New York City


I've been back in New York for the past five weeks for an important reason.

Next week if all goes well I’ll be donating my kidney to my best friend, author and activist Jimmie Briggs. If you knew him as I do you’d want to give him your kidney too, he’s that kinda of guy.

It’s not a decision I’ve come to lightly but when I found out three years ago that Jimmie and I were the same blood type I knew I had to get tested. He had advanced kidney disease and needed dialysis three times a week to stay alive.

A friend who had given me so much personal and done so much for so many others was in need. How could I stand by and simply watch?

To be human is to be in constant need. Sadly we spend so much of our lives denying this simple fact, denying the idea that not only do we from time to time need each other’s support but that on a fundamental level it is our very interconnectedness, our inescapable and fundamental need for one another than defines us. Our pride, vanity and ego get in the way of allowing us to be vulnerable, in fact to be truly who we are.

I'm always struck by how many young people are involved in keeping this tradition alive.

And they can go higher still!

It's amazing to see these towers come to life.

Of course politics finds its way into this sport as well.



But it's really about teamwork.

Higher and higher still!

One of the most interesting traditions I've photographed is the building of human towers here in Spain.



Every two years a huge gathering is held where different teams compete to build the most complex towers.



Over the next few posts I'll share some of what I've encountered!

Barcelona

It's a place that draws me close even when I'm far away.

It has been a lot of fun to spend time in Switzerland but now it is time to return to Barcelona!

Zurich, Switzerland

Zurich, Switzerland



We rarely think about where the gas in our cars come from but what about those who power our economy? What are their stories?

Zurich, Switzerland

I really enjoy spending time in places that I would not ordinarily visit.



It's probably the best part of being a documentary photographer.

Zurich, Switzerland

Zurich, Switzerland



I've had a chance to spend some time at the Stahl Woodworking factory in Zurich and over the next week I'll share some images!

Thanks to everyone who came to the opening!







This was my first outdoor public installation work and I am happy to have shared it with you!





It gave me a chance to incorporate some of the field audio and interviews I have recorded over the years. If you didn't make it to the opening the show is up for a bit so come by!