japan photography
“I’ve traveled around the world, and what’s so revealing is that, despite the differences in culture, politics, language, how people dress, there is a universal feeling that we all want the same thing. We deeply want to be respected and appreciated for our differences.”
Seeing my work in print, alongside such great photographers is such a wonderful feeling. Proud to share with you the newly published issue of Israeli Lens, this month revolving around cultures around the world. Click the image below to browse it, and take a look at my Japan photo essay as well.
Enjoy
Sakura. Photographed in Kadoyde, Japan April 2015 by Amy Kanka Valadarsky
“She paints her face to hide her face. Her eyes are deep water. It is not for Geisha to want. It is not for geisha to feel. Geisha is an artist of the floating world. She dances, she sings. She entertains you, whatever you want. The rest is shadows, the rest is secret.”
Slowly, the 2 week journey to Japans sinks in. So many new worlds and nw experiences, it will take month to really make it all a part of me.
Going over the photographs I took, opens up a thirst for seeing more, knowing more. listening to a class on Buddhism, already finished an autobiography of a geisha. Now I look at the image, and notice the white collar, which when taking the photo, I did not realize signals the fact this is a Geiko ( referred to as geisha) rather that a Maiko ( a dancer, after the initial study but not a geisha yet).
After having my first taste of Japan, there is a wish to go back. To experience more, to understand better what is this voice telling me.
The Maiko - a dancer, not yet a Geisha. Photograph by Amy Kanka Valadarsky
The alleys in Gion quarters, Kyoto, Japan 2015
“You’ve gotta taste the light, like my friend and fellow shooter Chip Maury says. And when you see light like this, trust me, it’s like a strawberry sundae with sprinkles.”
I was fascinated by light from the moment I started to photograph. Learning to see and understand the light is a never ending process.
After a year of intense photography, I realize that when the light is perfect, it almost does not matter what you photograph - the image will be stunning.
The trip to Japan revealed new facets of light . Light filtered by the rice paper. Lights of a lone house in a village at night. A single window lighting up a shady room.
And when you really 'taste the light' - there is no way back. You are hooked.
Dinner preparations - Kadoide, Japan 2015