Tuesday, January 25, 2022
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Already a fan of this amazing vision and
skill in mobile photo editing, this was but a mere facet of this genius. Each
photo share came with a written verse that sprung from deep within his psyche
and seemed to make his offering complete.
So what made his most recent photo set hit
home?
My years on earth have taught me many things.
Sadly, with all of the good this place has to
offer we are subject to many things that are not so good. In this age of “If it
breaks, buy a new one” many have been desensitized to appreciate and cherish
our simple possessions in place of material objects that feed a constant cycle
of upgrades, versions 2.0, and turbo this…
These stories of underprivileged children
proved difficult for me to view and read.
As difficult as it was, it gave me a lasting
sense of hope that someone cared enough to bring this story to my attention.
Humanity lives…
But this isn't about me so let's listen to Joseph.
Please note this statement about privacy.
Joseph:
I was asked to do a project by the school and the teacher of this class. I was given permission by the school administration. All of the parents were informed that we would be taking photos of their kids. We also provided copies of the project to all of the parents. All of the names used for the students are not real to protect their privacy.
*
Slp:
Tell us the root of this series:
But this isn't about me so let's listen to Joseph.
Please note this statement about privacy.
Joseph:
I was asked to do a project by the school and the teacher of this class. I was given permission by the school administration. All of the parents were informed that we would be taking photos of their kids. We also provided copies of the project to all of the parents. All of the names used for the students are not real to protect their privacy.
*
Slp:
Tell us the root of this series:
Joseph:
For the past three years I have been volunteering my time with the school across the street from my home. I knew when I moved into the neighborhood that the school didn’t have the best reputation, similar to the school that I attended as a child.
Reputation aside, I came to depend on this school to start my day by hearing the roar of school buses in the morning followed by the clatter of children outside my front room window. This was my auditory ‘Red-Bull’, a sign that my day had begun.
I happen to be walking in front of the school one afternoon gathering my thoughts (I do this often). A teacher asks what I was doing and who I was. I told him I lived across the street and I was just taking a walk. He told me if I had time to walk in front of the school, I had time to volunteer in the school. This was the ultimate ‘pay-it-forward’ for me. I depended on the noise of the school to start my day and now I had an opportunity to thank the school and students by volunteering my time. A fair trade in my humble opinion.
All of my school projects to date have incorporated my love for mobile photography and writing. My most recent project ‘Favorite Thing’ would not be any different, or so I thought…From the very moment each student removed their favorite thing from their backpacks to the very last photo I took, I knew that I had just experienced something very special. That brief and magical moment of empathy between subject and photographer. The more I looked into these students’ eyes, the more they revealed brief snippets of their lives outside of school. The more I heard their stories, I began to realize that the reflection of myself I saw in their eyes was truly a reflection of my own childhood in many ways.
Perhaps, this was a story that I had been meaning to tell my entire life.
Slp:
Shall we introduce some of these children to our readers?
For the past three years I have been volunteering my time with the school across the street from my home. I knew when I moved into the neighborhood that the school didn’t have the best reputation, similar to the school that I attended as a child.
Reputation aside, I came to depend on this school to start my day by hearing the roar of school buses in the morning followed by the clatter of children outside my front room window. This was my auditory ‘Red-Bull’, a sign that my day had begun.
I happen to be walking in front of the school one afternoon gathering my thoughts (I do this often). A teacher asks what I was doing and who I was. I told him I lived across the street and I was just taking a walk. He told me if I had time to walk in front of the school, I had time to volunteer in the school. This was the ultimate ‘pay-it-forward’ for me. I depended on the noise of the school to start my day and now I had an opportunity to thank the school and students by volunteering my time. A fair trade in my humble opinion.
All of my school projects to date have incorporated my love for mobile photography and writing. My most recent project ‘Favorite Thing’ would not be any different, or so I thought…From the very moment each student removed their favorite thing from their backpacks to the very last photo I took, I knew that I had just experienced something very special. That brief and magical moment of empathy between subject and photographer. The more I looked into these students’ eyes, the more they revealed brief snippets of their lives outside of school. The more I heard their stories, I began to realize that the reflection of myself I saw in their eyes was truly a reflection of my own childhood in many ways.
Perhaps, this was a story that I had been meaning to tell my entire life.
Slp:
Shall we introduce some of these children to our readers?
Joseph:
The amazing Mr. A from Nepal.
He doesn't speak a word of English trying his
best to cope. I checked his bag this morning for his favorite thing.
I could only find a dented can. He told me via
Google Translate that this was his brother's can that he had borrowed.
They kick it every day..
Miguel with his precious kitchen timer.
When asked why this was his favorite thing.
He replied, "my sister and I are alone
until our parents come home from work.
We wait in my room with this kitchen timer. We
set it four times before my mom returns from work. I love this pig."
Little Miss M –
I asked her what was the significance of the
key chain she was holding.
She replied, "this is the last thing my
mother gave me before she left."
"What happens when you pull that
cord?" I asked...
"That's when the game starts" replied
Grand Master T. "When does the game stop?" I asked...
"The game never stops...", he
replied...
"Becoming Naomi Leon", she exclaimed!
I asked if this was her favorite book?
She told me "this is my only book" as
she held it close to her.
I could sense that she was indeed Naomi Leon. I
was humbled to be in her presence.
Please visit the above link for more on this series.
Slp:
For those not familiar with Joseph W. perhaps it's time you meet him.
Joseph:
Who
is Forrest Grump? That's a very good question. My name is
Joseph W. I live near Portland, Oregon. I own a small distribution
business.
Also,
to keep my creative juices flowing, I own a company that repurposes vintage
Japanese kimono material from the 70's and 80's.
I
design and create all sorts of accessories from the kimono material ranging
from shoelaces, bra-straps, hair accessories, to dog leashes to cat collars.
The
name Forrest Grump came from my son. I use to run a lot (80 miles a week). My
hair was down past my shoulders and I always seem to have a scruffy beard.
One
day, my son told me that I looked like Forrest Gump. He added that when I
didn't run I was grumpy and that is how the name came about.
Are
you hopeful or doubtful towards the future? I'm hopelessly optimistic about
things in general.
Although
my commentary for many of my photos would lead you to believe otherwise, I tend
to believe that we are for the most part all good and simply need to be
reminded of this from time to time.
I hope that viewers can see the good in what I
do...
when was it you first took an active interest in mobile arts?
Joseph:
I have always had an interest in all things art. As a child, I would sit next to my Japanese grandfather and grind his ink for him as he composed and created his Sumi art.
My
grandfather would often categorize his artwork by taking photos of it. I
suppose when my grandpa let me borrow his 1973 Polaroid SX-70 Alpha Land Camera
is when my interest started with mobile arts.
At
the time, I considered this a mobile device because it was sleek and could fold
down virtually flat.
As
I developed my own artistic style, I would continue to take pictures of my work
(sketches and paintings) in order to keep records of it (the apple doesn't fall
from the cart.)
Fast
forward 40 years, my interest in mobile arts began with the purchase of an
iPhone 4. I was so amazed at the ability to snap quality pictures on the fly,
not to mention all of the amazing editing apps. I was hooked...
Slp:
As an appreciator for your montages/ composites you obviously know what you're doing.
Were you engaged in photo manipulation prior to your mobile days?
Joseph:
Not directly, when I was growing up I would help my friend clean his dad's dentist office. In the office there was either a Savin or Xerox photocopy machine (can't remember which model.)
I
would tape twine to the backs of the photos that I took with my grandpa's
camera and place them randomly on the copy surface.
As
the light passed through the photos, I would pull the strings with different
degrees of urgency.
The
end result was a copy montage/composite that embodied my art and added a degree
of motion or fluidity to it. I thought it was cool, I still do.
In
fact, I still keep copies of some of it within my archives.
If yes, do you think there is a difference between processes? Only in that if I do a montage, I like to use only the elements within the original art to create something new.
If yes, do you think there is a difference between processes? Only in that if I do a montage, I like to use only the elements within the original art to create something new.
As
opposed to a composite, whereby I will bring in new outside elements and
combine them to create something new. I hope that makes sense...
Slp:
Do U have any favorite apps?
Joseph:
Initially, I was like a kid in a candy store. A total app junky...
Now,
I have narrowed down my apps to just a few 'core' apps that I use: My iPhone 4
or 5 camera, Hipstamatic, Camera+, Juxtaposer, Blender, Lenslight, Photo FX,
Dramatic B&W, Big Photo.
That's
about it...Really! Any secrets you would share with regards to
editing on a small screen? (I ask this jokingly) Know when to stop.
Often
times the photos we take are fine and need very little manipulation (perhaps,
lighting/cropping), but often times the app addiction is too strong and we fall
prey to an over-app'd creation.
Slp:
aside from this series it seems you have an approach towards your snap app and tapping that leans towards poetry in motion, or lessons, observations you have perceived. Perhaps even a humanitarian approach.
Joseph:
I try to spark or stir emotion, perhaps initiate a thought process within the viewers mind with my work.
I often provide written word to add to the
'Mind Pile' in hopes that someone can find what they are looking for both
aesthetically and emotionally.
Slp:
A common subject of yours is an aging man. Is there some significance?
Steven Gasp:
Steven:
Joseph:
I had a special connection with my grandpa. He literally meant the world to me. I learned so much from him.
I suppose the subject in many of my photos
(Steven, my father-in-law) is an ode to the 'aging'. We all take this for
granted to some extent, yet we all know that this is part of our life path.
Why not embrace this and learn life's lessons
from our aging population. Hug your grandpa, love your grandma. John Keats once said; "Nothing
ever becomes real until it is experienced".
Obviously, we can learn a great deal from our
seniors who have a wealth of experience that they would love to share with us.
Slp:
Have you always expressed such creatively?
Joseph:
Like the tide in many of my photos, it has had
its ebbs and flows. Although, the 'spark' has always been a part of my DNA.
I
recall the most challenging time for me was when I worked in corporate Japan on
and off for 12 years (I speak fluent Japanese.)
I
had my favorite outdoor cafe table and would spend most of my free time people
watching in hopes that this would allow me to remain connected and not succumb
to the beige walls,
blue
and grey suits and uncomfortable office chairs. I would always do things to
keep 'connected'.
I
remember drawing portraits of people and families in my spare time and trading
my art for limited edition 'Nike' shoes with Nike employees.
Steven goes abroad:
Slp:
What is your end goal?
What is your end goal?
Joseph:
I suppose my goal all along has been to open the eyes and minds of people who view my art and read my words.
With all of my photos, the written word
frames the art and compels the viewer to dig
just a little bit deeper to find the message that relates to their life.
If I can even for a moment 'spark' some
thought or stir some emotion I am satisfied.
What do u hope to accomplish by way of
sharing this particular series as well as your art in general? With this
particular series, it is about the things we take for granted in life.
The things we take for granted that are all
around us everyday, every minute, and every second.
Our media has always portrayed 'Poverty' to
be something that happens in some third world country and with pennies a day we
can help the lives of a family overseas.
I
understand the need for us to help families all around the world. Yet, I also
understand that this is happening in our backyard.
We need to start at home and build a culture
of giving within our own society before we branch out to help those in need
abroad.
This series was a call to action for my
mobile art counterparts to do what they love (take photos/create art) and help
those in need in the process.
Slp:
Joseph, thank you for sharing your thoughts
with the mobile community,
and thank you Brad for giving us a platform
to share it.
