Clarity
Sharing The Creative Process.
Trailing The River - Being published soon.
“A river of material flows through us. When we share our works and our ideas, they are replenished. If we block the flow by holding them all inside, the river cannot run and new ideas are slow to appear.” - Rick Rubin, Record Producer
Hi
I hope all is well and thanks for listening in.
The seasons are slowly ceding to the colder weather here in the UK, and we’re having to wrap up that bit warmer.
As we move towards the years end it starts to feel like the right time to look back at the last few months, unravel the journey and steps we’ve taken to reach this point in our year. Reflect on what we’ve achieved, on our family, on our community and friendships - observing the thread that binds all these elements of ourselves together.
As we reflect it’s helpful to track what we’ve learned, explore our imagination and delve into our dreams and hopes for the coming year, perhaps we’ll find clues as to what next years path may hold for us. Perhaps much of what we’ve learned this year will help us in the next.
Being more open with my creative practice, inviting collaborations, and sharing my journey have opened new doors for me personally as well as my work in the last 12 months.
Below are some of the interesting and shareable moments I’ve been fortunate to be a part of in the second half of this year.
Resistance
The story Resistance, which I’ve previously shared, recently made the front cover of Icarus Complex Magazine with the print edition being published this November.
Over 8.000 Indigenous Peoples from over 200 communities gathered in Brasilia, at the Free Land Camp in April 2024, with an air of hope, defiance and mourning, for the collective lives and lands that have been lost to colonization and the dramatic effects of climate change in indigenous territories.
This story was co-produced by If Not Us Then Who and Icarus Complex Magazine.
The print edition also shares an extensive feature created by my collaborator and friend, the indigenous photographer Genilson Guajajara. I encourage you to explore this significant indigenous gathering through the prism of his lens and his stunning black and white photography.
Twelve Monks And Their Island Community
This is a story I was recently commissioned to cover on the Isle of Wight, through the Parisian Magazine - Prier.
Quarr Abbey, is home to a community of monks who rarely if ever let cameras into their lives. I was invited to spend a few days here, observing the rhythm of their days and documenting their community. The side they present to the public during daily prayer, and the moments they share as a community together.
It was peaceful to spend time here, getting to know the community. Who were initially a little reticent, though they trusted my process more and more as we got to know each other, which allowed us to develop more intimate work together.
Turns out they didn't mind me and my camera in the end - as I received Father Xavier's amusing message on my return home.
"It was a joy to have you - surprisingly: we do not generally like photographers very much, but I think we'll make an exception for you."
The Urbannaut Podcast
Towards the end of summer I was invited by Steve Bisson, Chair of Photography, at Paris College of Art, to share my creative journey and process with the Urbannaut Podcast’s audiences and it’s host Patrick Lee Hubbard.
The Urbannaut project dives deeply into the compelling world of image culture, scrutinizing its profound effects on both the individual and societal landscapes.
It’s mission is to unravel the layered impacts of images through enriching, in-depth dialogues with individuals esteemed in the realm of visual narrative - photographers, artists, curators, scholars, and editors, who bring invaluable contributions to the discourse.
“Joel delves into his projects, including "Stray from the Path", "The North Chose Us", and "Resistance", sharing personal stories and the motivations behind his work documenting indigenous communities and fragile environments.” - Steve Bisson, Chair of Photography, Paris College of Art.
Our discussions delved into my early work and inspirations, up to my current work and everything in-between, as we discussed my journey and related topics.
The experience of communicating your work in this way, is a really helpful practice. Artist talks, writing to accompany work, and being invited to speak in spaces like this can initially feel a little intimidating, though it helps significantly in re-evaluating your work, considering your creative process, and realigning your thoughts and creativity as you look ahead to new projects.
I’m thankful for the opportunity.
If you’re on a long journey some place, perhaps tune in and listen to Episode #45.
Print Shop
I have an Online Print Shop, where I sell my work. The works vary in price depending on size and edition.
All prints come with a generous white border for mounting and framing. The printing process is overseen by myself, with artworks going out carefully packaged to you as soon as possible.
If this interests you then do delve into the shop, or alternatively feel free to reach out.
The collaborations, the writing, and the sharing of my creative practice in the latter part of this year has certainly helped to harmonise some of my thoughts, give clarity, and help with the trajectory of my work going into next year.
If you’re interested in collaborating, commissioning, or reaching out, please do. It’ll be great to hear from you.
Thanks for listening.
Speak soon , Joel : )