Talking through his pictures
THOUGH he has visited Jamaica numerous times since 1982, respected photographer Bill Grimshaw never thought about documenting the country’s people and sites. Until now.
The 65-year-old Canadian’s latest trip was in November. He visited a number of locations including Kingston, Nine Miles, St Ann, Stony Gut, St Thomas and Negril, taking photos he hopes will make it into his first book, scheduled for release in 2015.
Born in Toronto and raised in Ottawa, Grimshaw says Jamaica has changed considerably since his first visit 32 years ago. Particularly one area.
“One thing I’ve seen a lot of change is the beach in Negril. Business people own too much land on the beach so it’s got narrower,” he told the Sunday Observer. “It’s lost a lot of sand and there are not a lot of people lying on it.”
Most of Grimshaw’s visit last month was spent in historic rural spots like Nine Miles (Bob Marley’s birthplace) and Stony Gut (hometown of National Hero Paul Bogle). He also attended the funeral of reggae singer John Holt on November 17.
The jocular lensman spoke about the focus of his book.
“I’m not here to make statements about Jamaica, I’m not in a position to do so. I do my talking through my pictures, people can make their own interpretations,” he said.
Grimshaw has done his share of ‘talking’ in a 40-year career. He joined the Canadian Press (Canada’s version of The Associated Press) in 1977, eventually becoming chief photographer.
He covered major events such as the administration of prime minister Pierre Trudeau, the 1988 Seoul Olympics, Prince Charles’ marriage to Lady Diana Spencer in 1981 and several National Hockey League finals.
