Twice Upon Two Times

ONCE UPON A TIME, in 1935, Yang Chang-bo was born in Korea.  In his mid-twenties, he lost his eyesight.  At the recommendation of Someone, he learned the shamanic techniques from a couple of shamans here in Jeju City.  Soonafter, his vision returned.  Yang Chang-bo is in his mid-seventies, has been a Shaman for 50 years, works as a caretaker of Shamanistic ritual, and makes lovely, whimsical paper art as part of his practice.  I was able to attend his opening at a nearby gallery this weekend.  Oh yeah... he wears pink pants. 

The above image is not my photo, it was hanging at the gallery.  

ONCE UPON A TIME, in the 1980's, Kim Young Gap came from Korea's mainland to live in Jeju.  He intended on staying not more than a few years, for the purpose of capturing the spirit of the island through photographs.  He became so enthralled by this place, completely immersing himself in this goal.  He became one with his surroundings... the island of Jeju... her Winds, her Seasons, her Spirit. With the help of friends and locals, Kim was able to spend years in the mountains, following what he realized was his purpose here. In 2000, Lou Gherig's disease crept in.  Unable to continue his work out in the mountains, Kim spent the last few years of his life transforming an old, abandoned school into his gallery.  He died in 2005.  

  

The photos I was fortunate to have seen there this past Sunday were some of the most awesome photos I have ever seen.  The images hit me in the deepest part of my gut, flooding me with an overwhelming urge to shed the kind of tears that only such an immense beauty can produce. Unbelievable depth, magical movement.  There were sparks of life in those images that I cannot begin to descibe.  Moving.  I've always wished there were ways to express the emotions, the elation that occurs while gazing up at the sky.  Kim Young Gap did it. If you're still waiting to experience God, go stare at one of Kim's photos.