Ocean

2005 took many things away from me that I took for granted. Several friends passed on to the next level of existence, I lost a job that I had put my soul into and thought would be mine for life. The lesson learned was that all things don’t last forever and that change while sometime difficult almost always leads to something better. I walked away from 2005 promising myself two things, First, I would find away to tell the people who make up my life that I love them. It’s not easy for me sometimes but I realized that one of the reasons I took photographs of people was I wanted them to see what I see, I wanted them to see what I loved about them. Second, I would release my fear and put myself my photography out there and share it with the bigger world. My good friend Reggie Ball once told me that he thought I had a fear of success. That truth was hard for me to understand and hear, but after this year of loss I realized I might not get the chance to do this.

One day I was looking through some websites and I found a link to a blog by a brother from New York, Ocean Morisett. My head exploded with one of many epiphanies that have happened in my life. Its not like his was the first blog I encountered but here was a photographer who was putting his work out for the world to see with thoughtful supportive dialog about all sorts of things happening in his life. It was the way forward, like a path opening before me I began to start my journey. I have stories to tell of amazingly human moments, which I have captured, on film. Tonight I want to set that a side and honor someone whom I have never met but feel connected to in so many ways.


Epiphany: So Ocean thanks for coming on to the blog!

Ocean: thanks for having me?

Epiphany: I have to make an admission right from the start... when I crossed over your blog “brothaluva café” it was the reason why I started my own!

Ocean: Really?? Well I'm honored and always happy to inspire!

Epiphany: There mix of images and the thoughts behind them was totally intriguing to me! Your blog seems to be a real mix of images and politics and just everyday life...what inspires your photography?




Ocean: I thought it would be a good way to present some of my images that might not otherwise be seen! My photography is inspired by the everyday. The things that go unnoticed. There’s so much beauty in the world and through photography, I can be a part of it.



Epiphany: Yes I agree ...do you carry your camera all the time?

Ocean: LOL, no, I don't. But as you may know, it's when I'm not armed with my camera that I see so much that I want to photograph! My relationship to photography and the camera is like a love affair... sometimes I love it, and sometimes I'm frustrated and don't want to be bothered.

Epiphany: Yes happens to me all the time too! ...Could kick myself on some of what I miss out on... Many of your images have a political bent.... are you politically active?

Ocean: Not consciously political, but who knows what's brewing underneath my surface that comes to light through my photos. It's always a marvelous discovery for me... almost like therapy! Full of revelation.

Epiphany: I can dig that.... I really love your images of Cuba... it seems unusual for an American to go there when did you go?



Ocean: Thanks. I went to Cuba on two occasions. The first time was in 2002 and the second time was in 2003. I went with 12 other photographers and artists from around the country to teach a photography and arts workshop to Cuban youth. It was a rewarding experience! I fell in love with Cuba and the Cuban people. I hope to visit someday soon. Cuba is also the safest place I've ever been to in this world!



Epiphany: Yes your images really captured the essence of what life is like there... Ok one of the images on your blog is called "Hercules with knifed watermelon" Is there a story behind the image?

Ocean: Well, I simply wanted to create an image that spoke to the stereotypes that exist for black people and their love for watermelon. I recalled the old images and caricatures of the blackface man with the big red lips, grinning widely and eating watermelon. I wanted to put an end to this stereotype, so that was the thinking behind this image.

Epiphany: It seemed almost as if you were trying to dispel the stereo type in the title.

Ocean: precisely. I didn't feel the need to go all out with the image. I think subtlety is best and that was the goal with the photo. I figured people would get it.



Epiphany: Yes ...its very clear and compelling... Another image which really got to me is "In the spirit, I AM” The article which accompanies it speaks about a time you were depressed.... has photography allowed you to work through life from time to time?

Ocean: Photography for me is a form of therapy. I use it to investigate my emotions as well as to document my experiences in my life. That was a period I was using self-portraiture to reveal and explore my depression and angst. I found that there was/is such great beauty in depression that to create art around it seemed only natural. Now I will have these images to look back and reflect on a tough period in my life, and also to compare where I’ve been emotionally to where I am now.

Epiphany: I find it to be much the same.... it can be very cathartic for sure.... I love your muse cube site... some of your nudes really have a sensitive almost romantic touch to them....



Ocean: Yes, that's always my goal. The Internet is inundated with porn images that exploit black men. I want to use another angle and show the beauty and because I'm such a sensual person, the images come across that way. I always photograph from within, and I'm very much in every photo that I take.

Epiphany: It really shows... Some of your images seemed to be framed with in a circle... when I first viewed them it almost seemed voyeuristic like peeking through a peephole.... was that your intention... or have I got it wrong?



Ocean: That was exactly my intention. The men are beautiful and sensual. Some people are not in touch with this feeling, or don't know how to approach this. I wanted to photograph as if someone were observing from a peephole---too afraid to be "with" these men, but beholding from afar, or in this case, a peephole. The circle is also a personal style of mine that I use sometimes.

Epiphany: Good I’m glad I got it! I love the way they add that additional meaning/feeling to the image... You do nudes, documentarian, nature, architecture, and sometime images in very soft focus which provide a mélange of colors just for color sake... is there one of those categories you specialize in or would most want to be remembered for?

Ocean: Ocean: I want to be remembered for my intentions--for what I set out to do which is ultimately, to make a difference in the world. To bring to light what others may miss or misjudge altogether. I enjoy all of what I photograph, but I must say that my images that involve people, whether photojournalistic or fine-art (nudes) are my favorite. I love the connection I have with people.

Epiphany: That’s really a beautiful answer...

Ocean: Thanks?

Epiphany: You have me struck right now actually.

Ocean: LOL That’s a good thing, I hope!

Epiphany: it is…

Ocean: take a look at my photojournalism site when you get a chance at http://omorisset.myexpose.com you'll really get a sense of who I am.




Epiphany: Your work in capturing the black gay community and your work to fight A.I.D.S. really shows your love for them.... I have documented the people in Detroit for almost 20 years... because I felt there was such a compelling story to tell, do you think there is a story that needs to be told?




Ocean: I am passionate about my community. Yes, I LOVE my community and have a commitment to document what we do and how we love. We all have stories to tell, and stories that we want to bury. Whatever the case may be, it should not be overlooked. I am here to bear witness and to be the documentarian, so that future generations know that we were here and we loved. My current project in works is called " MUKURU" in which I am interviewing and photographing black gay male elders. It seems to me they are an "invisible" community. I am interested in their experiences with being black and gay and have found out some very interesting and profound things so far.

Epiphany: Wow! That sounds exciting actually... at 45 I have begun to see that being in the life is very much about youth culture and have wondered what’s next... seems there is no hand book for being in the life and growing old... I hope your work sheds some light there.

Ocean: but I've discovered that there very much is a life outside of the "scene". At 36, I look forward to growing old and being gay. As long as I have love in my life, I'll be alright!

Epiphany: Do you have love in your life now.... does love in your life always mean another man? I find that some of my friendships have been very intense and find much love there...

Ocean: I have love in my life now. I was in a 13-year relationship, which ended in 2003. After two years of being single and exploring the "scene", I'm happy to say that I have found a man who I am in love with AND HAPPY with. And he loves me just the same. I have a very small circle of (true) friends with whom I also share love. I'm very fortunate in this regard.

Epiphany: Awesome... it’s harder to find as you get older... you’re very fortunate...
Ocean: I don't think so. I think love is there for everyone, but it doesn't always come in the package that you expect. You simply have to be OPEN.

Epiphany: We have never met in person and what strikes me is that after viewing many of your images and reading your words I feel like I have known you for years...

Ocean: LOL...thanks...nice of you to say.

Epiphany: We are both photographers... but do you think this blog concept bears the soul so well that anyone could kind of get there?

Ocean: If I understand you correctly, blogging is a great concept, but it takes a lot of work to maintain. I haven't had much time lately, but I do hope to post soon. Blogging is a medium anyone can and should use. We all need an outlet.

Epiphany: true... and yes you owe us some posts?...

Ocean: LOL...yes very soon!

Epiphany: I want to ask you about cultural representation.... as a photographer or an artist I sometime struggle with some of the things I read...do you think it matters who should or best captures a particular culture?

Ocean: Naturally, I think if you are a part of a particular culture, that you have come up it, and that it's in your blood, you would capture it best. It's easy to be an academic or an artist with a passion for a particular culture and create aesthetically pleasing images or words, but I feel like something will always be missing unless it's in your blood. But ultimately, it doesn't matter who creates art or writes about other cultures. It’s an exploration that's available to everyone.

Epiphany: That’s true.... it is ground that I am still exploring and working through my self to some degree I do think that an honest approach is the best way.
Ocean: True and as long as the intentions are not to exploit...

Epiphany: What’s on the horizon for Ocean?

Ocean: I'm always pondering what's on the horizon for me. LOL. I'm not quite sure! I am moving towards multimedia, and exploring this with my elders project. I want to combine images, words, video and music all in one piece. It's ambitious, but I have a lifetime to explore and while I here on this earth I will do just that! Art can be pretty intimidating, especially for me. I'm a self-taught photographer and have only been (seriously) shooting for 5 years and have a lot of growth and exploration to do. So whenever I approach anew medium or project for that matter, I tend to suffer from a little self-doubt, but I always feel the fear and do it anyway! Now that's bearing my soul! LOL!

Epiphany: Yes it is...!!!! Well I can hardly wait to see the result!!!

Ocean: Stay tuned, and read the art papers! LOL!

Epiphany: So Is Ocean your real name...or professional?

Ocean: Ocean is my great grandfathers name that I've adopted and use professionally. Pretty much everyone calls me Ocean now. I certainly feel like the ocean too-- mysterious, deep, vast, etc.

Epiphany: Yes I was going to say calm comes to mind yet still so much to be explored.... very nice!

Ocean: Thanks

Epiphany: Well I appreciate you stopping along your journey to talk with me... you have had a very positive influence on me in as much as I have begun to open myself up in this blogoshere!

Ocean: well your blog is an inspiration to me, and I hope that it serves you in a positive way! It's been a real pleasure chatting with you Chris!

Epiphany: Thanks man! One

Ocean: Peace! Light! Creativity!

There are three ways to see more Of Oceans work:

http://brothaluvacafe.blogspot.com/

http://www.musecube.com/nycphotographer/

http://www.fotoflix.com/users/True/fotos/

http://omorisset.myexpose.com/