R.I.P. Ruby

Ruby & Lissa Margetts for National Geographic Magazine 1997

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Melissa Margetts & Ruby

In 1996-97 I worked with Lissa and Ruby in Telluride Colorado.

Ruby was a cat she worked with to teach people about Mt Lion safety.

We spent a few days learning about Ruby and it was my privilege to have time to do so.

This was not an ordinary job for me.  It was a large assignment from the Director of NGS; Thomas Kennedy.  I was to tell a story about all cats and little did I know that the images I was about to take would have a twist of fate for either me or Ruby.

I had an editor that pushed both Lissa and me into taking pictures that would render domestication of large cats...encourage normal folks to acquire what seemed to be a cute cuddly cat, when in fact it is a large predator that can take a human down in one swipe.

Women in general are less afraid of cats.  I went in to her pen fearless, my assistant a male stood way back.  I have always been open to animals more so than people.

Lissa was there so maybe that was my licence to wander.

In the coarse of a few days we took many images during typical snow stormy weather.

The shot we took of Lissa and Ruby inside was one hanging out like a small domestic cat by the fire.  Not a normal site but an image like this can make a huge statement to the public. 
 Hindsight is everything right?
Again speculation but predictable.

Well I took many photographs that could say to the viewer...hey go domesticate a wild animal.  
Still I  regretted it.

Lissa was promised to have final say!

As I viewed the walls at NGS I asked my editor if she got permission from Lissa to use that shot!  Puzzled she said no!  This was not a comfortable moment for me.  It was the very moment that buried my career with NGS alive.

I was now the bad guy for taking that image.

I contacted the powers that be and Lissa. 

She did not want it to go in the magazine.

It was pulled for I had to honor her and it was not a good moment for the editor or myself.

DON'T take images that can render harm to the subjects.

DON'T get talked into it and DON'T talk them into it either.

Today Lissa recalled that memory and sent this story.

I honored her and the future of cats best I could.

The cost was any future work with that regime at NGS.

Many photographers internally reached out to me and stating how horrible it was that I was scape coated.   It took some time to recover from that project.

I did the right thing end of day and maybe in time I can get back in the door there to do good works.  I hope so.  I could sure use a big break to work on more substantial stories globally.  My eyes are still strong and my heart yearns to make a difference.

Lissa, sorry for your loss, Ruby had a great home. 
Today I am reminded that I was inspired to tattoo Ruby upon my back in the tarot cared of strength.

Life is so precious and I have never looked at wild animals in captivity the same.

I am not a fan of zoos at all.  Humans have a way of putting their essence on everything.

Wild creatures need our concern and support.

Were all connected.

Now Lissa moves on to work with lions in Africa.

As journalist it is important to tell the real story.

It's also important to realize the results that it can inspire good and bad.

Wild animals as house pets is just a bad idea in general.

The what if's are so possible and you can easily be the cause of one getting put to death.
Just say no.
The responsibility is HUGE. 
Like a marriage forever and ever and we know how that story often shadows fate!   

Everyone and everything is connected.

I posted about The Cove and Lissa writes to me.

So small this world and to take you time and do something really worth while can render a better life for all.

Thank you for that experience.

R.I.P. Ruby

(link above a great read)

LOUIE PSIHOYOS

photo by karen kuehn

FRIENDS THAT INSPIRE CHANGE

I met Louie in 1986. He was working a lot for National Geographic. He was doing the most creative work for the magazine.  I loved his mind and how he processed ideas.  The photography was always a technical solution.  The ideas were personal and sensible.

I liked his mind it was expanse.  So I had to meet him and I did.

We always had a light friendship, supportive and sweet.

I could identify with all the concepting he brought to the final picture.

For this my respect grew and in time he and his family left NYC.

Our worlds far apart.

2008, years later I decide I want to do something to save the Dolphins in Japan.
  I contacted a director; Garry Basin who works in Japan and the US. Felt he would be a good source to help me with this project.
   He said their was a guy doing this already.  His name was Louie Pysihoyos.  Damit.  I can' t out Louie...Louie.

I have to admit I was so happy to know it was him.  Who better to tell the story.

I followed it on line and felt the world would be a better place for his efforts.

He was on a mission.  Soon the movie; The Cove would be public.

Winning an Academy award and they he was changing the world before my eyes.

Shot from my TV The Cove Winning.

These sorts of things are huge and I am awe struck by his gifts and ability to do the things big.  
He doesn't mess around and I love that kind of thinking.
I had not seen Louie since he left NYC. 

Well this weekend I was near his home and called to connect.

It was great to see him and Viki, even thou brief.

Louie hooked me and my pal Tess up with copies of the COVE.

I watched it again and sobbed again!

Movies like this should make you out raged for sure.

Why?  So you can become the solution to help out and better align the world for its own good. 
 After watching it I dreamed in red and I could see blood and I imagined Japanese and Norway children bathed in it.
...how do you make the humans feel more.

Put them in the place of the abused being.

Dolphins in this case.
I could imagine the art of Julian Schnabel; large red canvas.

Louies movie is for me of such value to push me to make a difference.

I am feeling that we all can help.

Do what you do and make it count.

Little or large any bit helps.

Louie has some links on his website so you can write to Japan and help stop the remaining murdering of mammals.
  It is a brutality I wouldn't wish on any creature.

Here's some of his links. Be inspired to be the change you want to see and feel.
Think big care about the PLANET & THE CREATURES...we are all connected.

http://www.opsociety.org/

He's making a new film right now and it will be equally as important.

And need I mention he's one hell of a photographer.

http://www.psihoyos.com/ 

Thanks Louie you always inspire me to be better.

xoxo kk

You Can Never Hold Back Spring

TOM WAITS 

"You can never hold back spring
You can be sure that I will never
Stop believing
The blushing rose will climb
Spring ahead or fall behind
Winter dreams the same dream
Every time
You can never hold back spring
Even though you've lost your way
The world keeps dreaming of spring
So close your eyes
Open you heart
To one who's dreaming of you
You can never hold back spring
Baby
Remember everything that spring
Can bring
You can never hold back spring "

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vgeZEdbv_m8

Playa Messiah

George P. Post

P h o t o g r a p h e r 's that cover the event Burning Man, my heart goes out to you and your gear. 

 But the shooters that actually manifest a book are few and far between.

Today I received George Post new book.  A gracious future trade for one of mine still in waiting for a publisher other than myself.  
...So the book arrives...it's large and very inviting.  I open it and inscribed to me; a new dusty friend. 

 I am feeling Christmas inside.  Giddy and excited to have his book before me. 

 Each page delights me with new surprises and history of this event unfolding his 20 year attendance.

  I know some of the characters.  Seeing them nude in the early days made me smile.  

Seeing all the images by George is very inspiring for it holds passages of time and great memories for many.

This is a book to buy and cherish, especially if your a long time burner and/or a newbie.

Not only is has he completed a healthy volume of work over two decades, but he's a really nice guy.

Open and able to share his processes with ease. 
George Post A Lovely Man. 

photo credit lil' ol' moi.

 http://www.georgepostphotography.com
 I am looking forward to connecting in person one day.

 I am grateful and now his newst fan.  

Not only are there so many images to ponder but the words just feed you leaving you wanting more. 

 Terrific photography book to support the Burning Man event's.

I look at all the images and it makes me feel like I just did 20 years on the Playa.
You will laugh, wonder and go Wow! 

I'm sure he will sell out so get your books now.

 Buy it HERE
http://www.Playa-Messiah.com
 

Malcolm Tarlofsky

What Does Malcolm Think?

Art by Malcolm Tarlofsky

Malcolm is an old pal and amazing artist I met many years ago in NYC.  We have kept in touch over the years.

Check out his work for its so evolved and sensitive.

I saw works of his in magazines and one day I called to say hey that was a great piece of art.

We met for coffee and so it continues.

A few nights ago he reached out and I sent him links to the work I produced at Burning Man.

This is his take on it and I felt it was a good reminder that I am gifted so much there and that my way of seeing feels right a home.

I was hoping to go this year however I am not feeling I can.  He is nudging me to make the art I do and stay focused on the bigger picture.

I still have no clue if I will be there or not but if so like a ghost I will wisp my way around and love those who fall before me like angels.

http://malcolm-tarlofsky.com/gallerie.html  
    

OBSERVATION FROM A TRUE FRIEND

"You have a symbiotic relationship with Burning Man...your unique gifts are in perfect sync with the surreal theatre that is there to be captured...and you do it so beautifully in a way that mirrors the very essence of it. LOVE the rainbow spread...water truck...

Zonotopia shot and Walter the bus!
I LOVE the way you juxtaposed the monochrome portraits with the creations in Metropolove...

and your incredible ability to get people to reveal themselves in such an honest relaxed manner is breathtaking...what lovely portraits!
My Eyes Are Burning is just as impressive...with that deeply earthy cover shot and so many others inside...

I love the silhouette with the hoop...the lacy tush and elf statue in lap etc. etc.
The shots of you and Sara are also great

 
So...what do I think?

Well...I think you have documented a very ephemeral happening in an extraordinary way. 

They will never be able to be seen again...and you have captured it forever.
You have documented the haunting, raw, retro surreal theatre for all to see...

and that is pretty special...but to have it done with such perception and lyricism is very rare.
But you also reveal the life of the event along with the personalities of the participants...

and you bring the viewer into this quirky fantasyland with real sensitivity and love.

                                                                                     
2013?....You better go!.....by hook or crook you must do it while your still passionate about it...

no excuses! "

Thank You Malcolm always a LOVE.

Bryan Tedrick

"love is our victory over the meaninglessness of life"- Bryan Tedrick

 

Victory is everyone's when they choose well, at the tail end of my fourth Burning Man Project.

I was missing the presence of my artist pal Bryan Tedrick.  I did see him and had some good laughs, however I never made it to his piece on the Playa.  Too much to do and too little time. 

I decided to ask him to contribute a quote to my book on life meaning.

I feel his is one to ponder but more importantly to live.

Esp if your creating good stories.

You deserve to be loved.

 

Thank you Mr. Tedrick

One of my favorite artist out West.

http://bryantedrick.com/      

 

Look for his new piece this year at Burning Man.

Elegant & Clever

 

Howling at the moon...

  

The Artful Heart

The Creative Heart

Positive energy makes things flow.

It doesn't matter what the art is, but rather the making of it manifested.

To create and feel the joy and reflect inside and out is all that really counts.

To be in the moment blooming your internal feeling.

It feels good to make things.

You don't have to be labeled artist to be loving and creative.

I garden all the time and this cultivation of helping things bloom becomes equally important in the processes of artful endeavors.

Simply styling oneself can be a creative.

A dinner magnified with a simple theme to please!

Making a home shrine for heath, healing and love.

All things considered we can amplify love by creating and sharing it.

Be the love you want.

Give yourself amble time to make things shine in your life.

Photography is my main creative medium.

Being artistic has been first nature for decades.

The gift is the presence of those many beautiful people who forever rein in a captured moment. 
 I realized many years ago that I am a messenger of some sort and in the last few years I got a message from the Universe for my purpose.

It shouted loud and clear to stick with my Artistic Path.

Don't get side tracked with other peoples needs and whims.
The path is very real, honor it.
I continue to library life with a passion for it.

I breath it with my soul.

I see the light and the humor in life.

Grants rarely come for the Joyful capture.

But it seems fitting to continue this journey of lightness.

If all artist do the dark than we feed it and the fire is all about that less illuminated edge.

I am okay with the lighter side. 

 Plenty of dedicated souls to expose humanity's realm of hellish things.

My life is my art, I say it all the time.

My mantra for the moment that brings my world into a peaceful place.

Cease the moment every awake minute you can.

So temporary this life of ours.

So fragile.
The very two emotions we humans can choose to live by: 
Fear and/or Love.
We get to feel both at times no doubt!
I say be smart and watch your back, when your successful their will be those whom support it.
And those who will latch onto your light for a ride.
It is those very people whom can suck the life out of you that need the love most.
However I think you have to find your way to render love in a healthy way as to not loose yourself for those souls.
That is why therapy is so good and sober thinking.
Its not the artist job to give up all their love for those whom are searching and seeking.   
Choose love with a healthy respect for any red flags that will stop you from making art with your joyful heart.
Feed the love in you by creating and it will reflect to all including you.
One art day at a time.
Being accountable is being in an awaken state of love. 

Namaste to the Art in All of YOU    

LOVE.