The idea for a project based in Paris, my mum’s home city, emerged over the past year. An element of synchronicity played a part – discovering the writings of Patrick Modiano was pivotal (see previous blog post 3.13.2018).
Also, what fed into it was my decision to take some time out from just generating more images. This enabled me to reflect on why I was doing what I do and gain an important perspective on it.
The Paris Project grew out of this.
(I also gained more clarity on what I wanted to do with my subsequent Creuse book. Top marks to Gigi in La Celle Dunoise for suggesting a 2023 publication date!
But that’s another story . . .)
Anyway, last April, I spent 3 days photographing the 15th arrondissement (district) my mum’s last address before she came to the UK, and the base for my week’s exploring Paris when I was 15 (1967, to save you working it out!)
A couple of colleagues had recently suggested I write more about my photography. I had never been really into this, but I set about trying to create an image log, discussing each image.
This really did help clarify my thoughts about what I was doing + why. For example, the image above didn’t make the first edit but emerged after being written about. Having time is a luxury!
I also wrote an introduction – the first draft was a disaster – a messy amalgam of notes! Then I realised I had to explain the purpose of the work. Hopefully it is clearer now.
I’ve included this below. It runs to several pages but if you have the time + inclination I’d be really interested in your thoughts + feedback:
Also, what fed into it was my decision to take some time out from just generating more images. This enabled me to reflect on why I was doing what I do and gain an important perspective on it.
The Paris Project grew out of this.
(I also gained more clarity on what I wanted to do with my subsequent Creuse book. Top marks to Gigi in La Celle Dunoise for suggesting a 2023 publication date!
But that’s another story . . .)
Anyway, last April, I spent 3 days photographing the 15th arrondissement (district) my mum’s last address before she came to the UK, and the base for my week’s exploring Paris when I was 15 (1967, to save you working it out!)
A couple of colleagues had recently suggested I write more about my photography. I had never been really into this, but I set about trying to create an image log, discussing each image.
This really did help clarify my thoughts about what I was doing + why. For example, the image above didn’t make the first edit but emerged after being written about. Having time is a luxury!
I also wrote an introduction – the first draft was a disaster – a messy amalgam of notes! Then I realised I had to explain the purpose of the work. Hopefully it is clearer now.
I’ve included this below. It runs to several pages but if you have the time + inclination I’d be really interested in your thoughts + feedback:
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