Documentary photographer Lee Karen Stowe
My Round the World dreams may be on hold, but fortunately for us, there are photographers who capture images so powerful, you too can experience distant lands.
Humantitarian and documentary photographer Lee Karen Stowe's images transport us to places few dare to tred. Spanning over 50 countries, her work emobodies inspiring stories of resilience and hope.
Stowe's latest project '42' is named for the average life expectancy of women in Sierra Leone. (http://www.leekarenstow.com/) Located in West African, Sierra Leone is slowly recovering from the devastation of civil war which left it in ruins and earned it the UN ranking of the poorest country on earth.
There, Stowe photographed the women of Sierra Leone and conducted photography workshops. As a result, she is teaching women how to lift themselves out of poverty. They've learned to express themselves through photography, published a book and have an international exhibition. Some even support families through photo businesses she's helped them to create.
In conjunction with the Pacific Northwest Arts School, Lee Karen Stowe will discuss her images in what is sure to be a moving event. Hop a ferry to Widbey Island for this extraordinary evening:
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
7-9 p.m.
Service Alternatives Building
20 NW First Street, Coupeville, WA (one block off North Main Street, across from Whidbey General Hospital)
The event is free but donations may be made to the Soroptimist International Club of Coupeville to support Ms. Stow's work. Dessert and coffee will be served.
NOTE: An inspiration for Lee Karen Stowe's work....and one of my favorite photographers, Sam Abell will be conducting a photography class August 17-21. Call the Pacific Northwest Art School (360) 678-3396, or register online at http://www.pacificnorthwestartschool.org/.
Sam Abell was a National Geographic photographer for years. He was here last fall and professional photographers came out in droves to see him speak. Fast & furious, I wrote page after page of notes. His class is sure to be an incredible learning experience.
