It's fair to say that 2008 was more than a little interesting. While teetering on the edge of a financial abyss, we found hope for real, significant change. We've kept our footing, despite the world taking a sharp turn.

These thoughts were at the front of my mind while shooting at the Grand Canyon recently for my upcoming book. Joe Ledbetter's pink Teeter can be seen above, keeping balance on the edge of a steep cliff. This was not without peril. A gust of wind sent her over the side, thankfully landing Teeter on a small ledge. It was a little scary pulling her back, and a support rod was attached to make sure she didn't end up taking a trip to the Colorado River, 5000 feet below.

The canyon was on the drive back from Tennessee and a truly amazing experience. I had the extreme honor of shooting at the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, built on the site of Lorraine Motel. It was humbling to stand on the same balcony where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. lost his life to an assassin's bullet.

I was there shooting for the upcoming exhibition MANIFEST HOPE: DC, produced and curated by the remarkable Yosi Sergant.

"Art plays a pivotal role in creating cultural momentum. The MANIFEST HOPE: DC Gallery celebrates that role and shines a spotlight on artists who use their voices to amplify and motivate the grassroots movement that carried President-Elect Barack Obama to victory.

MANIFEST HOPE: DC gathers together a diverse array of the nation’s most talented visual artists under one roof to mark this monumental achievement in our nation’s history and encourages artists and activists to maintain the momentum to bring about true change in the United States.

Along with its partners, MoveOn.org Political Action, the Service Employees International Union and Obey Giant, MANIFEST HOPE: DC, will issue an inspiring visual call-to-action, encouraging a redirection of public energy toward true reform..."

It is an absolute honor to be included in the exhibition. My piece uses an Obama figure to comment on the achievement of Barack Obama, viewed in the context of Dr. King's legacy and the history of the Lorraine Motel.

If you're in DC, I hope you'll stop by the exhibition. I can't express how much I look forward to being there for such a historical day.

Best Wishes,
Brian

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

If the image(s) and navigation above are not showing up, you can view the ePostcard online at http://www.mccartyphotoworks.com/epostcard/epostcard_66.html

If you have received this email in error, or if you'd like to modify or cancel your subscription to McCarty PhotoWorks' ePostcards, please respond to this email with an appropriate subject line. You may also use our online form to unsubscribe. McCarty PhotoWorks respects your privacy.

Images, logos, and content ©2005-2009 McCarty PhotoWorks/Brian McCarty - All Rights Reserved. You may distrubute links to this online ePostcard at mccartyphotoworks.com, but rights to reproduce any content, including images, are not granted or implied.

McCarty PhotoWorks / 1260 Havenhurst Dr. / Suite 104 / West Hollywood, CA 90046