Inspiration comes in many different forms. I am inspired by courage and perseverance. I am inspired by humble and steadfast love. I am also inspired by artists who use their talent to shine a light.
My side gig is with Interfaith Works Refugee Resettlement. On their facebook page today they announced a show that would be held by photographer Sarah Averill at a New American owned laundromat in the neighborhood. She has been taking pictures of New American residents for over a year and is exhibiting the final product this evening. I wish I could go.
Her blog Under a Fearless Sky moved me. Deeply. Like a great song or meaningful experience. Or the work of art that it is. She not only documents daily life in Northside Syracuse, she travels around the country noting the humanity of humble people. As I explored her site I found myself mesmerized by her stories and images of people who might normally go unnoticed.
She notices. She photographs them. She introduces them to us with dignity and honesty.
If I were given the opportunity to choose a talent, I would choose photography or painting or drawing or something that records life in such a quiet, consuming, lasting way. Instead, I content myself by discovering the work of people like Sarah Averill. And sharing it with others who will appreciate it too.
So I stopped by the show after all, a little before it was supposed to start.
ReplyDeleteIt was really cool. All the pictures were posted on the outside brick wall of the laundromat. There was a tent shelter set up in the parking lot on the side with who I am guessing are Somali and Burmese refugees preparing some food. This is the heart of Northside Syracuse on a warm spring evening so there were tons of people out and about.
This was not your typical art show.
The crowd and the people completely reflected the subjects of Sarah's work. It's the best way I can describe it. The street was just pulsating with life. Life that might be considered unsettling for suburbanites. Not for Sarah, and for that she has been rewarded with acceptance in the Northside community.
Of course, all this happened before the show technically started, so I don't know what happened and who showed up later. I had snuck out of my daughter's nearby track meet in between her events...
I am now even more touched and inspired by Sarah's work.
I love you and I would have totally gone to this shindig with you. I am following her blog too. I guess we will have to just settle for the writing talent instead. :)
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