August 1st - 10:49

Title: August 1st - 10:49 Medium: Super-8 film Aspect Ratio: 4:3 Resolution: 2880 x 2160 File Type: H.264 Codec / MP4. Comments: Along the river we ran into a man sifting for gold flakes in the water with a large pan. We watched with curiosity and felt that he did not want us there. Giving us intimidating glances that we were encroaching on his goldmine. We continued on and treked through the knee high stream following it down to the trailhead entrance climb. Drove through the park for about a mile and found the Sawyer River Trailhead. It was a peaceful waterway where we saw a Jewish family with all of their cousins playing around in the water. We stumbled on to people who were enjoying a family vacation. I was strapped with my film cameras and we were minding our business doing our best to respect their space. They acknowledged us as we do them. A smile and a wave to create a safe space. We stood in the water feeling the pressure of the movement under our feet. Ethan reminded me of his story about river rafting in India where he nearly almost drowned. The first step to his healing was to step foot in the gently raging waters for whats to come months later; a dip with his brother under the sun in the Ganges with flowers and a picture frame of a beloved friend. The family was tubing down the stream. It was fun to see their faces gleam and the children scream with joy as kids do when they are playing around with water. Their father was next and we cheered him on and laughed with them too. Abraham dismounted close by to us after his first tube ride. He complimented me on my Rollieflex camera. I told him I was an artist and we are making portraits in every state. Representing people as part of the project to convey America through nature parks and its people. He was interested as one of his family members was a photographer too, and he loved the look of the twin lens camera. It seemed like they are members of a Hassidic or Orthodox sect of Judaism based on the traditional clothing they were wearing. They reminded Ethan and I of our religious family members which draws a connection. I asked Abraham if he would ride the tube again for the portrait and he did not hesitate to grab the float and go for it! For something that felt so distant and difficult, once we started talking it became simple and beautiful. At times our mind assumes expectations and disappointments. Since we were in the middle of the forest there was no one else to create with. I thought I would be rejected if I had approached or asked and I guess thats the first mistake to guess. My friend Brian left me with a powerful quote, "The closed mouth doesn't get fed." Which in other words is if you do not ask you will never know the true answer. To my surprise Abraham approached us which led to me to ask without any fear. If it were the other way around and I approached them it would have felt off and intrusive. You need to create a space to allow the flow. It is not a force. Once you decide you want to do something, go for it! But, do not attach yourself to the outcome. Let it be and let it go. Wether you are rejected or accepted then you will know! It is okay to have a vision, so follow your intuition. Don't mistake fear for doubt. When it is right or wrong timing you will feel it inside. In this case, I knew I wanted to include Abraham and his family. Created a safe distance to be acknowledged and seen. Allowed him to approach us on his own esteem. And that is where the universe sets you up for success. I think all of life is like this. A game of chess. Patience pays off. Because these things take time to build trust and foster a connection. Even in flash of a camera shutter. A friendship can be forged with light. God bless Abraham and his family. For trusting us and giving us a chance. He even let us go on a ride down the rapids of the Sawyer River. For a moment, it felt like we were part of the family vacation as their long lost jewish cousin who is a photographer and musician for that hour we spent together.