First in Line

I first posted about Vivian Maier on Pie over two years ago. Easily one of the most fascinating photography mysteries of our time. In case you are not up to speed, she was only discovered after her belongings were sold at a storage auction. I recently moved all my own film & negative archives from one storage unit to another and I'd been thinking about Vivian a lot. If you have ever seen Storage Wars than you too might be haunted by images of clueless buyers tossing the contents around like worthless confetti. I think it amazingly fortunate that one of Vivian's boxes ended up the hands of someone that could actually appreciate what is was. The story had all the elements of a great film project and later this year a documentary is set to release.

The trailer promises a very exciting peek into the mysterious world of Ms. Maier and you can follow the project on Facebook. What baffles me the most about Vivian was her seeming lack of interest in showing her work. I have to ask myself, "Would I still be as passionate about what I do if no one but me were to see the results?" I hate to admit it but I know in my heart that affirmation from others is a kind of fuel for me and has been since early on. Though I love the process, which clearly was what must have driven Vivian, for me the real buzz comes from the reactions of others. Did she not care? Or perhaps did she not believe her work worthy of display? Or was the world not worthy of seeing it?

What ever the answer, we are seeing it now and we are awed by it, worthy or not. I highly recommend this first book of her work edited by John Maloof. Who I sure never imagined how his discovery would change his life and add one of the most interesting & puzzling chapters to the history of photography.

 content © Lara Rossignol

Comments

[rachel]

Wow, what a great story and you pose some very interesting questions. I can not wait to see the film!

[Sherry]

I watched that trailer several times, amazing story. Both that her photography was a well kept secret and the discovery of it. Love your work and your blog!

[Gary Lee]

I had never heard of this story, thanks for posting it. Just the little they show of her work looks amazing, I can't wait to see this.

[Heather]

I so rarely have the time to stop by your blog, but I am so glad I did today. That trailer looks amazing. She seems like such an interesting person. What a privilege it is to be able to see her work.