I've just returned from Haiti again. Having been photographing Vodou for around two decades. Seen it change, seen myself change, been around the most beautiful, faithful human beings I've ever encountered. Vodou has deeply affected my view of all things human, I had read the books in school, met the editors of May Deren's film the Divine Horsemen when I was a college student many years ago, but no one could prepare me for the grip this religion has had on me. I've photographed the violence, the drama, storms, the aftermath of the 2010 Earthquake. Haitians persevere in the face of the worst disasters, political, personal, environmental, poverty and violence. Haiti and
Vodou have taught me that there is much more to life than my own petty problems. Vodou is inspirational, I am not a practitioner, in fact I don't believe in god. I am awed by their faith, their colors, their belief in family, ancestors and their survival against stupid odds that would wreck anyone in the first world. I am still, 20 some odd years later still in thrall, able to find myself in new situations, making beautiful pictures, never repeating myself. Every time, I'm amazed by the openness that allows me to photograph tens of hundreds of Vodouisant's without rancor. Their pride and their faith could be an example for all photographers and human beings.