Presentations From YZR to YVR

Recently, I was in Canada to spend time with family and friends. I also needed to take care of some things that required my attention in preparation for another year of being away. I decided to use the time to share my current project, ‘The Condor & The Bull,’ for the first time publicly.

The first presentation was in my hometown of Sarnia, ON. It was wonderful to have the support of so many people from my youth. I haven’t lived in Sarnia since 1989, yet I remain close to many people there. 

A variety of people helped me organize the presentation and make it a success, but there were a few who shone. Robert Walicki helped me arrange a location for the event and provided the audio-video equipment. He also helped to keep the night on track. 

Irene Matys took time out of her busy culinary expert life to make Peruvian-themed appetizers for the event with the help of Lynda Hayes. The two spent days putting the incredible food together with help from a few others.  Too many people to mention here who helped in different ways before and throughout the evening. I thank you all. 

From Sarnia (YZR), I made my way to Athens (ATH) for the International Photography Awards, where I would do a much-condensed version of the presentation and promote the project to curators, editors, and publishers. I am happy to say that it was very well received. 

From there, it was onto Vancouver, BC (YVR), where I would do another presentation at Gallery 881 to a sold-out audience. The owner and curator of Gallery 881, John Goldsmith, could not have been more supportive and helpful in making the presentation successful. 

Not only did John sponsor the evening so I could make the presentation available in Vancouver, he also did all the printing through the gallery’s accompanying business, Print Maker Studio. The prints were gorgeous and high-quality. I will definitely be doing more printing for the project at Print Maker Studio by John when that time comes.

The trip north was short and a bit manic. I had to return to Peru a few days after the YVR presentation and get back to photographing for the project.  Countless people reached out after the various presentations, and the response was resoundingly positive. It was tremendously helpful and will be invaluable as I complete the project and prepare to present it to a much wider audience in various forms. 

Gracias

MB