Project Description

The project recognizes and honors current grassroots East Baltimore community leaders and commemorates their contributions.  The murals are large-scale panoramic environmental portraits.  Text around the exterior of the portrait is directly linked to the context of the photograph, which highlights struggles, successes and each unique approach to advocacy.  The portraits are created in collaboration with the community leader and also serve to educate and celebrate the culture of the East Baltimore community. 

THE PRESENT

PHASE I:
Goal:

Establishing a successful philosophical and aesthetic approach to photographing that balances individuality, monumentality and honor of the subject.

Objectives:

• Develop relationships and building trust with local community grassroots leaders in East Baltimore. 
• Experiment with image making using Gigapan technology.
• Capture stories and details indicative of an individual leader’s advocacy work and incorporating this information with the still image – thus creating a narrative. 

Background & Methodology

For the past year (Fall 2009 - Summer 2010) I have been the community artist and organizer during the development of the MICA sponsored Center for Community Arts and Design (CCAD), scheduled to open in East Baltimore, Fall 2010.

My understanding of community begins by locating the individuals that hold the “unofficial” leadership and guidance roles; the confidant, the advisor, neighborhood watch, the peace keeper.  The neighborhood seeks council from these individuals depending upon their knowledge and expertise.  Their committed engagement builds the culture and dynamics of a community.  These gifted individuals hold the ability to make real change in communities, yet they often encounter political struggle or resistance from others who possess “official” titles and perceived power.  In enacting change what real sacrifice is necessary? What risks? What do the struggles and successes look like?  The story of contemporary grassroots leadership is necessary to understand the complexity of communities.

The large-scale panoramic environmental portraits were created using Gigapan Technology:

The Gigapan camera is a simple robotic platform for capturing very high-resolution (gigapixel and up) panoramic images from a standard digital camera.  The Global Connection Project has also     developed software which places you inside the panorama and lets you explore.
www.gigapan.com

Significance

The work pays homage to current working leaders while simultaneously exposing realities and needs in present day low income and minority communities, which often go unrecognized.  Grassroots leadership often remains behind the scenes until a subject reaches a critical mass.

Public education is assured and reality is depicted in the mural images that will be present on the Gigapan website.  Detailed information about the murals, the specific leader’s story and the community will be available.  This information has the potential to connect both East Baltimore community and other communities wishing to unite and share similar stories.  Additionally commentary and related projects can be posted to the site creating virtual conversations.

THE FUTURE

PHASE II:
Goal:

View in progress mural designs with community leaders and residents to     achieve a message relevant and meaningful to the community

Objectives:

• Work with grassroots leaders and residents to establish mural locations
• Continue connecting with and photographing grassroots leaders
• Begin discussion with grassroots leaders and residents in how to engage the community with the murals (such as events or community projects)