On the Subject of Muses...Part I

(Suzanne Farrell and George Balanchine in the production of Don Quixote)

Today while lounging comfortably in the presence of an unfamiliar documentary, I was confronted on the subject of muses. This topic however relative to my existence; is often neglected in poor form. I will admit this truth freely, with nothing to shield myself other than my lavish excuses. It is my goal to recover from this blindness and to develop a sense of recognition. Pure in form and long overdue, I would like to thank those individuals that made such marks in my creativity and for provoking such works of art. To many of them they are but artless souls who happened to saunter past an artist in need never truly 

comprehending the sanctity of their being.

In the documentary, a similar story of Suzanne Farrell is told, the hopeful yet heart wrenching tale of an American ballet dancer who just happens to acquire the role of George Balanchine’s muse; A co-founder of the George Balanchine’s School of American Ballet. Through their rich connection on the stage and his faithful choreography an unspoken relationship is conceived yet ends abruptly due to Georges previously unresolved marital woes. Suzanne becomes nothing but a pawn in which is genius can be unmasked, taking shrine in her movement and leaving her emotions out to dry. I felt sorry for this woman…While her dancing was irretrievably striking I could feel an underlying sadness about her story that plagued something within me.

And so this was written, to replenish a stock of confidence within my subjects. My work may be small, but it would be nothing with out the livelihood of such angels; such strength you give. To Naseem: your beauty never fails to astound my lens! You have instilled an intimacy within my photography that couldn’t have been provoked by anyone else. To Wendy: It only took one photograph to realize the potential I see in you, your honesty is inspiring. To Papa: You didn’t understand the fascination I had with your hands but the endless discussions about art analysis proved to be worthwhile when I saw what you had given me. To Vesh: You are the shining beacon in all of this because if it weren’t for you, I would have never been given the tools to see and develop. You are a promoter, a loyal follower and an endless muse. “You are the wind beneath my wings” –Bette Midler.

Thank you.