want to steer my journey at this point in the adventure, why, and most of all, what is my heart's deepest desire to contribute to the brilliant collective tapestry of life, and how I see it through my camera. We are such beautiful souls, and all so brave and powerful. Sometimes we're the last ones to know that about ourselves - until we see it through the eyes of another. I'm honored to be that "other", and I never take it lightly when someone allows me to photograph them.
As I've been editing my life, I decided to edit my almost 10 binders of thousands and thousands of negatives as well, from back when I only shot film. Lots and lots of film. It was, and continues to be, incredibly cathartic, as I've come to realize that I have literally documented my entire life, from the time I was old enough to have my own camera (and not steal my mother's), to present day. I have documented the people who have entered and exited my life - in all their gorgeous human courage, and vulnerability. It's what I always see in people, because I see it in myself - that incredible human vulnerability, and how, when you remove judgement and expectation, there is truly, honestly, only beauty. As I look at their faces, I remember them, and I'm reminded that this is what matters ... what we leave with each other, and how we made each other feel in our best intentioned moments together.
I'll be sharing these photos as I scan them, and when I asked my Beloved Creator which image She wanted me to share first, I opened one binder, to one page, to one strip of negatives, to one single frame (in now, only FOUR binders of negatives), to find a long forgotten photograph of my Father in his dental office. He spent over 50 years being a dentist, and the finest I've ever known, truly. (I just had a stubborn filling replaced that was done by him over 30 years ago, and I was proud to tell the frustrated dentist that it was the work of my father.)
To begin this particular journey of remembering the people, places and experiences of my most amazing, simple and profound life, I begin with ... A portrait of my father.
Until we meet again dad, I know that you are as near as my many thoughts of you.