THE SOUL(S) OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD | Commissioned by AmplifyGR
ABOUT PROJECT: The Soul(s) of the Neighborhood is a community photo documentation project that honors and uplifts neighbors who have been vital in shaping communities in the past and for future generations to come.
Each neighbor is individually important, a contributor to the soul of the neighborhood and continues to inspire others to support and grow the community. As communities change, documenting neighbors is part of capturing history and showing the essence of what a vibrant community is all about.
You can see a few of the images in a physical photo installation at 1471 Kalamazoo Ave SE — Grand Rapids, MI 49507 (see picture of photo installation & map below)
ARTIST STATEMENT: As a creative & photographer whose work aims to always dignify and authentically showcase the essence of my subject, this project was no different. I knew immediately, after being approached with the idea, I wanted to mainly photograph it with black & white film. Having recently gotten into film photography, there is a certain sense of soul and rawness to it that I knew would be perfect for a project like this.
This project is a mix of two pillars of my work: portraiture and photojournalism. As I documented each person, I made it a point to engage in getting to know their story and how their longevity in the neighborhood has been an important part of that. That dialogue was vital to my creative process because it created a sense of comfortability, which then allowed them to be themselves.
My hope is that as you look at each image and read about each person, you are educated on them and the Boston Square neighborhood. That you are appreciative of how their actions and contributions have helped shape the neighborhood for the better. And are inspired to bring long-lasting change and growth in the neighborhoods you're in as well.
