Title: November 12th - 10:28
Medium: Super-8 film
Aspect Ratio: 4:3
Resolution: 2880 x 2160
File Type: H.264 Codec / MP4.
Comments: Traveling on a very long flight from Paris to Kathmandu there was a layover in Delhi. All of the staff at the airport were dressed up in ceremonial outfits. I had asked the passport gate attendant why everyone was dressed in such beautiful clothes, was it some holiday? They shared that it was Diwali! I always found myself somewhere on a special holiday or sacred alignment with celestial portals opening up. Another signifier that I was on the right track making this project and I was exactly where I needed to be. They called out on a loudspeaker that there was a big delay and passengers had to wait before getting their passport stamped. I made friends with the young crew of airport staff and shared about the project I was working on. They were about to goto lunch and mentioned it would be special to create their portrait as a team on this special holiday in these colorful clothes, whereas normally they would be in uniform. They all came back smiling from lunch and welcomed me over to make their portrait in front of a mural near their desks. The security was looking at me obscurely with my pelican case and photographic gear. Honestly, it is a strange place to ask permission to make a portrait, especially at an airport where you are not allowed to film. But they let me get away with it and we made a special moment at work together. I gifted them a polaroid for them to remember this experience and holiday. They stamped my passport and allowed me through since they got to know me a bit better. The armed guard at the security checkpoint was investigating my film and was opening all the boxes, and tried to open my camera. I told him there was film in there and please not to do that. He snarled at me and gestured me past the gate. An odd place indeed to make art, yet it was the perfect time to create. For me, creating is a feeling and knowing when is right. It is the process of the journey and the kindness of the people along the ride you meet. I never thought I would make art at an airport security gate, yet here we are. The lesson is you really can make art anywhere you go, with anyone you meet. It is all about the motivation and intention, the honoring and the irony. You can plan and envision what you want, but are you receptive to what you get? As I work on a timeline with a 24 hour clock countdown. I count the moments like I do blessings that fall right in front of my face. Being open and observant. Sure sometimes there is missed opportunities, and maybe you will get a second chance if you hesitate. But there will always be another moment as life is full of them and people creating memories, Look around and you will see. The world is full of people and each person is a universe to connect with. Sometimes all it takes is reaching out, saying hello, and asking a question by leading with intention. Happy Diwali to my new friends in India!
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