On Work and Play
Just a few updates since last time:
The Seawall Documentary Project has been on hold for quite a few weeks due to other photographic projects that took priority. I figure Michael C. Lam will consider resuming once he finishes with the publication of the three volumes of Guyana Photographers 10th Anniversary Photowalks. The Seawall Documentary Project seeks to document the sea defenses all across Guyana. It will take some time, but has been going well so far. Naturally, this is a good learning experience for me as a photographer and as someone who likes to explore and learn more about Guyana. COVID-19 restrictions have become less constraining recently, so I figure once the project resumes, there will be more flexibility in scheduling the walks, and certainly better light to shoot in, since the curfew has gone past the initial 6pm.
Recently, Guyana Photographers celebrated its 10th Anniversary as a group. Three weekend photowalks were organized and executed by Michael C. Lam, Brian Gomes, Tana Yussuf, and myself. Fidal Bassier lead one walk on the final weekend to Bourda Market, and Dione Vanderhyden lead one to Linden. I would go through all the walks I lead in detail, but I feel the time has passed for that, and I don’t want to make this post too lengthy. Leading the walks was simple and this was due to a very cooperative group who were already quite versed in photowalks and have their own talents in photography. Each was carried out successfully, and all three volumes are almost done, and ready to print. The work put in by Fidal Bassier, Taij Reshi, and Michael Lam is truly extraordinary. I’m truly happy to have played a part in helping this project to be a success - we all played a part, both photographers and organizers, and I feel like Guyana has just took a giant leap in the Photography arena. I’m interested to see how this evolves.
Recently, I’ve been spending more time at the Seawall Bandstand area and beach. This is where I first met Dwayne Hackett, and a whole project evolved from that. Dwayne met Carl Melville who started cleaning up the beach and seawall area by the Bandstand all on his own. Carl doesn’t have a job and is currently homeless, but has used his initiative to start something truly special, and we’ve decided to help him out. The beach has basically been transformed in the space of two weeks, and Dwayne actually created a Facebook page today (Seawalls and Beyond) to help raise awareness and get the Seawall some love and attention. I think this is a good medium to get some photos of the seawall out to help with a shift he way the seawalls and beaches are treated. Let’s see how that goes.
Last but not least, I had some thoughts about photography and how serious I should actually take it. On one hand, I want it to be playful and enjoyable, and on the other, I want it to be something meaningful and impactful. I believe the best work actually comes out of play and when we don’t try too hard to force it. Photography should be a flow, not a rigid structured act where you focus so hard on taking photos that it becomes a chore, or tires you out. I want to make sure my photography never heads in that direction. I to always work the way I want to work, and enjoy the process, and if that can help the world be a better place in the process, then that would make it that much more enjoyable.
Let me leave off here before I tire myself out. Just wanted to leave this little update before too much time passes.