My Static World: April 2011

I love insect, crabs, earthworms and all the creatures that live around us that go unnoticed. I find it fascinating that if you walk down a beach you may never see these guys unless you stop, wait and take a look around. If you are patient enough you will witness the beach slowly come to life; it is a world that disappears only because of our presence in it. It is the same when you are walking a field or a forest in Canada, if you stop and focus your eyes into any brush or thicket you will sudden notice a vast multitude movement. I find a similar case with cultural photography, especially if you are visibly foreign. You must be patient and wait for people to be comfortable around you before you can capture any genuine images. Just like the beach, if you approach people and quickly snap photos off a bunch of photos without taking to the time to introduce yourself and get to know the person, your images will lack any depth and personality. I think these dudes are awesome.

I apologize if you don't dig crabs as much as I do!

How is it possible to travel abroad while never leaving home? This is a concept that I observed during my four months living and travelling in Thailand. What I noticed was a system that could be accurately described as touristic colonialism. Areas such as Koh Samui, Phuket, Koh San Road and Koh Pha-ngan are vaguely recognizable as being located in Thailand. Instead they take on the appearance of a homogenized product that can be easily packaged and ruthlessly marketed to tourists at the expense of a truly cultural experience. From the 'massage parlors' to the go-go bars, to the Italian restaurants, to the endless array of prostitution, everything aims to create a space that bares no resemblance to the more traditional and historically significant side of Thailand that I have witnessed. Rather, we find an urban-playground that simultaneously exposes and caters to the wide variety hedonistic desires and fantasies. That is not to say that all Thai people have their hands clean of such indulgences, but what effect does this have on the communities where these x-rated Disneylands are constructed and what effect does this have on the perception of Thailand and its people. What is also often overlooked is the impression that foreigners make on Thai people. While caught up in the ecstasy of the party culture and vibrant night life, we forget that we are actually ambassadors of our home countries and that we are acting as representatives of those nations. It may feel as though our actions have no consequences, but what happens in Thailand stays in Thailand in the memories and experiences of your hosts. The following photos are aimed at capturing the side of Thai people that I have come to know and respect. I think it is a shame that so many people travel to Thailand and yet never actually arrive. Enjoy.