Wednesday, June 26, 2013

The Boats of Suncheon Bay

The Boats of Suncheon Bay is part of my longitudinal study of Suncheon Bay and those who work the bay.  This particular facet of the study shows some of the various vessels used in the seafood industry in Suncheon Bay.

The photograph below is one example of the contents of the study.  This image was composed when Typhoon Meari made its presence known in June, 2011.

Separate Functions
© Mark Eaton

To view The Boats of Suncheon Bay please visit my website here.  To access the project photographs at my website, just click on the image on the left side of the page.  Thank you for taking the time to take a look at the study.


Monday, June 24, 2013

Perigee

The photographing of a natural event or phenomenon is an exercise in preparation, patience, alertness, and timing.  Often times it is time spent out of the city, time spent with friends and/or family, and time spent drinking coffee...or something stronger, rather than time spent successfully taking an image.

Perigee was composed at Waon Beach near Suncheon-si, Jeollanam-do, South Korea in June 2013.

 Perigee
© Mark Eaton


There is no certainty except for the certainty of fate -- Only in our own minds do we believe we are in control, and that persuades us to embrace any unreality.  And in that same mindset we permit others to control.

Monday, June 17, 2013

Doug Stuber: Solo Exhibition at the PDG Gallery

This coming Saturday, 22 June, Doug Stuber will begin his solo exhibition at PDG Gallery in Gwangju-si, Jeollanam-do, South Korea.  He will show about 20 of his paintings at the gallery.  Doug has a rich and deep background in the arts.  How so?  Visit the exhibit on Saturday and talk to him about it. 

Here are three examples of his wonderful art:

© Doug Stuber

© Doug Stuber

© Doug Stuber

As mentioned above, the exhibition begins Saturday, 22 June, and it will conclude around 25 July.  The opening reception for this event will be held at PDG Gallery beginning at 5:00 p.m.  There will be two outstanding performance artists who will be showcasing their skills for the gallery attendees to enjoy during the reception:  Gim Gwang Cheol 김광철 and Angie Hartley.

Doug has set up an event page for the exhibition at Facebook:  Doug Stuber Solo Art Exhibit.

For those fortunate enough not to have a Facebook account, traveling to the PDG Gallery isn't difficult at all -- it is just across the street from the U-Square express bus terminal in Gwangju.  Specifically, the building that houses the gallery is on the Shinsegae department store side of the terminal.  

Exit from the Shinsegae department store itself directly outside, not in the terminal itself, and look across the street for the Mr. Pizza sign.  The gallery is on the 5th floor of that building that has the Mr. Pizza sign.  And for the love of Zeus, Poseidon, and Amphitrite, be careful crossing the street!

Here is the address:

460-33 Nong Sung Dong, 
Dana Medical Arts Building
Gwangju-si, Jeollanam-do


Thursday, June 13, 2013

The Alexia Foundation Will Host Eyes on the World

At the 25CPW Gallery in New York, The Alexia Foundation will host its "Eyes on the World" exhibition.  It won't be a long running exhibition, from 20 June to 23 June, but it will be a good one.

Take a look at the images and the participants here.



Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Solomon Cajigas

(Edit -- 9 July 2013:  I visited my doctor today, and he is one of the elders mentioned in this article.  I will make a couple of corrections here for the sake of being more accurate.

Solomon experienced some symptoms that are important for others to know.  He was experiencing an extreme headache as well as double vision.  He visited the doctor -- we both had the same doctor -- and there was enough concern to test Solomon even though it was a national holiday.  An aneurysm was discovered; it was longitudinal, which precluded repair by a scope.  The traditional cut and drill surgery could be done with a 50% chance of dying on the operating table.  A survivor could expect some type of blindness and/or paralysis.  Solomon consulting with family; however, he died three days after the test.

His father also died of an aneurysm.  So, I hope my readers will be insightful enough to be aware of these symptoms and family health history.

I must also correct a couple of details about the day Solomon passed away.  He was not feeling well enough to conduct Sunday services and told the elders as much.  One of the elders and a local Filipino woman was with him at the time of death.

And that is all I know.  End Edit)

I didn't know that only a few short weeks ago Solomon, who was originally from the Philippines, was examined at the hospital with the prognosis that the damage was already too great to repair.  He knew he had only a short time.  I didn't know.

The deaconess told my wife at the memorial service this afternoon that as Solomon made his pastoral preparations this past Sunday morning, he called the two elders who assisted him together for prayer.  Both elders are medical doctors, one of whom is my doctor.  After the prayer, Solomon beamed that smile that only he could beam, and then he passed away in the presence of the two elders.

At the memorial service I looked at the person who grabbed my arm.  It was Linda, my friend from China.  She asked me if I wanted to see Solomon.  She led me down the hallway, and spoke softly to a Korean man.  He nodded and allowed us into a sparkling bright viewing room.  I was allowed to stand next to Solomon, while Linda chose to stay in the observation area to watch me.  I said good bye, and I apologized to him for not being a good friend.  I wish I would have been a better friend, but now that is past.  But at least I had some time alone with him at the last.

My wife had crammed her way, as Koreans are wont to do in crowded situations, into the crowd during the memorial service.  I chose to stand with several other men at the doors in the hall.  After the service my wife joined me at my side, and I told her, in Korean so as to not tip off or anger the other foreigners near us, that I had seen Solomon.  She was full of questions, but it turned out people were permitted en masse to see Solomon in the viewing room.

Practically every event in South Korea has the potential to be a spectator sport, which is why I excused myself from the viewing room when Solomon's wife and three sons were with him.  The other foreigners looked at me, and followed me out of the room.  Some things should never ever be a spectacle.

After the family had left, I reentered the room.  Several medical personnel were with Solomon, including the man who allowed me in the room with Linda.  I was beckoned into the room.  I was then told to help the men lift Solomon into a transportation box.  I was shocked at the request, but I wanted to do something, as late as it was, for a friend.  I helped with the legs, and that touch literally lifted the gloom and despair I had been feeling.  Just like that I was straight of back again.  As usual Solomon came through for me yet again.

...

Last Christmas Solomon joined my family at our home.  Our middle daughter had recently married by that time, so I, along with Solomon and my new son, enjoyed a celebratory cigar on the back patio.  We also had some whiskey to mark the occasion.  

Tonight, even though it is raining, I will have a cigar or two by way of remembrance.  I will do so alone sans alcohol.

Life is strange.  We of two different backgrounds and belief systems.  Yet some sort of connection was present.  So long, Solomon Cajigas.

 



Friday, June 7, 2013

Covering the War in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Over at the 1000 Words Photography blog is a captivating article about the work of Richard Mosse who uniquely covered the Congolese war in 2012.  The current presentation of the work is a collaborative effort, and any summary I could possibly write wouldn't do justice to the resultant work.  Read and view the article here.  Professionals who honor their profession.

I found it worthwhile to watch the movie and to click on the Aperture Foundation link on that 1000 Words Photography page.




Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Yunghi Kim Shares How She Protects Her Images From Theft

Yunghi Kim has worked has a photojournalist for 30 years, and when she speaks about photography, she does so with knowledge and authority.  Over at the National Press Photographers website she wrote a detailed article about how she protects her images from theft, and how she recoups damages from those who have stolen her work.  This is a document that anyone and everyone who has published work, videographers, artists, poets, photographers, lyricists, et al., should have handy to use as a reference.

To read the article, visit the NPPA site here.  

It is true that theft in the digital age is easy; however, it isn't necessary to accept the theft of intellectual property as fate.  Something can be done about it, though it does require some time and effort...and networking with other professionals can be very helpful. 

It is my hope that this information will be widely shared with others.





Tuesday, June 4, 2013

UN Report Discusses the Importance of Artistic Freedom -- National Coalition Against Censorship

I have been following National Coalition Against Censorship for many years.  Putting aside the fact that I enjoy creating art, just at the basic level of being human, censorship is a devastating tool to wield power and to ensure that people are kept in emotional and intellectual darkness.

At the NCAC site is a brief summary of a very recent UN report that posits (correctly, in my opinion) that artistic expression is a human right.  Read the NCAC article and access the original UN report here.

Music was banned in Mali?!  Censorship must be defeated, and humanity must support and protect the arts and artists.  Those who wield power and support censorship must be defeated so as to prevent humanity from reverting back to the Dark Ages.




Monday, June 3, 2013

Grants and Funds: Opportunities Presented by Journalismfund.eu

Sylvia de Swaan was one of my featured artists here on this blog not too long ago.  Her resume is a strong document that shows how a serious photographer can make and take advantage of opportunities that are available to those who take the time to make their own luck.

Journalismfund.eu is but one organization of many that offers people who are interested in photojournalism and investigative reporting an opportunity to apply for a working grant.  To learn a bit more about Journalismfund, read the About Us page here.