Making the statement in a Guardian article that ‘Documentaries are the number one way to save the world’ is a sure way to catch my attention (Can Artist’s Save the World? Monday 6 July 2009, p17). Understandably it’s a subject close to my heart so instantly I want to (metaphorically) shake the writer’s hand, there and then, in enthusiastic agreement.
I scroll down the article (online) to see that it’s peppered with the names of influential, highly and internationally renowned artists – Anya Gallaccio, Joseph Beuys, Guztav Metzger – the list goes on. Jane Baker? Greensnapper Photography? – i’m not on the artist celeb list. But not so long ago neither were film maker Franny Armstrong (The Age of Stupid), ‘green’ minded architect Ted Cullinan, Music Industry carbon conscience Alison Tickell (Julie’s Bicycle) and more – all moving up the ranks.
It’s great to see that the many ethically minded and highly dedicated, but relatively unknown creatives, are making their mark too – dedicated to the environment, chipping away in their sphere of influence and making a difference, whether or not the big fish catch on.
A sign of what's to come? Franny Armstrong's film The Age of Stupid
It gives me hope that – although working as a photographer in a less commercial specialism brings less financial reward – telling the stories of people living in poverty or promoting an environmental issue or helping to correct public misconceptions about HIV are all contributing to making our world a better place.
Can Artist’s Save the World?
Maybe that’s going a little too far – but at least we are trying to do our bit, and hopefully little by little it will make a difference.
Read the Guardian Article: Can Artists Save the World?
