First Thoughts… Luminous Everest
Jan 10, 2019What is it like to work without knowing, to photograph with such an open mind that there is no plan, no project… yet. Photographers often work with carefully chosen subjects, targeted stories, something to say before the shutter button is ever pressed. Often on my journeys I stop to make photos out of pure fascination, sometimes they are repetitive, but usually the begin to reveal nuances, deeper character, expanding awareness. When lucky there are surprises in these surveys.
For years I have travelled with friends to the Everest Region of Solu-Khumbu, Nepal, appreciating the mountain culture and high Himalayan after weeks of work on humanitarian documentary projects was complete. On these treks to Khumbu I kept my eye on Everest, each time smiling as I glimpsed her looming on the horizon or blending into the peaks nearby.
On the trail last year a message reached us from the other side of the world and it was with great pleasure that I accepted the invitation of Mountainfilm on Tour Savannah to organize these Everest images into an exhibit honoring my friend, mountaineer and humanitarian Pasang Lhamu Sherpa Akita’s film, “Mothered By Mountains,” by Renan Ozturk.
Laying out prints on the floor of my studio a title came to mind, “Luminous Everest,” for Everest is a mirror. The mountain reflects individual intentions whether those of mountaineers, visitors on a mission to Everest Base Camp, porters working hard to support their families, or those who imagine Everest in their minds eye from the other side of the world. The mountain, as reflected in this collection of photographs has many appearances, Everest exists in both ice and imagination.
This project is dedicated to the international idea of Everest, and to mountains who bring us together…
In Light,
Cira
