I can’t believe that 2023 is here. The last year has been incredible, full of wonderful work, tons of learning, and experiences that have changed me for the better.
Over and over, I am humbled by how generous people are to let me step into their world for a while to take photos with them. Being a working artist can often feel so vulnerable, but the warmth and genuine interactions that I have had in every single session this year have reinforced my love for this work. Having incredible clients is such a gift.
This year, I started a long project, facilitating community members and students across Southern Maine to make images using 35mm film cameras and again, I am just blown away by the enthusiasm and creativity of my students. I can’t wait until the final finished project is put together, so I can share it with everyone.
Each year, I like to send a list of 5 things I found that I want to share:
1. Libélula Books. My friends opened up a bookstore in a historic building in Barrio Logan. Libélula is a beautiful store, it is a celebration of books and culture and when you walk through the doors it is everything that a book store should be. If you are in San Diego, please support them! They are wonderful people doing wonderful things.
2. Vivian Maier “ The Color Work” by Colin Westerbeck and Joel Meyerowitz. Vivian Meyer made over 150,000 images in her lifetime, but chose to show them to no one. Her work would have been lost after her death, except that a man bought a box full of undeveloped film at an auction and discovered a body of work that is remarkable. I actually get choked up when I look at Vivian Meier’s images. They are so beautiful.
3. “Everything Everywhere All At Once” If you haven’t watched this movie yet, please go do this. This movie is a treasure that had me actually in some sort of hysterics while flying home from San Diego.
4. “Ologies” It’s my favorite podcast ever. It’s a science podcast for grownups. Equal parts funny and informative. I love learning and this podcast is satisfying for so many reasons.
5. Finally, I want to share with you a poem, “Catalog of Unabashed Gratitude” by Ross Gay. This poem was brought to my attention earlier this year and I was struck by its energy and how it proclaims gratitude without the oppressive toxic positivity that is so inescapable. In the poem the author is visited by a robin in a dream and…
…I knew upon waking
it was telling me
in no uncertain terms
to bellow forth the tubas and sousaphones,
the whole rusty brass band of gratitude
not quite dormant in my belly-
it said so in a human voice,
“Bellow forth”-
and who among us could ignore such odd
and precise counsel?
I just wanted to close by saying thank you. This year has been incredible. I am constantly filled with unabashed gratitude for the people who bring me into their lives for a while to make art with them. Being a photographer is truly the best job in the whole world and I am thankful every day that I get to do it.
I hope that you are healthy, happy, and well. I hope that 2023 is a wonderful year. I hope that we get to see eachother again soon!