Unless you have been hiding under a rock in the photographic world, you have no doubt heard about the great street photographer Vivian Meir, who’s vast amount of previously unknown work in the form of a massive treasure trove of processed negatives and slides and undeveloped rolls of film was discovered by accident 2007. I think about this from time to time. What if John Maloof had not discovered her life’s work, and what if he didn’t dedicate himself to the herculean task of ensuring that her artistic legacy would be known? While there were some times Meir was interested in getting her work seen, by and large she appears not to have cared. It seems that is what mattered is that she absolutely loved to photograph.
This has made me think of all the other world class photographers are out there making important images that will most likely never be seen by most of us, or get the rightful recognition they deserve. This reality was driven home when I attended PAX earlier this year. I saw some truly world class work that most will never know about, made by ultra dedicated photographers. They work primarily because of their passion and a rage to do what they love. Unlike much of what is published or shown at galleries today, and of course the incredible amount of junk uploaded to Flickr, there is true art being made everyday by incredibly dedicated photographers. Some are working at their full time jobs and eke out time on weekends, in the early mornings or during lunchtime. Others are retired and now have the time to devote to what they have always loved. Some post their work on personal websites, self-publish work for friends and family, or are completely content to display their work privately on their own walls.
I’m somewhat saddened knowing how many great images must be out there that I will never have the opportunity to see. But I am heartened and inspired just knowing they exist.
Hi Michael,
You might remember we met at the Addison in Andover MA during your trip to see that show and the Ansel Adams show at MFA. To refresh your memory, I grew up in Yardley and my mother lives at Pennswood Village in Newtown. I have been a subscriber and reader of your posts since then and have enjoyed them, so thought I would write to thank you. I do not work in film nor am I full time B&W, so enjoy posts like this and the recent celebration of Robert Frank. To your point, I am a retired academic physician who returned to photography seriously in retirement. I work strictly for my own challenge, amusement, and pleasure. Part of my pleasure is meeting people like you, either in person or virtually. Keep up the posts. Yo uhave at least one appreciative reader.
Andrew,
Thanks for your most kind comments. I do remember you well and am glad this entry resonated with you and what you are doing. I am also happy that you enjoy what I write and it is useful to you in some way. It certainly was a great pleasure to meet you at the Addison and I would love the opportunity to get together over coffee during one of your visits to Newtown!
Best wishes,
Michael