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 August 2007 |
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In the August Newsletter: | ||||||||||||||||||||
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This October, AIGA Colorado is proud to host the eleventh biennial AIGA Design Conference. With over 2,500 designers from across the country attending more than 70 sessions, some of the most influential voices shaping our world will discuss the profession of design and its role in civic leadership, education and science. To make this event happen, the AIGA Colorado is counting on the local design community to provide 70 – 80 volunteers.
| AIGA Members Speak |
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Stuart Alden Projects That Change Your Life 
The following is an excerpt from the writings of AIGA Colorado member, Stuart Alden, from his recent trip to India as a photographer. He was given the opportunity to travel with a client that is currently filming a documentary, following youth who are inspired by Nobel Peace Laureates in doing service projects in their communities. His small design studio, Idaho Stew , is involved in creating the title sequence, website, branding, etc… that will accompany this 10-part series.
This purpose of this trip was to film a group of Tibetan youth who were working to build and connect a water pipeline to a displacement village. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Day 05 / 13 April, 2007 / Himachal, Kangra Valley, India After breakfast we left for the days filming. We took another "hold-on-for-life" cab down the mountain to meet the Tibetian youth who have been working on the project. Much of the landscape was as before, going past places that were very poor and much poverty. But I was not aware of the conditions we were going into. As we came around the bend where the taxi dropped us – a field opened up past a river – and the displacement camp began to appear. Black tarps that covered structures of wood – stretched out and down into a small valley. Maybe only a 100 yards set back from the street we stepped off from. Onto a path that led us through trash and debris. Small children coming up asking to have their picture taken. "hallo" they said. "Picture?" holding up one finger. Then a few more – and then it seemed as if people knew we were coming as more would arrive and come out. I would let the children look at the screen on my camera – being surrounded at times – and that their skin was black from the dirt. Flies landing clinging to faces, bandages taped to some, clothes a mix of western and traditional Indian. For many the only thing they had to wear was what they had on. 
And then we went into the camp. My understanding is that there are three states in India that are represented in this area. They are not sure how many families – but they think it's over 250. People peering out – saying "hallo" or "nameste" – an odd sight we must be. A small film crew, 6-8 Tibetan youth, clients and myself. I felt very exposed and wondered how we would be received. To my surprise everyone wanted to have their picture taken – and I felt a mix of wanting to take images – but also wondering how this can help? I know these images are being taken for a very good cause – and I truly hope they can bring about change and support for these people. But at times – especially the young children who looked so proud – a deep sadness and unfairness I felt as I wonder what hope they have living under these conditions. and how can the world let people live like this. And it just penetrates you to the core – a grief. And loneliness of how they are even separated from the people just across the river and street – who although they too are in various stages of poverty – are not at this level. So it started with the Tibet youth giving their first presentation to a group from one of the states to talk about the importance of clean water. People seemed hesitant – but more gathered as the talk went on. The youth also gave out small candies and toffees to the children for answering questions at the end. And there seemed to be a good respect for everyone and some joking with many of the men. We then left to film an interview with a Tibetan monk and then off to lunch with the Tibetan youth. 
After lunch we returned to the slums to meet about the project. At first only a few to clarify some questions. But then something that gave you hope happened. We were meeting in a makeshift temple – where we removed our shoes, many green tapestries, a section of the room was partially enclosed with candles, images – a simple place of respect for their religion. On the walls hung a drum – and after taking some photos of a particular man who you could tell was having fun with me – putting on a hat – taking a flute from another - he took a large drum that was hanging, and started to play. Using different size sticks he would strike both ends in various rhythms. And within minutes there was a large gathering in and around the tent. He asked if I would dance which I of course laughed and refused. But then several men took turns dancing. At one point a small girl came in - and they were laughing and having a very good time - and you could see that they had a spirit to them that you would not expect for these conditions. A middle-aged woman came in and did a wonderful dance – whom then convinced one of my clients to dance with her. I realized that I knew some swing steps – so I dragged one of the Tibet youth out for just a few moments (yup she was mortally embarrassed) and did my best. The Indian woman motioned I should dance with her – but I only accepted if she would try swing. Which after some coaxing she agreed. Eventually the drumming stopped and we continued to try and communicate. The same man was trying to have me do Indian tongue twisters – which of course I was miserable at. He then did a thing where he switched between hands touching his nose and ears – that took me a bit to accomplish. Much laughter at my expense. And then he stood on his head to which my face went serious. I used to practice standing on my head as a child. So yup – standing on my head in an Indian slum I found myself to a good applause. Try to calculate those odds.
But it was true. Earlier in the day when I first started taking pictures I only saw the surface. And with time spent I begin to see their spirits. We had a break and returned later to another part of the slums – and it was also apparent. Very proud women – who on the surface were in rags with half clothed infants, constant flies landing and skin dark from the dirt. Most people I take images of will run to check their hair or lipstick, "is my tie on straight"? But these people I think needed, or perhaps since this was unusual – felt some honor in having their image taken. It made them smile when I showed them the results – and they would always say "good". It gave them a chance to have respect – and feel human. Which I hope I will be able to convey when I show these images – it is not just for people to see the horror of the conditions – but the amazing capacity that people have to find a way to survive, and the spirit that they hold. 
And that gives me hope. And certainly makes much of the things that surround me in my daily life fairly trivial. And I think if every person could spend a day in this place – or one of the many similar thousands around the world that exist – they may think about poverty – access to water – very differently. And perhaps do something. I wrote something recently that I assume came from someplace else – with amazing opportunities in life – also comes a greater responsibility. On a simple level – they all asked if I would return with the photos. Now I must find a way to do that. But how will they be distributed? WIll they get to people – will they even be there. But I must try to my best ability.
We left – and where at the beginning I had compassion for these people – I now have great respect and will do what I can to help. I forgot – earlier after lunch I also had two boys take me around and introduce to all the people they knew – from a family washing clothes in the stream – to grandmother washing dishes – to an elder with many friends. Funny boys indeed. I think I should thank them somehow too. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 
After he returned Stuart did print out several hundred images and was able to send to the monk who is in contact with the villagers. He was glad to get confirmation that they arrived and were distributed. And in case you're interested, the Tibetan youth were successful and a small water line was built and connected. The villagers now have three taps with running water, containers to store and have been educated about safe water practices. To find out more about this village please visit http://www.tong-len.org/
Stuart Alden has been a member of AIGA Colorado since 1997, and is currently working on putting together an exhibit of images. Any proceeds will be sent to the organization that is working to help the people living in this village. Feel free to say howdy: stuart@idahostew.com |
| AIGA Members – we would love to hear from you! If you have taken an amazing, life-altering journey and want to share your experience with the creative community – it is valuable and we want to share it! Or if you want to talk about a new client win, a design award you received or you have a new trick to share on how to save money in your business – we want others to benefit from your thoughts and ideas. We are all part of the same design community, and what better way to keep us close than to give our members the opportunity to have a voice in our new AIGA Members Speak.
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