possibilities...Medford Taylor and David Alan Harvey

Last Thursday, Sept 3, Sweet Briar College opened a show by the photographer Medford Taylor, who was on hand to speak about his work. This particular group of photographs are part of an ongoing series of Mexico, with some emphasis on the migration of the Monarch butterfly. Medford has been all over the world in the last 40 years or so, working for magazines and newspapers, notably the National Geographic, and this is the first exhibition he has done using all digital technology. His work is searingly colorful, beautifully printed, containing quiet moments of restless energy. His compositions reminded me of how much I miss using a 35mm camera with its ability to be an extension of the eye, used instinctively, and oh so quickly, compared to the view camera. There is sheer joy in Medford's work that is, I think, a characteristic of his personality that has been translated onto his images. I find most photojournalists to be intensely curious about everything, with an ability to look very carefully, minutely, and make a rapid decision about it photographically. Medford certainly fits in with that description, and I look forward to his working with some of my students in October, when he is a resident at the VCCA.
I often tell myself that I cannot imagine or predict an unexpected fork in the road, or an important event, but to always be open to the possibility. I always say, in my few moments of what I consider real clarity, "you just never know", and this proved itself at the opening that night when one of the people at the event was David Alan Harvey. We are in a very small school in fairly rural virginia, and in walks one of the people who was an early inspiration of mine, when I was in high school. At 17, I decided I wanted to be either Sam Abell or David Harvey, and although I decided not to pursue photojournalism, I have watched for work by the two of them since about 1978. I could not have been more pleased or surprised to suddenly be having a conversation with David, and to be able to hang out for drinks and dinner until late that evening.
I knew a bit about what he is trying to accomplish with Burn Magazine, but speaking with him about it, his energy, enthusiasm and dedication left me with such a hopeful feeling about what one person with the right attitude can do. The next afternoon in my mailbox was the new issue of Photo District News, and the interview article was with David Harvey, talking about Burn Magazine!
I don't know what all this means to me, all this "coincidence". Maybe it doesn't mean anything in any specific way, but what it does mean that its true...that statement I made earlier...you just never know.