[img]541|left|Carter Dewberry||no_popup[/img]My mind spiraled out of control as I contemplated how to answer his question, “So, who is Carter?”
Asked over a cup of tea in our first meeting, this was an entirely appropriate inquiry. Yet, my response tasted stale, even as it crossed my lips. I turned the spotlight back onto him as quickly as I could to collect my thoughts.
Emanuel, or Manny as he asked to be called, launched into painting a landscape of his life as firefighter turned photographer. He described over 30 years of community service responding to everything from civil rights riots in the ‘60s to the Rodney King riots in the early ‘90s. He explained how his yearning to find and create beauty grew over the years until he chose to retire from a life of service to pursue photography as more than a hobby.
Since then, his work has led him on a journey to find his own artistic voice. Through the myriad of details emerged an image of a man passionate about capturing the essence of performing artists on canvas. After seeing my concert in July, Manny became interested in working together.
A True Collaboration
When I viewed samples of his work, the idea of a photographic collaboration took on a whole new meaning for me. I saw how the voice of the performer can be represented visually on film or canvas. In the past, I had considered my role as more passive, my main objective being to not blink or have a lopsided smile. I had not understood I could be an active participant and have more than a hip background, that I could create a stage to illustrate my story.
I shook my head in amazement as my mind reeled with possibility. At the same time, I realized that depicting the many facets of my artistic expression in a single image would take significant work on my part. I need to be able to answer the question, “Who is Carter?” in so many ways.
I have much reflection ahead. Stay tuned next week as I continue exploring this question…
Ms. Dewberry, an accomplished cellist, completed her DMA in Chamber Music Performance from UCLA in December 2005. She received her MM in Cello Performance from UCLA in June 2002 and her B.M. in Cello Performance from Western Michigan University in April 1998. She also holds a B.A. in French with a minor in Women's Studies and Philosophy.
Ms. Dewberry is celebrating the release of her new album, “Origins.”
Her website is www.carterdewberry.com
She may be contacted at carter@carterdewberry.com
