Emerson Matabele.

An African man with such a beautiful vision. A man exploring Africa while studying for his PHD in history. No intentions on ever becoming  an artist for a living. Emerson Matabele followed the path he believed God placed in front of him and became such an amazing artist. He has such a deep appreciation for people, as do I. He captures more than just the pretty face of a sweet little angel living in poverty. He shows her love for life, a life without diamonds and pearls, a life full of simple little things. I encourage you to look at his art. Observe it knowing that he had absolutely no training or knowledge in photography. It all just started with a trip back to Africa with just a single camera, color slide film, and photographed primarily using a portrait lens. If you ask, he'll tell you that his aim was to not catch the eye, but the soul. After his trip to Africa, he was told by many that his photographs and his talent was meant to be known. So as an experiment, he leaked his photos and became something amazing. He then traveled for 16 years taking pictures and meeting many people of different cultures.

I went to Main St. Fort Worth Art Festival today. His work made my eyes water. Immediately I felt like we were one in the same. I understood his point, his vision, and his purpose. I just HAD to talk to him, artist to artist. Laramie kept telling me not to be a Bword and just go up to him. So, I approached him. And we talked for a looong while. My first question for him was what was his inspiration. Although I felt that I knew what it was, I needed to know that I was right. He threw me a curve ball though. When I asked him this, He replied with "my dear, what do YOU think my inspiration is?"  Though I was afraid to be wrong, I answered anyways. I said that I felt his deep appreciation for people and showing each other how diverse but yet alike we all are. I went on about viewing the world with a naked eye and how easy it is to get lost in value. He held my hands in his and told me that I was the only one he's met that has the exact vision as him. In allllllll his years of discovery and photographing, I was the ONLY one who meets his mind dead on? I was honored to be in his presence. He talked to me about his journey. He gave me all kinds of advice with not just the camera, but with the eye that meets the camera. We talked about my plans to travel as well. We talked about the missionary trip to Guatemala coming up this summer that I so badly want to take. Come to find out, he only uses a manual camera. He prints all his work. Those who know me well know that I'm in love with my 35mm sigma manual. I love black and white film. I JUST started using a digital and I'm still trying to appreciate digital work more than I do. He told me that he understands my appreciation for film, but to follow digital. I wont sit here and write about the techniques and all we talked about, but I got great advice. This man was completely open with me. This man wants me to be somebody. He wants me to help him send a message to the world. He left me with an invitation to contact him and share our artwork together. He cares about my art. Besides his gift of kindness, he gave me this as well.

 ( excuse my phones photography skills)

A piece of his work, for free. When I asked him if he was sure about giving me this pricey gift he said, "Money isn't much my dear. I only recycle money back to my vision. You can carry on OUR vision if you believe as well." I hugged Emerson, took a picture with him, laughed at him clowning Laramie for having an iPhone, then went on with my day. I didn't notice until I got in the car that this very photo of his titled "Lady Of Grace" was taken in Guatemala. Was it a coincidence that it was the VERY picture laying in front of me amongst all other photos stacked up? Will my journey start in Guatemala? Or is this just a symbol of hope and inspiration that I needed to get started? I guess we'll see. 

I will forever remember being inspired by Emerson Matabele.