I created Medicinebleu as a means to work independently as a photographer and to tell the stories of others. Remarkably, over the past few years—especially since my work in Asia—I have seen Medicinebleu morph into an outlet for humanitarian efforts. In the next year, I have been afforded the opportunity to participate in even more projects that combine photography work with relief projects.
During the first part of the new year, I will be working in Belize with Nantahala Outdoor Center to coordinate a series of adventure photography workshops. In the downtime, NOC Adventure Travel ambassador Jono Bryant and I will refurbish a dilapidated clinic in the rural village of Laguna, then continue to the border of Guatemala, conducting health outreach programs in smaller rural villages.
We've set up a website to raise funds for building supplies and medical kits to be purchased in country in Belize. The site is http://www.firstgiving.com/belizeclinic . I am asking all my friends and supporters of Medicinebleu to give at least $5. It is all tax deductible through medicforce.org . A simple $5 from everyone in the Medicinebleu community could create a blanket of support to a rural Mayan village that needs a clean, sanitary clinic where a visiting doctor can use a legitimate facility to conduct routine checkups, instead of expecting local churches and schools to pull double duty.
We are gathering a team of volunteers from all over the world. We are working on the clinic Feburary 1-6th 2010, and the following week we move close to the border of Guatemala to administer health checkups. I will be creating a multi-media project on the Laguna Village and the people affected by the rural healthcare initiative. Take a moment and pass this website on to your friends. You all know by now that the only way I work is to go directly to the source and be involved. Please see what you all can do.
I just got back from 3 weeks of travel. Two weeks of classes at Maine Media, then travels to Boston, Brooklyn, and Chicago. What an amazing time. I got to see a lot of my old film friends. I created a new- media project with Jane in Chicago. I am really proud of the project and hope to do more. Please check out the video below.
Its been a great week. I have begun my Spring Travels. On Wednesday I saw Andrew Bird perform in Atlanta. On the way to Maine, I stopped in on my old friend Brian O'Donnell in Boston. Two great artist in one week. You can't beat that!
Happy New Years: Great Podcast of J. Spaceman A new look for the website, a new short film (2008 IWHOF), and new photography site. I have just become a little more versed in podcasts. My first one to share here is an interview I lifted from NPR featuring Jason Pierce (J.Spaceman) of Spiritualized. Jason's music has touched me over the last few years, and in this short piece he sums up what it's all about. Click on the link below for the interview. (It may take a bit to load).
British Sea Power- I had the coolest experience the other day. Me and a couple of friends from NOC met up with the band British Sea Power, and went rafting with them on the French Broad River. What a great bunch of guys. Afterwards we all hit Ashville, NC to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.
I just arrived in San Estevan, Belize. I am here working with Dan Seinfield on an Archeological dig. We are working on a network of mounds created by the Maya, from the pre-classic age. It is so crazy touching ceramics, and works of art over 2 thousand yrs. old. I'll post some images soon!
Happy New Year! I cleaned up my blog, and added a few pimp attachments. You'll notice a new link to my flickr photo stream and a new "featured" video at the top. Please check back for a travel update, there's lot's happening in 2008!