With Thanks…
There was a gathering last week at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, and I still feel the reverb, the warmth, and the wonderful, healing spirit of the evening this week, as so many of us pause to give thanks.
Jan Ramirez, the tireless Executive Vice President of Collections and Chief Curator of the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, has long had faith in the power of the stories contained in the Giant Polaroids, all of which were created within a month after 9/11 day. She has stayed the course, and has championed the images to this day. The project now occupies a section of one of the wings in the museum. And the images of these extraordinary people are there, confronting the passerby, telling their stories. They look out from the wall, steadfast as they were in the tumult and agony of those days. The best of us.
And a number of them came to the museum that night, thankfully, Louie Cacchioli, whose image became the emblem of the whole project.
And dear friends Mike and Nuri came. A truly special couple.
In Q&A, Jan led me through a thicket of memories, pictures, and stories. Some accounts of details and nuances of those days were spoken of for the first time. Like how Father Jordan, one of the portrait subjects, cussed me up, down and sideways when I made the picture below because I didn’t have my own Metro Card. I had to poach one of his rides, and he wasn’t happy about it. He attended the talk last week and near the end of the evening, he raised his hand as if to ask a question, but then came up to the stage and gave me a subway card and a great big hug. Very special people.
There was a particularly special person in the audience, who I mentioned, but all too briefly. Lynn DelMastro has run my studio for thirty plus years, keeping this tiny ship afloat in the rocky seas of photography. The 9/11 Giant Polaroid project simply wouldn’t exist without her calmness, support, and steadying influence during that hectic time in the world all those years ago. Work was virtually impossible to find after the disaster. I got funding for the project but threw it all at operating the camera and storage. I didn’t take any fees and Lynn stayed with me, even during times I couldn’t pay her salary for three, four weeks in a row.
She is, in the deepest and most resonant way it can be said, my friend. And I pause to give her thanks during this time of year, and always.
And a shout out to David Starke, the Manager of Photo & Video at the Memorial Museum, who shot the pictures of the installation and graciously sent them to me. And to Drew Gurian, who snapped Louie and I, and the passing of the Metro Card with Father Jordan. And thanks to all the long time, dear friends who showed up on this heartfelt night.
More tk….
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Joe it was an honor and a pleasure be there. Working for you was one of the most influential work/life experiences I’ve had and I relish those memories. I’d do it again in a heartbeat. Thank you and happy holidays and Thanksgiving to you and family.
Dear Joe, Annie and Lynn,
In a word “sacred” comes to mind. People and places are made sacred by sacrifices. You made a sacrifice of your time, energies and accumulated talents to make the enduring project come to life and bear fruit. As a result all becomes sacred. Not bad for an Irish boy who went to some many elementary schools. You have touched the hearts of million and in future generations, too. I can only bear witness for my experiences with you. Thank you from a loyal friend, Marco
Bravo, Joe. Perserverance to keep precious memories alive
Always a pleasure to work with you and Lynn and see your photographs.
As a fellow photographer and Nikon life long user, thank you Joe McNally. I’ve never met you in person and live as far from New York as in Arizona, just saying thank you for your many stories, interviews and articles. Your work has left an inspiration to me and many others and your special work like this 9/11 exhibition, they inspire each of us to tell a story through the lens and if possible leave a lasting legacy for others to aspire to. 9/11 has been burned into all our memories in one way or another, as have many other events in our lifetimes. To see the people and hear the stories and for those photos and stories, I believe it gives us hope and inspiration in this big world, if only for one person to leave an impression, that is the beauty of photography and of the masters of story telling, like Joe and many others. Thank You for the inspiration, memories and the lasting images e we will give thanks for many years to come. Many Blessings this Thanksgiving and everyday for you and all those we look to for inspiration. May GOD Bless each and everyday.
you talks are always the best. Hope you make it back to Los Angeles soon for a talk. Miss that we no longer have the Annenberg to host your’s and others speak.
Thank you Paul..haven’t been to Los Angeles in forever, hoping I get back there soon!
Thank you for the kind words, Darin, and apologies for being so late to answer. The people who gathered in full force after 9/11 represent the best of us, and deserved to have their story told. They themselves are a constant source of inspiration. Be well, and all best back to you.
Thank you, Judy!
You guys are the best. Have a blog about your winter show about to go up. Best always, Joe
Marco, you are, and will always remain a dear friend.
Great to see you David! it’s been a long road! All the best back to you.
Joe, Fabulous, as always. Albest, kz
Fabulous
Thank you so much Karen, for taking a look at this old photog’s work. Still out here shooting jobs, working as hard as I was when we first met. Hoping you are well!
KZ! I miss you!
Looking good JOE. I’m okay living in San Francisco and just now looking for new volunteer work.
That is terrific… [email protected]…send me an email, and if ever SF way, i will give you a shout. Best, Joe
wow the shots are amaizing .. keep up the good work joe