Life in the dark

Local historical images

Hidden away for many years in my father's black box was a collection of black and white photographs with many of the faces of people I didn't know. Some with smiles, but most with expressions that induce a desire to move through the image's surface as if inhaled by their breath. Who are these people?  Why is this moment in time and space captured?  What is their connection to my father that they are stored protected for years. Is there, if any relationship to me? All these questions revolve in my thoughts. With my local community in the planning stages of celebrating our centenary including a book, I find myself again looking at those faces. Are they the people who have walked the localities I have? Are they the labourers who have built structures not only for their use but for those of their future the now current residents?

Smoke gets in your eye

I find that when I am testing an aspect of photography new to me, I loose all track of time. This has especially been the case when investigating a smoke trail project. The surprise are the many differing images that emerge within the smoke compositions.

bovine
© Esther Bell 2011

call
© Esther Bell 2011

smoking koru
© Esther Bell 2011

 

Hunga Hunga Hall

Out on Alexander Road between Te Aroha and Waharoa the Hunga Hunga Hall sits waiting for a new owner.

Hunga Hunga Hall
© Esther Bell 2011

Okoroire Community Hall

Each year another rural community hall is affected by the transformation of small farms with more people, to large farms and less people. Coupled with this migration, is our willingness to move about within larger concentric locations expanding our view of what community is. All this culminates in the demise of these once seemingly iconic structures. It is my hope to capture these buildings in the area before they completely disappear.

Okoroire Hall Dec 2010
© Esther Bell 2010

Okoroire Hall Removal Mar 2011
© Esther Bell 2011

Loosing our Community Halls

 Taihoa Hall - Nov 2009

© Esther Bell 2009

 Taihoa Hall demolished - June 2010
© Esther Bell 2010

Identity

welcome to distinctive-mix.

a site where I hope images surpass the written.