Murfreesboro Mosque Project- Part 3:

Posted on December 21, 2011 by David Farmerie

I received word, this morning, that the project is, once again, on hold.

For the past several weeks I have been waiting for word that the concrete would be poured. The company, in charge of building the mosque, has been shackled, repeated since the project’s inception, by not being able to find local suppliers willing to sell them their products. The largest issue was concrete, however a supplier, from outside of Rutherford County, agreed to provide their services ( albeit at a premium price). It seems now that, this supplier, was unaware that the concrete was to be used for a “Mosque”.

Now it seems that the construction firm may need to go out of Tennessee, all together, in order to secure a concrete provider – further pushing back the timeline. I am at a loss to find words adequate to describe how I feel. I find myself shaking my head, in much the same fashion as when I try to wrap my head around the severe racism of the 2oth century; segregated water fountains, bus seats, restaurants, etc. It seems to be beginning all over again. Why? I can only presume it is out of fear.

Once again, instead of embracing, we continue to give strong credence, to the voices of those on the other extreme, who want the world to believe that [all] Americans are evil – and mongers of hatred against all who are not like them. We scoff at their hatred, point our fingers, raise our fists, and scream in defiance, at such accusations – however, look at us now.

We are fueling the extremist’s fire – continuing, as it were, to beat the hornet’s nest while the hornet’s are already enraged. Then we scream, even louder, when we get stung.

Until next time…

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Mosque Project_Part 2

Posted on December 15, 2011 by David Farmerie
Grace Baptist Church beside the site for the new mosque

Grace Baptist Church with the site for the new mosque just beyond.

What struck me first, as I drove up to the construction site, was that the mosque was being built, quite literally, right beside the Grace Baptist Church – with a stone’s throw. My initial reaction was one of “how wonderful!”

Indeed how wonderful it would have been, had the members and clergy of Grace Baptist Church chose a different perception from the one they adopted. Instead of lashing out, and bolstering the fear that already permeates our country, why could they not have had the foresight to see it as a means of healing – healing themselves, and possibly even beginning the healing of a nation.

As I saw the two sites together, side by side, I saw the potential for something great – something positive – something in the “true” spirit of loving thy neighbor as thyself. As I recall, that is written somewhere.

Instead, the members and clergy lashed out — mongered fear, and more hatred. They exacerbated an already gaping, festering, wound. When will Christians rise up, much in the same manner as the one they follow – the one for whom their faith is named, did? Why must we all, regardless of our faith, allow ourselves to drown in the dramas and mis-perceptions? When will brothers and sisters, under one creator, come together in that common ground?

Only then can we achieve real peace in the world. For once we reach this place of understanding, and allowance, there will be far less to fight about, and far less to fear.

Until next time…

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New Project Begins:

Posted on December 15, 2011 by David Farmerie
Early construction of mosque in Murfreesboro, Tennessee

The sun rises, amidst heavy clouds, on the construction of a mosque in Murfreesboro, TN.

On August 19, 2010, Time Magazine ran an article on the proposed site of a new mosque, in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. The article reported  the vandalism to the signs, stating that “the first had “not welcome” sprayed across it”, and the second sign “was simply smashed in two.” The article also reported the involvement of Tea Party activists, who “aggressively fought to stop the mosque”, “claiming that it was too big.”

There were  quotes, first by Tennessee’s Lieutenant Governor, Republican Ron Ramsey, stating: “you could even argue whether being a Muslim is actually a religion, or is it a nationality, a way of life or cult. whatever you want to call it?”

The second quote, by Republican congressional candidate Lou Ann Zelnik, who stated that the center is part of “a political movement designed to fracture the moral and political foundation of Middle Tennessee.”

Now, just over one year since these incidents, the mosque indeed under construction. The problem has been one of finding suppliers to provide the building materials needed. As of the last report, no one in Rutherford County, which is the county of the mosque’s site, is not willing to provide a thing. All supplies need to be procured from vendors outside of the county.

Currently the plumbing has been run, and the main supports have been erected. The concrete was to be poured today, and tomorrow, but the heavy rains have moved in, once again.

Several weeks ago I was approached about telling this story. Without hesitation, I agreed. This morning I arrived at the site for the very first time, and was able to make a few images before the rains began. As for the issue of size, as protested by the Tea Party activists, the mosque appears to be about the same footprint, as that of the Grace Baptist Church just next door.

I will return to the site as soon as the concrete is able to be poured, and continue to follow the project through to completion – reporting it here, in this blog.

Until next time…

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A Letter to Rick Perry:

Posted on December 9, 2011 by David Farmerie

Mr. Perry, in case you missed this lesson, in the fifth or sixth, grade, the United States of America is ‘not’ a Christian nation; nor is it a Muslim nation, a Hindu nation, a Buddhist nation, or a nation of any singular faith or religion. It is a nation of people – of every race, faith, religion, sexual persuasion, or any other persuasion.

Also, Mr. Perry, since you have either forgotten, or quite possibly never really knew, a war was fought between colonists [living in the land we now know as America], and the British Empire – a war which culminated in 1783. This war was fought to break free from a tyranny of oppressive taxation, and laws preventing freedom of expression – of any kind, but most of all, religion.

Moreover, on July 4, 1776, The Continental Congress signed The Declaration of Independence – remember anything about that document, Mr. Perry?

Again, to refresh your memory, here is a direct quote from the document: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
Notice that is states “Creator”, not Jesus Christ, not God, not Buddha, not Krishna… just “Creator”

The reason for this, Mr. Perry, was because our founding fathers knew, first hand, the devastating problems that arise when religion (of any kind), is interlaced with politics – and in a democracy, a true democracy, it would be tantamount to the self destruction of this nation they were creating.

What you are proposing is “Exactly” what our founding fathers fought against,  as well as all who fought beside them, and all who gave their lives in pursuit of this dream – the dream we now call The United States of America. How dare you voice your lack of patriotism, under the guise of wanting to lead the democracy that, by your own words, you defame, and are disgusted by.

And again, Mr. Perry, in case you are not familiar with the meaning of the word “Patriotism”, it means: “a person who vigorously supports their country and is prepared to defend it against enemies or detractors.”

You, Mr. Perry, are not defending this country of “ours”. You are, in fact, one of the detractors of our way of life, as it was established, and entrusted to us, by our founding fathers. In the time prior to our founding fathers, while British Rule was still law, you would have been publicly flogged, and possibly hung, for such things. Perhaps you should thank your Creator that you live in far more tolerant country.

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Evening of Gratitude, and Stella:

Posted on December 7, 2011 by David Farmerie

As the late evening arrives I am in the sitting room,  sitting in the Leopard Chair, reading pages from W. Eugene Smith’s The Jazz Loft Project, a cold bottle of Stella Artois is just within reach, and Radio Swiss Jazz playing through the speakers.

Reviewing the works of W. Eugene Smith has always been a resurgence of spirit, for me. Our lives carry so many parallels, that reading Smith’s diatribes, and introspections, often gives me great insights into my own.

And now, Van Morrison begins to play Someone Like You, as I type this post. The house is otherwise quiet. Stephnie stopped for coffee, with our friend Michelle, after work and is still not home. The dogs are settled, and the cats are outside. It has been just me, and Gene, and Stella – with the brief visit by Van, and my evening is exactly what I needed.

Reading W. Eugene Smith also reminds me, each and every time, why I chose the profession I did. He reminds me of what is at the core, and is always my gauge for how far I have strayed – when I have.

The past week has been filled with new possibilities, and many new people. I have been enriched my their conversations and, with some, by their music. I have had the opportunity to create many new photographs, many of which, it turns out coincidentally, are reflective of what I was seeing tonight in Smith’s book.

As I sit here tonight, surrounded by all that is good, I am reminded of the gratitude I so often, albeit unintentionally, lose site of. I am blessed – I always have been. Tonight I am reminded of just how blessed I have been – and I give thanks.

How about you??

Until next time…

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A Day of Contrasts:

Posted on December 7, 2011 by David Farmerie

During the course of the day, today, my emotions have been stretched and torn, from every direction conceivable – which has compelled me to write this post.

The day began by watching a video, sent to me by a fellow journalist. It was a news interview with a woman who has given birth to 15 children, and is now saying that “somebody needs to take responsibility for all these kids” – “somebody needs to take responsibility for all this pain”. It is her assertion that she is not responsible for the situation she is in, since the children were gifts from God. According to her, it is the government, or society, or both, that need to step forth and provide her with a place to live, (for free), as well as the financial where-with-all to support herself and these children.

This afternoon I watch a video clip of Britney Spears performing in Las Vegas. The video showed that the show was performed to lip sync, but the microphone recorded her actual voice. Needless to say, it was as painful as listening to a cat die. But moreover, it was just another example of deception for the sake of making money.

From there I saw a post, on Facebook, that actor Harry Morgan died today. I am not usually affected when a personality dies, unless I knew them personally, however – Harry Morgan, as an actor, found a place in my heart. The irony of reading this Facebook post, is that it came attached with a video clip from an episode of M.A.S.H. It was the episode where Harry Morgan’s character lashes out at a new Chinese method for killing American troops, or, moreover, for mutilating the human body. Watching this video clip came on the heels of a slide show that I had just finished watching, from the New York Times, showing the aftermath of a suicide bombing at a Shiite Holy Ceremony in Kabul, Afghanistan.

I suppose it was the dichotomy between the first and the last stories, that led me to this post. Even now, as I write about it, I can feel my gut twist into knots. The world is out of control – seemingly more so with each new day that dawns, and I struggle not to slip into hopelessness. Yet my head finally hung, low and still, unable to even justify a shake from side to side. It just hung.

Until next time…

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The Art of Working Together:

Posted on November 30, 2011 by David Farmerie

Several weeks ago I had a phone conversation with Carol Boss, at Hahnemuhle Paper, regarding availability issues here in Nashville. By the end of the conversation I had begun a relationship with Hahnemuhle. Since then I have been testing nearly every paper that they produce, including the Harman line of papers. This has been especially helpful since I am in the throws of finishing work on Southern Light.

Several papers intrigued me, including two of their newest; Bamboo and Sugar Cane, two environmentally friendly papers. This afternoon I resumed testing, this time on larger sheets, UPS’d to me by Hahnemuhle. I was also able to get guidance, via telephone, from Ashleigh – Hahnemuhle’s chief printer. The results were amazing!

Homage to Sam Davis

"Homage to Sam Davis"

My “Homage to Sam Davis” print rendered beautifully on the Bamboo. The warm tone, of the paper, enhanced the sepia toning of the image. What blew me away, even more, was the paper’s ability to render my contrast range, in this image. The tones are gradual and, combined with the smooth surface of the paper, the image sings the story I wanted present.

Sun Still Shines

"Sun Still Shines"

Then a tiny voice, with me – (you know which voice I’m referring to… the one that nudges, and nudges, and – when you try to ignore it, begins to take tiny nibbles at your gut)… anyhow this tiny voice suggests that I take a look at “Sun Still Shines”; my image of Sun Studios, in Memphis, TN.

“No”, I say to the tiny voice, but to no avail. I tried to explain to the tiny voice that I have already printed the image – quite successfully, and there is no need… but tiny voice won the nudgefest.

As I watched the paper emerged from the printer, I felt goosebumps begin to rise all over my body – well, almost all over. Then I felt excitement swell and more, and more, of the print became visible. As the final pass of the ink heads finished, and the paper jerked, ever so slightly, as it exited the main part of the printer, I was in awe.

Ever since switching to a digital darkroom, I have strived for the visual / tactile quality that I would get from the wet darkroom – and high quality fiber-based black & white papers. To date I have found it nearly impossible – until this afternoon. Upon looking at the image upon this paper, I could at once, experience the visceral sensation of the image while, at the same time, feel – even without touching, the tactile sensuality of the paper that supported the image.

Needless to say, I am reprinting “Sun Still Shines”.

I am blown away by the dedication of the people at Hahnemuhle. When I read, several months ago, a piece on their website, about being dedicated to image makers, I fluffed it off as basic marketing. They have, in an ever so wonderful way, proven my assumptions wrong.

Until next time…

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Tis the Season – Really?

Posted on November 25, 2011 by David Farmerie

A video has been circulating on Facebook, today, showing the mass chaos of people vying for the $2.00 waffle irons – as part of the annual Black Friday shopping frenzy. To say that I found the contents of this video, absolutely appalling, is as severe of an understatement as one could ever make. However, it gave me pause to another another thought; how far we have come from the Three Wise Men that trekked long, across the desert on camel back, in order to present three, well-thought-out gifts.

Looking back on this story, in the reference of “why” we celebrate Christmas, and then to the [supposed] reason that we buy gifts to present on this hallowed day, my level of disgust, and disdain, grows beyond any previously established boundaries I may have had.

Another story spoke of a man using pepper spray, in order to get the items that he wanted. In light of these incidents, compiled upon the recent incidents of police brutality, and the virtual overt abuse of many of our civil rights, perhaps it is not the Mosque, being built in our neighborhood, that we need to worry so much about – or even the passive Muslim family that happens to move next door.

Perhaps we should look deeper at ourselves – and within ourselves, before looking so far away.

Until next time…

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A Commitment to My Beloved City:

Posted on November 23, 2011 by David Farmerie

PPG plaza in Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaPittsburgh, regardless of where I have traveled, or where I have lived, Pittsburgh has always remained my heart’s home. I love my City.

Having lived in Nashville, for six years now, this is the longest period of time that I have lived outside of by beloved ‘Burgh. This separation has allowed me to see my City in a whole new light – something that caught me by complete surprise.

On April 15, 2010, I spent the day photographing Pittsburgh. It may not seem like a long period of time, but the time spent had my full devotion to the City. I felt the City as never before. The buildings were the same, but everything was more vibrant – more alive.

Initially, my reason for photographing was nothing more than to experience Pittsburgh again – to re-acquaint myself with her. By the end of the day, 99+% of the images I made, were keepers. I had fallen in love all over again.

In the 19 months that have followed that phenomenal day, I have only glanced at the images during two edits. Each time I became filled with the very same emotions that filled me that day. To give back to my City, I have become impassioned to create an exhibition, and a book. Originally I thought of creating the exhibition around only the images I made that day. However, I have now decided to shoot another segment – one that delves deep into what truly makes Pittsburgh the place that it is… the people.

My goal is to have the images completed, and edited, by summer of 2012 – and the exhibition ready to premier by January 2013. So much of me wants to have it hang, right now, but I am trying to maintain restraint in order to deliver something that is so much more.

Currently the body of work consists of 34 images. My estimate is that the final count will be closer to sixty. Perhaps even more.

Until next time…

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Is History Being Revisited?

Posted on November 23, 2011 by David Farmerie

Having grown up in the 60’s and 70’s, during the entirety of the Vietnam War, I was witness to the daily news stories of the protests, and the war, as it raged on. Every night, each of the three networks would broadcast film footage from the front lines in Vietnam. The horrors of the war  became the dinner entertainment for many, but for others, it fueled their anger against the war.

This constantly fueled anger led to more, and more, protests. Some turned violent, but the majority were passive – that is, until the police or National Guard were sent in to squelch it.

The culmination of this violence, in order to squelch the protests, came about on Monday May, 4, 1970, on the campus of Kent State University, in Ohio. According to Wikapedia, “Companies A and C, 1/145th Infantry and Troop G of the 2/107th Armored Cavalry, Ohio Army National Guard (ARNG), the units on the campus grounds, attempted to disperse the students.”

“When it was determined the crowd was not going to disperse, a group of 77 National Guard troops from A Company and Troop G, with bayonets fixed on their rifles, began to advance upon the hundreds of protesters. As the guardsmen advanced, the protesters retreated up and over Blanket Hill, heading out of The Commons area. Once over the hill, the students, in a loose group, moved northeast along the front of Taylor Hall, with some continuing toward a parking lot in front of Prentice Hall (slightly northeast of and perpendicular to Taylor Hall). The guardsmen pursued the protesters over the hill, but rather than veering left as the protesters had, they continued straight, heading down toward an athletic practice field enclosed by a chain link fence. Here they remained for about ten minutes, unsure of how to get out of the area short of retracing their entrance path (an action some guardsmen considered might be viewed as a retreat)”

The result was that four students had been shot to death.

I write this post, and bring attention to this piece of American History, because of all that I have been reading regarding the incidents around Occupy Seattle. The physical violence, used to suppress protestors, seems all to familiar. This is how the incidents at Kent State began, long before the National Guard shot and killed four students, on that day.

Protesting is a right as an American citizen. We are born with this right. I realize that the police risk their own well-being, in these, and many other situations, but there needs to be some sort of control – or restraint. For me, the final story was of a 19 year old girl, who was pregnant at the time of the protests in Seattle. According to her story, [which has yet to be confirmed], after being pepper sprayed, she was kicked in the stomach by a police officer. According to her story, she continually screamed, to the advancing police, that she was pregnant and trying to get out of the crowd.

Regardless of her story, these incidents are seeming to grow more, and more, out of control, and I worry that we are about to repeat a very ugly part of our own history.

Until next time…

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