Ocean Morisset Photography 2012 Year in Review

Closing out 2012 with a "Viewer's Choice" slideshow of images that received 30 or more "likes" by Facebook friends, fans and clients. Check it out and Happy New year to all! Thanks for your support!

In deep reflection

self-portrait. el-barrio, nyc december 4th 2012

An average day on a NYC street

Still life fruit

Exploring alternative processes with digital apps. 

My first Instagram Photos!

Today I upgraded my phone to an iPhone 5 (so long Blackberrry!) and as soon I walked out the shop with it,  I downloaded Instagram and started taking pictures. I've resisted this nifty photo app until now, but I'm completely hooked!

Theses are my first ever Instagram photos taken in Central Park, NYC. Feel free to follow me on Instagram @oceanstide.

Self-portrait

"Piti, piti, wazo fe nich li." Haitian proverb translation:

Little by little the bird builds its nest.

In Gonaives, Haiti a woman prepares to do her laundry in the aftermath of Hurricane Jeanne. 2004

sky after sandy. 10/30/12 5:00pm

Freedom Drummer, Wall Street 2012 , Occupy Wall Street 1st anniversary

If your pictures aren't good enough, you're not close enough

Photographer Robert Capa once said, “If your pictures aren’t good enough, you’re not close enough.” Capa wasn’t advocating the use of longer lenses; he was telling us to physically get closer — to become more involved and intimate with our subjects. In fact, a wide-angle lens is often a better choice than a telephoto lens when you want to “zoom in” on your subject.

I took this shot in the coastal city of Gonaives, Haiti while covering the aftermath of hurricane Jeanne in 2004. At the time, I was still shooting (Tri-X) film and an old, fully manual Canon AE-1, which to this day remains my favorite camera.

The people in this particular village hadn't eaten in over a week. Food distribution from CARE agency hadn't made it to this village due to blocked roads. On the day I was there, the food truck had finally arrived. And when it did, all hell broke loose. In an act of desperation, this Haitian man along with many others attempted to "car-jack" a food truck. UN peace-keeping troops attempted to control the chaotic scene. A group of troops ran after this man in particular and I followed, running through the hot and dusty village to capture what would happen as a result of this chase. The troops finally caught the man, and in a split second moment, I crouched down and positioned myself as close as I could with my Canon AE-1 affixed with a 28mm lens, and with this single frame, captured the arrest which told the story of desperation and the consequences Haitians met as a result of their actions.

To this day, though I shoot digitally, I almost never use a telephoto lens. My personal style is to get as close as possible to my subjects. If I can feel their energy or hear them breathe, I know I'm close enough and more often than not will result in a more intimate and emotional image with great impact to the viewer.

DUMBO, Bklyn

While checking out some art and networking at this weekend's  DUMBO arts festival,  I was inspired to create my own.

Everyone has a story to tell

Today's affirmation 9/21/12

shaking off shackles that have held me back
peeling off leeches who sought my blood
jumping obstacles like an olympian
celebrating what makes me unique
working hard everyday to create my legacy
basking in the light of NOW
nurturing my spirit
reclaiming my purpose.
today, I AM
tomorrow will be a gift.

(c) 2012 Ocean Morisset

RIP Rich Somerville

I’m at a loss of words right now. I’m so confused and disheartened by the sudden loss of Rich Somerville, a FB friend who I’d been communicating with since February of this year. Rich confided in me that he had cancer, and found comfort and inspiration in my own cancer journey, including my self-portraits which he shared on his page. I always encouraged Rich to continue to fight even though this w

as his THIRD bout with cancer. He was in every sense of the word, a WARRIOR!

His last email to me sent only a couple of weeks ago regarding his cancer experience(s) read: “It has been such a learning experience... filled with dissillusionment, because I can't believe that Modern Science would rather TREAT than CURE this disease... but THAT'S EXACTLY what they do... and how they are getting RICH.... smh Thank you for sharing, it gives me great hope to know there ARE others struggling as I am... I PRAY we are ALL WARRIORS to a SUCCESSFUL FUTURE.... ; )”

Rich Somerville, you suffer no more my brother. Thanks for the warm-hearted words and for the friendship which was short-lived but so very real and meaningful. RIP Warrior!

night restaurant greenwhich village, nyc 2012

Dance Theater of Harlem rehearsal, 2012

Dance theater of Harlem new season is here! Here, member's of the company rehearse the piece "In the Mirror of Her Mind." Follow this link for the 2012-13 touring schedule! 

http://dancetheatreofharlem.org/touring

nyc street moment at the crosswalk, 2012

nocturnal passion, nyc, 2012

hipsters in diner, nyc

friday night on the uptown A train.

the night becomes you

Henry Hudson Parkway @158th street, NYC

HARLEM OBSERVATION: "gentrification" is only a dirty word to the people who practice it. To the displaced, the echo of hollowness is deafening, as culture gets colored away to make room for a bistro. --OM

EXHIBITION: Old Harlem, New Harlem: Images of Transformation

Check out this new exhibition I'm in: Old Harlem/New Harlem: Images of Transformation. OPENING RECEPTION is Friday August 10, at 6:00p.m. This is going to be an amazing exhibit! Hope to see you there!

List of Photographers Anthony Barboza Lenore Brown  Kwame Brathwaite  John Brathwaite  Adger Cowans  Sonia Louise Davis Lisa DuBois  John Pinderhughes  Shawn Walker  Lewis Watts  Lee White  Burroughs Lamar Antwan Minter  Deborah Willis Ocean Morisset Adriana Lopez Sanfeliu Jamel Shabazz  Klytus Smith "Please join us at the opening of an exhibition of Fine Art Collectible Photographs that document the transformation of Harlem from an Afro-American village in upper Manhattan that was racially homogeneous and culturally unique, to a multiracial, multi-ethnic community which, though still predominantly Afro-American, has evolved into a cosmopolitan Milieu. Afro-Americans lived in relative isolation in this upper Manhattan enclave” until the new millennium. For most of the 20th Century this change was a dramatic and unforeseen development. This exhibition being of historical importance, highlights key moments that focus on the expression of the people of Harlem. This exhibition of poignant photographic images by outstanding photographers captures the unique culture of Harlem between 1960 to 2012 and illustrates the forces that led to dramatic change. It is living history through pictures that capture rare moments in Afro-American history and provides another dimension to the saga of the world’s greatest city." - Written by Playthell Benjamin. This exhibit is made possible by the Broadway Housing Communities, located in Harlem- a non for profit organization that is devoted the the arts. The exhibit OPENS on August 10th, 2012 in the Rio II Penthouse Gallery; a beautiful space overlooking the Hudson River. SUPPORTERS for this exhibit . The gallery Penthouse Patio will be decorated by Sandra Fuller (SILK FLOWERS OF CARE FULLER CREATIONS )jehnyahmee2@aol.com www.silkflowersofcare.8m.c

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Promo Postcards by John Kutchera -
Harlem resident and Independent artist and supporter of the Arts

To be a supporter for this exhibit > contact Lisadubois@verizon.net or A.D. Minter on facebook - Peace of mind publishing. By supporting this exhibit, you support the promotion of art in Harlem.https://www.facebook.com/

OldHarlemNewHarlemExhibiter
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“He who cannot dance will say: "The drum is bad”

--African Proverb

Today, while perusing the salad bar at Whole Foods, I noticed a petite woman from behind with a “clean” bald head, the top of which reflected the lights coming from the spot lights above. This was a familiar baldness that I recognized as an effect of chemo when it ravages the cells in the body. Immediately, I figured her to be a person with cancer. I tried to position myself where I could see her face and body, but everywhere I moved around the salad bar, I still only met the back of her head, or small glimpses of her profile. 

As I reached to spoon some brown rice in my container, the woman turned and walked over in my direction, affording me the opportunity to get a full view. Though her gait seemed weak, her wide, sky-blue eyes revealed a strength and determination I had known all too well. Her long white sundress was cut low enough at the top, exposing what I immediately recognized as a port-a-cath…the same one I still have implanted in my chest. I was immediately taken aback, mostly by her pride and courage that she exuded. Her light was so powerful-- I moved to the other side of the salad bar and stood directly across from her. She seemed oblivious to my curiosity as she checked off items on a handwritten list. In this very moment, I wanted to say something to this woman, who exhibited warrior traits. I wanted to tell her that I too fought cancer, and won. I wanted her to see me as an example that there IS life after cancer. I wanted to encourage her to keep fighting, recalling how every bit of encouragement from friends and strangers helped me in my own fight. At the same time, I felt awkward, because I was now staring at this woman, hoping she would free me of the embarrassment of having to strike up a conversation. I was overtaken by the power of this warrior in a petite frame. I wanted at once to share my highs and lows with her. As I studied her port, I wondered if she thought I was looking at her breasts. And just while all these thoughts rushed into my being, the woman’s eye’s met mine, and she smiled knowingly and proudly at me, and I returned the smile, even beaming back at her. The warrior-woman sealed lunch her container and walked off to the register. All that I wanted to share with her was received. Or so I believed…

Message to Our Sons

Message to our Sons: With Focus and Determination, we can accomplish great things in life.

Harlem, New York--Artist Talk and Book Discussion Sun. Aug. 5, 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                     Media Contact:

Gregory Mills, Curator

(212) 749- 5298

iamaa@pipeline.com

Artists Discuss Their Images and Words On the Plight of Young Males of African Descent

NEW YORK, NY. - July 27, 2012--CUNY Advisor Kahlil Koromantee, M.A., and Author of Message to A Youngblood will lead a discussion of his help guide for young men of African Descent and about the group art exhibition Celebrating of our Sons through Words and Images, profiled in the July 24th edition of the New York Daily News. Artists Sean Arts, Terry Beverly, Jimbe’ Carroll, Pavan Carter, Lisa Dubois, Chris Evans, Antwan Minter, Ocean Morisset, Rod Patrick Risbrook, and Samuel Walker will be on hand to discuss their photographs and drawings currently on view at the Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Gallery in Harlem. The discussion also aims to stir cross-generational community dialogue about the lives of young Black men living in New York City.

Author Kahlil Koromantee says,  “The only platform our sons feel free to express themselves is through Hip-Hop and Rap music. This is problematic because of the limited opportunities for these young males to be heard, so they act out in ways that command attention, although not in the most productive ways. We need to begin the dialogue, not with one another, but with the youth themselves. We need to establish trust with them because at this point they've lost confidence in the grown-ups. They understand the symbolism behind having a first Black U.S. President, but don't necessarily share the same excitement when the unemployment rate for them especially continues to be a national crisis. They have much to say to their parents, educators and community youth advocates. And this is the very purpose of the book; to encourage honest conversation between us and our boys, ultimately regaining their trust as we find new and more effective ways in communicating."

"Young Black men face a greater chance of being unemployed, incarcerated or killed," says exhibiting photographer, Ocean Morisset. "And while the stats are sobering and the odds for achievement seem insurmountable, we’re here to provide hope through our art, as well as hold these young men up in a positive light.”

The Artist Talk and Book Discussion for Celebrating Our Sons Through Words and Images is on Sunday August 5th, 2012 from 3pm to 6pm at the Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Art Gallery located on the 2nd floor at 163 West 125th street, east of Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Blvd. The exhibition is on view through August 18th by appointment. To schedule an appointment, contact the Curator, Gregory Mills at (212) 749-5298

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All of life is in the bubbles, 2012

From the series photographed on the152nd street block party today.

Hump day haiku

a soft, wet kiss on the lips

eyes that undress the soul

slowly

a burst of delight

a breathless interlude

a calm after the storm

it's only wednesday

What a difference a year makes

I wanted some images taken of me (besides creating self-portraits ), to commemorate the one year anniversary of my cancer diagnosis and to celebrate being cancer (and chemo) free. Photographer and friend Carl Merkin photographed me in Washington Square Park. (I can now say I've been shot with a Leica :))

Four months since my final chemotherapy and my hair is growing back too! It's not my dreadlocks, but I kinda like whatever it's doing. :)

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I wanted to include my friend and fellow warrior Mohammad Ayan, who that very morning transitioned to another world.

It feels good to be cancer free, and to see myself smiling. This very time last year, I was in a very dark place. 

an outer view, of an inner peace

The power within, is never without.

ipad2 self-portrait.

What a difference a year makes

Today is a day of bittersweet remembrance. One year ago today, I was diagnosed with Stage IV Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system. I also learned the cancer had spread to my bone marrow. I recall vividly the fear and anxiety I felt upon receiving the news, not knowing what fate I would meet. There wasn’t much time to process this news, as I was put on a fast track to treatment, getting a port surgically implanted in my chest a week later, and beginning twelve rounds of chemotherapy, the last of which I completed four months ago.

As I look through this album of self-portraits taking over the course of the year, my eyes form tiny wells of tears, partly because I really SEE my spirit of reslilience and courage at work. Reading the comments left over the course of the year by so many of you, I am dumbfounded by the amazing show of humanity which served to uplift me even during my darkest days. There is no way to express my gratitude to all of you, for your immense display of support and encouragement you’ve given me. THANK YOU, at this time, just seems too small.

Today, after a year of fighting cancer, receiving twelve chemo treatments and even being hospitalized along the way, I am proud to say my cancer is in remission, and I am not only a Survivor, but a Thriver. Still and yet, I am aware of the chilling reality that there are those who are still in the fight, and even those who lost their battle against the same cancer I fought and won.

This morning I awoke to news that my young friend in India, sixteen year old Mohammad Ayan, has lost his fight against Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. This brave young man, who out of the blue, reached out to me across the ocean when he learned of my story, and told me to “Never Give Up.” We had become fast friends and support for each other as we navigated the treacherous waters of cancer together. We started chemo at the same time. We exchanged stories of our experiences with dealing with dreadful side-effects of chemotherapy, and encouraged each other along the way. Ayan’s regimen never worked for him as it did for me, and he was placed on different treatment regimen’s which also never worked. Despite all this, young Ayan, retained his humor and his warrior spirit. He fought until the very end.

My heart is broken. We only exchanged emails yesterday morning and today he is gone. I will always remember this Mohammad Ayan as the young man who gave me hope when I needed it the most. I will celebrate the warrior that lived inside him, and trust that one day I will see him and be able to give him a proper hug. Ayan has been a big force in my ridding myself from cancer. I am forever grateful...


View the portfolio of self-portraits at the following link:


https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150422325003219.451329.724528218&type=1&l=2e886df38c

A man and his bicycle, Orchard beach 2012

the fruits of future

growing on an endless vine

far from reach