So yes, it has been relatively quiet on the photography front post end of my degree, that’s to be expected considering the sheer volume of work I created in 2021 alone. It ended with a huge crescendo being awarded a prize of academic excellence, as well as the news that an application for a scholarship to study Masters was accepted. I was stoked. In all honesty it could have not ended better after 4 + years of paying my way though full-time study (yes a pat on my own back thank you!). Recharging the batteries is great.
I’ve also been prioritising meeting like minded communities and people as we move forward into this ‘new world order’ as we are told. I just deleted a huge paragraph that discussed my own thoughts surrounding covid and freedom of choice, as I can’t be bothered with wasting my time with this narrative anymore. It has all got so tiring with the lack of common sense in society right now, where opinions are seen as facts, while facts are opinions- all served – policed and censored by greedy big tech, corrupted big Pharma, and power hungry Governments. There are no other views or thoughts allowed against the ‘truths’ we are force fed. If you have not read the book or seen the movie 1984 go check it out. I feel like I’m living on another planet to be honest. Anyway, we have made our choices and that’s that. Some against their will though, that is heartbreaking. I truly wish everyone the best of luck as this mess unfolds, and if I can help anyone in anyway, please let me know.
Meanwhile if you want to see alternative views, or looking for help and advice please check out Dr. W. Malone (Telegram), Dr. Peter McCullough (Telegram), and Voices for Freedom (Telegram), & Voices for Freedom (website).
What about the beekeeping project? The first proof of the Canterbury beekeepers book was not the best to be honest as I chose a cheap option of print for hand in- as costs were already off the charts shooting and developing so much imagery. This year I aim to create more beekeeping portraits and even rescan the vast collection if need be to make the image quality better for print. I’m pretty sure that won’t need to happen, but the process from capture to print is definitely a journey and a commitment. Similar to image making, at the moment this beekeeping book is at the bottom of my to do list as I finish other projects and invest my time in other stuff I love to do. On the work side of things I’m rebuilding my photo business again and also decided to reboot my graphic design services over at Paul James Design, so if you need any branding or want to get online with a website, please let me know. I’m also offering tutoring that includes developing your own black and white film, or how to use your camera while making meaningful bodies of work.
This update is not my best, but it’s something- and at the moment something is fine with me. Meanwhile, let’s celebrate good health, nourishing food, good people, joy and the healing sunshine away from screens. Let’s look up at the light filtering though the wise trees, and feel the radiant heat from the earth beneath our bare feet. Let’s enjoy the music and dance with smiles and a verse. None of which needs a login or a passport. Yesterday I went to the mountains and sat amongst the trees and next to a raging river in my camper van as the rain hit the roof. I had my camera loaded, and for the first time in 3 months was present within the image making process again as I headed out for a walk amongst the elders. There will always be magic in loading a camera film, and hearing that gentle click as the shutter fires then making the results appear with chemistry. Sometimes I forget that.
Here are a selection of images captured since November and I guess they reflect the downtime, things I love to do, places I like to explore and spend my time, and not really having any goals other than just capturing something to keep the narrative moving forward in my work and story.
