Bon Voyage . . . . Inspirator Andres Gonzalez

Photo © Andres Gonzalez

Best wishes to inspirator Andres Gonzalez as he heads off on an a magical journey, a quick stop in the Ukraine before moving on to Istanbul Turkey where he will be based for the next year on a Fulbright Scholarship. He has a great project planned and I can't wait to see what he comes up with. Hopefully we can get a sneak peak from time to time on "Whats The Jackanory ?"

I recently had the pleasure of having a drink with Andres in New York. He got in touch with me over a year ago and we have kept in contact since, it was really great to finally meet up in person.

Andres a PDN 30 in 2006 spent much of last year in the Ukraine with his girlfriend, the very talented photographer Carolyn Drake who was herself on a Fulbright at the time and whom still lives there, although I believe she will now be joining Andres in Istanbul. Andres put together a fab project 'Sanatorium' where he took to the village of Truskavets in the Carpathian Mountains and documented the goings on of pilgrims who made the trip there to drink, bathe, and rejuvenate using the mystical spring water called Natsfuya and the environs. The resort is a left behind of the bygone Soviet era and continues to be popular as the miracle water still appears to work wonders.

Andres is a fearless man, he had his film processed in the Ukraine whilst he was there and started to get some weird patterns on the emulsion, switching labs was not an option as there was only one. He sent me an email with an example (below) attached to see if I could come up with anything. I remember asking around but I cant remember if a satisfactory explanation was ever found. Newton rings, moisture ? Andres ? See below if anyone would like to chime in and has experienced similar markings.

Heres to you Andres Gonzalez and Carolyn Drake !