Brian Hirschy just shared an Instagram photo with you. Visit the following link to see it:

http://distilleryimage8.instagram.com/ec175192992811e192e91231381b3d7a_6.jpg

Brian Hirschy just shared an Instagram photo with you. Visit the following link to see it:

http://distilleryimage8.instagram.com/ec175192992811e192e91231381b3d7a_6.jpg

Brian Hirschy just shared an Instagram photo with you. Visit the following link to see it:

http://distilleryimage4.instagram.com/283e8e3c992511e1b10e123138105d6b_6.jpg

Being one of the only permanently-based (and open with the government) photographers in the Tibetan areas of western China lends itself to certain stresses, troubles, and limitations – one of those being they tend to let me know when it’s ‘safe‘ for me to go out and do my job.  Safe meaning when they are comfortable with the thought of a foreign photographer.  All other times they expect me to find something else to do.  Roll with the punches and keep my head down, I guess.

I’m happy to say that things are gradually returning to a state of normal.  I now have a huge list of projects I’m working on.  Down time, while frustrating as a story teller, creator, and income earner, is certainly hard. But it can also be great to help us gain perspective and think about the stories that we want to tell.  Such was the case for me.

I’m happy to announce one of many personal projects designed to explore the many nuances, stories, and people of my home in western China.  These are stories I’ve been watching unfold for years and haven’t had the 关系 (relationships, trust, understanding, local rapport, etc) to pursue appropriately all while being sensitive to the unique cultures of this place .  I couldn’t be more excited to start!  Listed below are a few captions for the posted images, many of which will be explored further in the coming weeks.

• Xiàngqí /象棋/ Chinese Chess – Literally translated means “Elephant Game.”  This is one of the most interesting cultural games you will find in China.  Literally on any given day you can find dozens of old men around playing this game.  It’s a fantastically rich game that encompasses a large swath of Chinese social culture.

• Confucius Wall Slogans – I find these everywhere throughout China.  These are painted slogans, both large and small, that convey what the Chinese government feels is a slogan to promote ’social harmony.’

• BaoZi/包子 / Chinese Dumplings - So much food culture, it’s so hard to know where to begin.  This is one of my favorites and one of the most common foods you will run across in China.  Worth exploring further.

• Temples:  Daoist, Buddhist, unidentified… we’ve got them.

• Common workers: Man, is there a story to be told here.

Hope you join me over the next few months as many of these stories unfold.

My World: Part 1 – Images by Brian Hirschy

“Be prepared to reinvent yourself.  Be prepared to go out on a limb occasionally… and be prepared to do the thing that you feel strongly about, that maybe other people don’t…”

I had a great blog post lined up for today – that was until I read that one of my idols, Hillman Curtis (site here) passed away just a few days ago.  I tend to get news like this on a delay here in China.  Even if you’re not sure who Hillman Curtis is, there is a good chance you’ve seen his work.  The creative world has truly lost a great mind and an enormously generous creator – a person who impacted me greatly as both a designer and a photographer.

I remember several years back at a friends house, I first saw Hillman’s book, MTIV: Process, Inspiration and Practice for the New Media Designer. I was so impressed that I went home that same day and ordered copies of the book for every designer friend I could think of.  That book continues to be an inspiration for me and I’m deeply saddened to hear of Hillman’s passing.

His is a life worth studying.  I’d highly encourage you to get familiar with his work and his life if you aren’t already.  Hillman Curtis was only 51 when he passed away.  With the shortness and uncertainty of life, I think we owe it to ourselves and the world to spend our time doing what we love.

Rest in Peace Hillman.  Prayers to your family.  You’ll be deeply missed.