- by Jules
You never know when lightening will strike. Or opportunity. Thankfully, opportunity has struck me more than lightening.
So it really came as no surprise when, in February 2011, I was hi-jacked by my friend Ruth Milligan in the parking lot of our kids’ daycare center…
“Hey, Jules- got 30 seconds?” she called from her car window.
And the rest is…art and opportunity, collaboration and community all combined into what turned out to be an exciting little package.
You see, Ruth had just attended the TED conference in California and had witnessed an idea there. The artist JR, who received the 2011 TED prize, was looking to involve other communities in his concept. Ruth wanted to roll it out locally, and as co-chair of TEDx Columbus, she had a vision of how we could interpret this idea in our own town.
But she needed help. Through the car window I heard…”Would you be able to help me coordinate some photographers to put this thing together?”
“Yes!” I said, agreeing immediately. I knew Geo would join in wholeheartedly and that between the two of us, we’d be able to round up other willing photographers.
Geo and I made some phone calls to our friends in the Columbus ASMP (American Society of Media Photographers). Each person we contacted, who could fit us into their schedule, said “Yes.” They all participated with incredibly generous heart and spirit.
(L-R) asst. Jon Iddings, Stephen Webster, Julie Schirmer, Tom Dubanowich (front row), Ray LaVoie, George C. Anderson, Larry Hamill, asst. Stephen Newport (front row) and Mike Foley not pictured: assts. David Allison, Brian Cole
That’s how we found ourselves, 6 months after my parking lot conversation, on Saturday, September 17th at COSI shooting side by side with Tom Dubanowich, Mike Foley, Larry Hamill,Ray LaVoie and Steven Webster. Working within the guidelines of JR’s Inside Out project, each photographer provided their own white background, lighting and cameras. We photographed volunteers from the general public and also from the Harmony Project. All in all, almost 100 faces were captured that day in about 2 hours. The photographers edited their work after the shoot on site and selected their favorite images for inclusion in our group project.
Samples from Columbus Inside Out photo project
Later, Geo uploaded the photos to JR’s site and 3′x5′ prints were returned. The prints were then hung by Adam Brouillette of Wonderland in various sites within Franklinton, on the near west side of Columbus, an area of town which is being gentrified with a particular focus on the arts. Other prints were installed for public viewing outside COSI.
© 2011 Adam Brouillette
© 2011 Adam Brouillette
© 2011 Adam Brouillette
© 2011 Adam Brouillette
Then, in culmination, our Inside Out effort was highlighted at TEDx Columbus on 11/11/11. Ruth’s wish had come to fruition and Geo was privileged to be invited on stage to help explain the project to the live audience.
On stage at TEDx Columbus
George explains Columbus' Inside Out project
It was very satisfying to organize and work alongside other photographers- as colleagues more than competitors. You could just feel the synergy on the shoot. Both Geo and I were very proud to be part of this group. We had a wonderful, invigorating day with our fellow photographers and were thrilled to meet so many great Columbus citizens who, as subjects said “yes” and were willing to be part of this global art initiative.
We really are part of the greater whole, not just globally but also locally, within our own industry.
But you have to say “yes” first.
Thanks, Ruth, for asking!
