Artist's Statement: SACRED LOS ANGELES

Abstract

SOME TIME AGO, I began working on a photographic project I call SACRED LOS ANGELES. I have been visiting the places of worship and attending the services of many different religions, all within the bounds of Los Angeles County, and especially within the city itself. I have been to Sikh and Hindu temples and festivals, Muslim mosques, Catholic, Protestant, and Eastern Orthodox churches, and Jewish synagogues—as many places as I can find where rich and poor, humble and mighty, people of all colors and races, worship. I have photographed the buildings themselves, religious murals on walls, people at worship, the leaders of different congregations, and even some religious buildings that have been abandoned for various reasons. At first, I felt very intrusive and shy about going into cultures foreign to me. But I took courage from the camera in my hand, and the warmth and welcome has been so amazing that I gradually became more and more comfortable with it. All along, I have been astonished at the beauty and diversity of services, as well as at the kindness and generosity of almost all the people involved.