Introductions/Introducciones- Rikki Ward

We would like to introduce you to Rikki Ward

Wandering in the Company of Strangers

www.rikkiw.com

Tell me about your “Lusty Lady,”photo essay.  What was your experience like, what were your challenges and what do you want your audience to learn from your essay?

When I first moved to San Francisco, I heard that there was an old-school peep show that was not only interesting for that reason, but was also worker-owned. I have always been interested in gender/body-image/sexuality issues and am also extremely interested in the dynamics of worker-owned organizations. I found the combination of a place that sells sexuality with a staff of independently-minded, empowered women (and men) of widely varying shapes, sizes, and identities to be a really fascinating concept. So, I did what I could to become intimately aquainted with the place and really put myself in the dancers’ shoes.

I wanted to make photographs that reflect the unique nature of the Lusty Lady and that portray the women who work there as strong and active participants in the images. This was challenging for me because my own experience there left me with conflicting feelings. I felt that it was an important place to document but it was actually really difficult for me. I was very very aware of being sure that everyone who I photographed was 100% OK with me documenting them .

You have traveled and documented in  a few location, where do you plan to travel next and what have you learned form photographing people in different countries?

I LOVE traveling. I love the uncertainty of it and the constant newness. This is actually sort of funny because at the same time I have a difficult times making major changes in my life and tend to stay for long periods of time in the same place. Maybe traveling allows me a little break from this sort of anxiety and attempt at control. Anyway…

There are MANY places I’d really like to travel to next. Among them are West Africa, Russia, Cuba, Canada (never been), Alaska…

The list goes on. But, there are two places I’m actually planning to go to in the not-too-distant future.

My friend Waki, another photographer, recently moved back to her home country, Japan. I plan on going to visit her hopefully within a year. It would be such a privilege to be able to be introduced to Japan by someone who is so intimately familiar with the country and its customs but who has also spent a good deal of time away.

I am also planning a trip to Colombia, where my boyfriend Julian grew up and hadn’t been in about 20 years. I think it would very interesting to share Julian’s experience of being re-introduced to a place that he was once very familiar with but hasn’t really experienced it as an adult.

What I love best about photographing people in different countries, and cultures that are different from my own, is finding the commonalities between all of us while trying to understand different experiences and different ways of moving through the world.

What do you want to be remembered for?

My parents always tell my brother and I stories about their experiences growing up and the experiences of my grandparents and great-grandparents and their lives all sound so rich and I feel proud to be part of such a wonderful family. I just hope that if I have children they can tell the story of my life and their children will feel proud of where they came from.

If you were a super hero and you could choose a a super power who and what super power would you choose.

Hmmm, that’s a tough one. I think I would choose the ability to breath under water so I could explore the ocean without all kinds of crazy equipment. It’s not really a special “power” per se, more like a unique ability.

Apr 13, 2010 | Categories: Blog | Tags: documentary, India, lusty lady, Rikki Ward, street photography | Leave A Comment »