Few people that I know who have ever encountered photographer Chris Jordan’s work can dismiss or forget it, let alone NOT be inspired to action. Here’s a re-watch of this TRULY inspiring chasejarvisLIVE episode with the eye-opening Mr. Chris Jordan.
Wondering about how to leave your safe job and become a photographer?
Want to get out from under that blanket of creative & professional fear?
Want a cause-based vision for your photography?
Want to make a difference?
Jordan tells it like it is. He’s got gallery shows, museum gigs, speaking gigs, documentary films, and this guy moves the world to action – all from a humble, hardworking place. Spread the word about the re-watch and have a great weekend.
We’re all in this together.
This was an amazing interview on so many levels. Thanks to both of you.
Chase,
First, fantastic work. It was incredibly thought provoking, and certainly made me aware of how far I’ve personally diverged from one of my past selves – the one that was aware of and really cared about issues of this nature. In fact, it’s pretty embarrassing to think about how much a “safe” life has dragged me away from these things. It hit a sore spot (in a good way) to say the least.
That said, there was one thing that was not addressed, although I really hoped that you would touch on it. That is the issue is how a photographer (or photography/videography/art in general) fits into the issues Chris’ work draws attention to. Photography, while an act of creating is also an act of consumption, and I think that it’s quite interesting to consider that in bringing these sorts of issues to the world, at least a few bit of plastic had to enter the ecosystem at one time or another, through camera manufacture & shipping, or whatever. I won’t enumerate for the sake of keeping this reply a reasonable length, but here are a couple of examples relevant to this particular production:
– The technology involved. In 18 months, I’d be willing to bet that the vast majority of the gear used to make this episode will be out of rotation, having been replaced by something newer and better. Unfortunately, but necessary to stay relevant in a commercial environment. Chris has discussed heaps of discarded bags and phones, but what about piles of DSLRs?
– The impact of repeated travel to the Midway Atoll. Lots of fuel, plastic airline cups, etc.
So my question to both of you and Chris is how do you feel about your respective roles as both consumers and creators? Are there any particular measures that you’re taking – outside of generating awareness, of course – to reduce the material/environmental impact of pursuing your art? Burtynsky touches on this in Manufactured Landscapes, but didn’t really draw any conclusions. I would be really interested to hear either or your perspectives on this, as it’s something that I struggle with every time I make a print, or buy a new piece of tech.
Keep up the Amazing work!
Chase, you are doing priceless job in inspiring and encouraging the global photog community! Thank you so much for that. In this remarkable interview I think I saw something about my future self. Truly inspirational. Oh.