Willard at the serenity tree - Reclaiming The River, Yurok Tribe
“Ears attuned, hearts engaged—listening unlocks the doors to empathy, compassion, and profound connections.” - Aloo Denish Obiero
Hi, I hope your week is going well, I really appreciate you taking the time to peer into my latest newsletter / publication.
This morning I awoke early, and observed and listened carefully to a nearby blackbird’s flute like song among the dawn chorus, a beautiful sunrise was the seamless gradient backdrop, to an amazing new day.
Admittedly I may not have always been the best listener, no doubt I still have more to learn. Though I’m certainly aware that the more I endeavour to be a good listener, the more those around me and myself benefit and grow.
Without doubt this is the case when creating stories. I’ll begin a new story, I’ll want to research, investigate, learn more. This is a really great path to undertake as you seek to develop a better understanding of the people you’ll work alongside, be that an individual, or a community.
Though these learnings can bring about preconceived ideas. Some of these stories will have developed or changed somewhat, the people you’re about to be involved with could see things differently, and so going into these moments with an open heart and mind, whilst intending to listen closely to those you want to collaborate alongside is vital.
My storytelling has certainly benefited from this approach, and it’s a few of these moments from recent collaborations and projects that I hoped to share with you, wherein this route into the work has certainly supported me creatively.
The North Chose Us
A previous collaboration with the Indigenous Sámi People in Lapland, originally created alongside writer Tom Wall has been republished in the beautiful Icarus Complex Magazine.
I’m reminded me of the unique experience we had in this snow covered landscape among these humble yet proud people. The research we undertook prior to the trip was invaluable as were some previous contacts and connections that existed through my role working at the Indigenous led charity If Not Us Then Who?
Though it’s the conversations, deep listening, and ultimately the quotes we gathered that stay with me the most. Looking back at the work it’s these that I connect with, that lure me deeper into the story.
“Without land, our reindeer wouldn’t be able to live and without reindeer, the Sámi culture is gone,” she says. “I’m afraid that someday we will only be able to read about Sámi people in school textbooks.” - Anni-Saara Aikio reflecting on the impact of global corporations keen to move into the region.
Indigenous peoples make up 5% of the world population though are responsible for protecting over 80% of our planet's biodiversity. They are the last true defenders of the land and its remaining fragile biomes, on a planet where we were all once far more connected. Their fight is inherently our fight as we seek to protect this beautiful spinning sphere we inhabit, I am grateful to all involved in helping reveal this story to an ever engaging and growing audience, whilst creating continued conversation and listening around this subject.
Some pullouts from the recently published Icarus Complex Magazine.
Artist Talk - The Royal Photographic Society
An artist talk can feel like an intimidating process, especially setting out on your first one. I’ve done a few now, and what’s helped me the most, is the support I have received along the way from those more experienced than myself.
Now I probably still have some way to go, and I think I’m improving each time, as I learn to listen to my heart, and endeavour to tell the stories I’ve been closely involved with. Though it’s these supporters along the way who’ve helped build my confidence, and I’m thankful that I listened too much of their advice and guidance, without which the path wold have been a lot steeper.
Our own personal journeys of course impact the storytellers we are as well, and my time growing up in South Africa as a young boy alongside my brother certainly moulded the person I am today and the work I would go to onto produce as an artist, I bring elements of this narrative to my talks as well, alongside my creative learnings and approach, they feel part of the same thread at times.
My most recent talk took place at the Royal Photographic Society, and came about due to my work being selected for their 165th International Photographic Exhibition , the talk itself is around 25 minutes in length, and this one was recorded, so if it piques your interest you can take a look online. It will appear on the RPS You Tube channel imminently. Let me know what you think, or if you have any questions, I would love to hear from you. There’s heaps of other great content here too, so enjoy looking through.
Myself and my younger brother Paul, in South Africa.
Recent Editorial Work
I really enjoy editorial assignments, particularly portraiture. You’re often invited into someones world that you may not normally have access to, you end up learning a little, and in a surprisingly short space of time and with the right approach you’ll often connect on some level. It’s in these moments of connection and collaboration that I tend to find my better portraiture reveals itself.
Below are a few images from two recent editorial commissions. Both quite different. Though I enjoyed the process of creating on both these projects, and working towards our shared goal of making these images together.
British poet Christopher Villiers, for the Paris based editorial Prier.
Labour MP Chris Bryant, for The Telegraph.
Thank you for giving a little of your time to listen in, and allowing me space in your busy lives to share some of these recent projects and thoughts with you.
Have a beautiful few weeks as we shift slowly towards spring, I like to imagine it’s not too far away.
Feel free to reach out and connect.
Thanks again, Speak soon Joel