ART?

It has taken a while, but I finally have a second to give some context to these photos. I took them last weekend in Shatana, Jordan, an almost deserted town in the northwest corner of the country. For two weeks about 15 artists from around the world converge on this town to share their artistic insights with humanity. They travel thousands of miles and come to Shatana to "feel the vibe of the earth" and create visual art installations. I tried really hard to appreciate this work; like the giant beach ball made out of shower curtains, or the wall of clothes shown above. Ultimately the mystery prevailed. Later my friend and I took a cab to Irbid, the second largest town in Jordan. We intended to relax at our hotel and have a few beers. Unfortunately Irbid is probably one of the few dry college towns in the world. Defeated, we retired early to our room only to find the satellite cable teeming with adult movie channels, which gave me an idea for my own visual art installation for next year.

BECOMING A PHOTOGRAPHER by Steve McCurry

The following post is from the blog of one of my favorite photographers, Steve McCurry. It seemed apropos.

"When people ask me how they can become a photographer, I almost never mention cameras, lenses, or technique. I say, ‘If you want to be a photographer, first leave home.’ As Paul Theroux, a great writer and friend, further advises, “Go as far as you can. Become a stranger in a strange land. Acquire humility. Leaving home really means that the photographer (or writer) has to wander, observe, and to paraphrase Theroux, concentrate on people in their landscape. That is what I try to achieve in my pictures."

DANA NATURE RESERVE

These photos are from Dana National Reserve in southern Jordan. Rising up out of the desert is this mini Grand Canyon. It's quite beautiful. On the edge of the canyon is a little 8 room eco-lodge with basic accommodations, but with the most incredible decks I've ever seen. I was supposed to stay the night at this lodge, but had to run back to Amman to open up a show for a friend. It has been about 3 years since I've played the guitar in front of strangers, and because of a hectic work schedule I was unable to practice. It was nice feeling nervous; a feeling I don't often get. I played 6 songs, didn't forget any lyrics, and only sang in the wrong key twice. At Dana I hit the exposure every time. Looks like I picked the right field.

AL-SIJILL TEAR SHEETS

FOLLOWING THE MASSES: ALWAYS A BAD IDEA

Tonight I was told to go shoot the singer featured in the the bottom photo. This is where the language barrier rears its deformed little head. I was told the show was at the old Roman amphitheater, a prominent downtown landmark. When I arrived, there were throngs of people heading inside, all carrying tickets. I had no ticket, just a photo ID badge made on the computer and the assurance that I was "on the list". At each of the three military checkpoints I came to, the soldiers had big guns, but no apparent "list". I explained in a tongue they couldn't understand that I was on the list and they told me each time "no" and made me stand aside. A few seconds later I continued on through the checkpoint unimpeded. Once I was inside the amphitheater and escorted to the photography pit, I recognized some familiar faces (the 6 Jordanian press corp members) and began shooting. First came the bagpipers, then the children dancers, then adult dancers. After an hour I feared something was wrong. I asked the photographer next to me if a pretty singer was part of tonight's show, and he informed me through his laughter that she was performing in a small theatre adjacent to the Roman amphitheater. I made my way out and luckily caught the last two songs of said singer. I really need to learn more Arabic other than swear words!

FIRST JORDANIAN TEAR SHEETS

Today marked a significant day for me. Al-Sijill magazine was published for the first time and it looks great. The magazine features about 25 of my photos including the cover. It has been well received, and I'm told the articles (in Arabic) are fantastic and push the limits of freedom of the press here in Jordan. The tear sheets above are from another magazine I shot for called Nox, roughly the Arab version of Maxim. In the next few days I'll put up some more samples, but for now I'm going to drink a lousy Amstel and celebrate!

IF I HAD A TIME MACHINE AND A MILLION FRANCS...

This is Catherine Deneuve. She is a very famous French actress who, back in her day, graced the walls of countless Parisian flats. She is now a 65 year old Grandmother, but still works tirelessly, and is considered one of the Matriarchs of French cinema. She recently starred in movie set in Lebanon. Catherine was in Amman because that film is headlining a large film festival here.

In three weeks of shooting in Amman, I have met and become a part of the Jordanian press corp, about 6 individuals; all men armed with Canons. I find it kind of nice going into a shoot knowing nothing about the subject. In fact, the guards at the door of the hotel didn't let me in at first because I forgot Catherine's name. I had to call the magazine and ask for it again. Another case of the limits of the American perspective. Had it been Megan Fox, I probably would have remembered, and she can't even act.