The beginning of a beautiful relationship.
Before the internet the quote that most appeared in my high school senior thought section was… “Every journey begins with a single step…” Today’s senior quote most assuredly would be something that alludes to MySpace or Facebook. Believe it or not that’s how this journey begins. MYSPACE.
Last spring- late spring early summer, I got a random MySpace message from a long haired dred… wait that’s a MC Lyte lyric. I digress. No seriously, I got a request from a guy I DID NOT KNOW. Unlike Forbidden and Tila Tequila I had no desire to become famous online or to have a reality show. I just want to listen to good music, photograph the people who make it and make a little cash at the same time. As my computer mouse hovered on the “delete request” button my curiosity peaked. I saw great lines in the unknown requester’s face. His page wasn’t private. I perused his photos and thought to myself. I could do wonders with this guy. I sent him a message. It was some rambling assertive missive that basically said I wouldn’t add him unless he allowed me to shoot him. He readily said ok. He became my MySpace “friend”.
Each time I attempted to set up a shoot there was an EXCUSE. He was working, he was busy, he was out of town, blah blah blah. Weeks of playing phone tag ensued. So imagine my surprise when out of the blue the guy calls me and asks me if I would be interested in photographing Van Hunt. I was immediately excited! I LOVE Van Hunt! Then doubt set in. What if this guy is just pulling my leg? What if it’s some big joke? This kind of stuff doesn’t just happen to me. I wrote the date on my calendar IN PENCIL (just in case). On that date I was operating on no sleep. I worked my night shift gig and helped a friend with a photo shoot – two hours south of Atlanta. I got the call around midday that everything was go and to just show up at the Apache Cafe at 7:00 PM. I drive back to Atlanta and know I should get a little sleep, but I got hardly none as I was way excited about shooting Van.
As I drove to the venue I felt like the kid from A Christmas story. I’m hoping for my Red Rider and fearing that once again I would be let down. Then my phone rang. It was the guy. He was calling to let me know they were on their way and stuck in traffic. Umm ok. ”What should I do?” I asked. “Wait for us” he said. Wait for a guy who I’ve never met and Van Hunt? Yeah. OK. Out of curiosity I keep driving but I reconcile with myself that if it all falls through I would hang out in the city and take some night pictures. I get to the Apache and I sit outside in my truck for 15 minutes. I’m a little nuts at times. I get really excited and if things don’t go my way. I get a little, well you know. So I’m sitting there a jumble of nerves when the guy calls again and asks where I am. I tell him I’m out front. He asks if I’m going to come in. The club door opens and there is my MySpace “friend”, Michael Moss. He’s larger than life… all height and hair. He gives me a big hug and then… I’m talking to Van Hunt. WHAT?!? I kinda want to pinch myself.
Gudrun Stone
I’m supposed to say at this point that the rest is history. But I can’t. It gets better. Michael Moss aka The Guy aka my MySpace “friend” calls me a week or so later and tells me he has a photo blogging assignment he wants me to take a look at and tells me to call this girl. I’m a little more open this time. That is until I call… and call… and call “the girl”. What I didn’t know is that Leatrice Ellzy (the girl) is the hardest working woman in the ATL – especially leading up to the Festival. Seriously. I though I worked hard. Not even. Leatrice Ellzy can clear out her voicemail and in 60 minutes it is F-U-L-L again. So I would have had an easier time getting into the White House to have tea with Michelle and the kids than getting LE on the first call. After playing phone tag, she briefly gives me an overview of what she needs and tells me to connect with her assistant Margaret to get all the details and get everything set up. Margaret is AWESOME. She takes me inside and so begins the journey. My first assignment is Carrie Mae Weems: Requiem.
a short film by Carrie Mae Weems
Carrie Mae Film Viewing by Gudrun Stone
A year ago I went to work late just so I could hear Carrie Mae Weems speak at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). My one and only photography professor told me that her work would inspire me as some of my pieces mirrored hers. I didn’t really do any research. I was sure that my work was in line with that of Romare Bearden and Albert Chong. The Carrie Mae Weems lecture gave me the perfect excuse to snoop around SCAD. Who knew that I would be so impacted by her words, life and work? If you are ever in a position to hear Carrie speak, please do. I could go on and on about her, but it would do her no justice. To photograph her premier event 5 months later for the National Black Arts Festival took my breath away. LE then tells me to peruse the NBAF calendar for the next 2 weeks and let her know what I wanted to photo blog. Did I just get CARTE BLANCHE and ACCESS to amazing artists? I named quite a few things and she said yes to everything and tried to get me to do more. I could name drop and fawn but what good what it do? The photos tell the story.
Deliberation by Gudrun Stone
Is that the end of my story? No, it was actually the beginning of a journey. Destination unknown. On February 10 my father, the beat of my heart, was diagnosed with brain cancer. In one moment life was placed in perspective. He is and has always been supportive of my photography and has encouraged me to take it as far as I can. Two hours later NBAF made me an offer that I couldn’t refuse- a regular photo blog that enables me to jump into the scene and show the world how I see art and culture. LE said “Be patient. Let’s start here.” To do what you love is a joy unknown to many. For someone to believe in your joy and want to help you cultivate it and compensate you for it is a gift from God. I invite you to join me on my journey and let’s experience the richness of the creative spirit together.
Tennessee Slim by Gudrun Stone
GUDRUN
Posted on 02/25/09
the original blog can be found here… http://www.nbaf.org/blog/index.cfm?Fuseaction=blog
