And all the time the fruit swells and the flowers break out in long clusters on the vines. And in the growing year the warmth grows and the leaves turn dark green. The prunes lengthen like little green bird's eggs, and the limbs sag down against the crutches under the weight. And the hard little pears take shape, and the beginning of the fuzz comes out on the peaches. Grape blossoms shed their tiny petals and the hard little beads become green buttons, and the buttons grow heavy.
Interstial Space
There but for the grace of God.
It’s like a psychic power but for some reason I have either been gifted, or else developed a keen sense of who to ask to let me photograph them, knowing subconsciously that they have a story to tell. Steve was walking down the canal towpath coming directly towards me; he was giving me all the signals that said ‘pay attention, this person has depth beyond his immediate appearance’. He had confidence in his stride, his gait was powerful, controlled and belied a person with great self discipline. He exuded the strong, hyper-masculine air of a body builder but there was something else, a vulnerability that I could almost feel like a crackle of static in the air. He must have noticed me noticing him because as we drew level he nodded in acknowledgment. That confirmed my suspicions and without breaking step I swung round and engaged with him. I was right. He had the most incredibly and profound story to tell but that will be for another time. So profound was the connection that he agreed to be photographed again, perhaps even over time. We will see but stay tuned for his story.
Interstitial Space
There is an interstitial moment between childhood and adulthood where confidence and enthusiasm spiral in a whirligig vortex of raging hormones and crippling self-doubt. Three-dimensional space makes no sense here; you cannot tell up from down, how to navigate forward or step sideways. You lurch from one crystal moment to the next and in between everything is foggy and indeterminate. But I found these three in a moment of crystalline beauty and clarity. Their sensitivity and self-assurance richly expressed in their willingness to engage with me, to show interest and curiosity as well as acceptance.
Isis
The energetic bounce in her gait was equally matched by the energetic bounce in her character; it was impossible to miss. So much positive energy was exuding from her wonderfully flamboyant presence that it was impossible to ignore. Unsurprisingly she works in the creative industries and is a photographer herself.
I asked her friend to hold her ice-cream and felt bad for him as my enthusiasm focused on her. I reassured him that I was sure he was equally as interesting and positive and that it was the visual presence of Isis that was so compelling. He laughed and joked that having seen YouTube videos of street portraiture being done he was excited to see one happen for real.
First Date
First Date
I found them in Victoria Park, lying carelessly against each others, the grass murmurous with tiny busy insects and the rich summer sun oozing into warm open pores. I felt I might be intruding into such intimate moment but they welcomed be with warm hearts. Their comfort with each other belied their familiarity; ‘it’s actually our first date’ one said. I took their picture and wished them well.
Regal
Arriving at Willlesden Junction sunday morning for the start of another great walk from here to there across London. The target this time was Victoria Park, another 18.5 miles.
Veronica was waiting for her son to collect her and take her to an art exhibition. She look so completely regal and composed I could not resist but ask to photograph her.
