
Eight years ago, I sat at home after reading some incredibly moving stories about the street children in South Africa, and realised I couldn't know this stuff and not respond. The journey to craft that response has been long and challenging, but I'm delighted to announce that I have completed layouts for a book, 'I Am, Because You Are', which comprises black and white photographs, illustration and written reflection – first-hand accounts of the experiences these children face daily.
The essence of the book is one of hope, curious to discover what it is that prompts these children to persist with as much life and energy as they do in the face of life's darkest horrors. As such, it doesn't make for easy reading–some of the accounts are harrowing–but I hope it carries with it a clear search for the life, not death, in these places. The book finishes with a short call to action and reference for further research, though as this is still at proof stage I expect that section will be developed before commissioning a large print run.
The book has taken 4 years in conception and another 4 in production, and I have so far produced the entire content myself, including design and artwork. I sent these layouts off to fabulous Blurb.com for a very high spec proof which turned out beautifully, and you can sneak a preview or purchase a (stupidly expensive) digital copy on demand on
this page. I'm not sure what will happen next with this, but while working that out am gearing up for the
Street Child World Cup taking place later this year, at which some of these kids will compete. (It runs in Durban during March prior to the FIFA World Cup in the summer.)
As for the book, I'm hoping to pull an exhibition of silver-gelatin black and white prints together and maybe develop some music to help get the stories across, as well as roll out a select edit in successive posts online – details to follow at some future point. Do email me if you would like to know more about the project.