Architecture in Areas of Conflict along the Silk Road

The Wall   Bethlehem, Israel

I was excited to give my presentation to Ryerson University Honor's Architecture Students later in the afternoon. My flight arrived early enough for me to be able to visit the places I had not seen for many years. Toronto had changed since I lived there in the early 80's, especially the Harbor Front area. Row after row of shiny high-rise condo's obscured Lake Ontario to a tiny blue sliver. As I wandered the bustling streets my thoughts turned to the images in my presentation and to those people who are living under oppressive conditions today and the contrast is startling. I am grateful for the opportunity to show through my photographs the real people living outside the mainstream of history, trying to provide for even the basic means of survival. The Lecture Series is part of the ongoing Peace Caravan Project's mission to "promote acceptance, tolerance and understanding in areas of turmoil and conflict along The Silk Road"

Fashion District Gallery 8 Juried Art Show

Gallery 8 is a “pop-up” gallery showing a selection of artwork from artists who live or work in the Fashion District area of NYC. I was honored to have two photographs selected. On exhibit are the haunting Burkha Store Herat, Afghanistan 2005 and the colorful Candy Vendor Damascus, Syria 2005. During the opening reception several people came up to me to discuss the images and tell me of their travels to the region. It was especially meaningful to meet a wonderful woman who as a young girl traveled to Damascus in the 40's and remembered a moment walking through the ancient Souq al-Hamidiyeh a similar cart full of colorful candies.

Candy Vendor         Damascus, Syria

Photographs on view at the Fashion Center Space for Public Art

It was such a pleasure to be invited to display at The Fashion Center's Space for Pubic Art. The 23 photographs on show are of shopkeepers, vendors, and merchants from the ancient trade route nations of Afghanistan, Jordan, Israel, Syria, Turkey. Each photograph appeared suspended in layers of portraits and landscapes.

Honors Series Presentation

CW Post University
Over 100 students participated in a lively question and answer following the visual presentation of my journey to Central Afghanistan. My goal was to inspire the students to follow their passion and to always stay curious about life. I am grateful to Dr. Joan Digby for her gracious hospitality and kindness.