Tomasz, I valued listening to your guest Gerry and thank you. Gerry's striking black and white photographs capture the stark history of the poor and underprivileged. Like Gerry, my father passed away from cancer 47 years ago, around the time I was delving into film photography. Although I took photos of my dad, I wish I had documented more of his life. Gerry's interview brought back cherished memories of my father.
Thanks for sharing your story. You never forget your father. For me dad is gone now 9 years, 10 in February and I still think of him every day. Am glad the interview brought back those father memories for you as well.
Gerry, I really appreciate your work in Mae Sot and capture of their lives, the compassionate capture of their plight and the follow-on of not just capture of these scenes and people but your assistance to them as well. It's a photographic and giving project close to my heart too. I also love your use of black and white to capture the true feeling of the scenes and plight of the Mae Sot people. Also, the colour night shots - very interesting and compelling. In December I'll be up on the Mae Hong Son area in Thailand with the aim of capturing the Karen Tribes but in general the communities there. On you other initiative of photographing your Dad's passing, I have also done this to capture the feelings we felt at this time. I look forward to seeing more of your work!
Thanks so much for your very kind words. Like I said in the interview. The best thing about photography is the people you meet along the way. A pleasure to meet you today. Enjoy your time in Thai/ Try to learn to speak some Thai and Karen. Speaking and sharing cultures, is always a good way to make friends and photographs. I spent some time in one of the Karen refugee camps (Mae La). A great people that have been at war forever.
Gerry is a true artist, inventing something unique that didn't exist before him and won't exist after him. Gerry shows us the beauty in the midst of the ugliness. A child on a pile of trash is as beautiful as a child in a pretty suit. And it also shows us that the tragedy of our world is that some people have too many things while others have nothing. Our world suffers from the greed of some while others ask for almost nothing, just what Gerry gives them, a little compassion and a lot of respect.
Thanks Gerry, you blew my mind.
Thank you for the very kind words, Simon. I have learned so much from the children at the dump, they have taught me many things. The children there find joy in the most difficult situations, as well as exhibit patience, happiness, love and devotion to their families. I am so lucky to have met and spent time with them.
@JGZ