Oculus Dei

January 1, 2007

Recently I came across the work of humanitarian photographer David DuChemin. He had done some traveling with some people I knew, in places I care deeply for, and we’ve swapped a few emails. I was fascinated at his transition from a stand-up comic to photographer for the marginalized.

His work, and that of others like James Nachtwey, has inspired me to try to do something with the photographic ability I have. I have experienced first-hand the power that images have to touch people, often in ways that mere words cannot. More importantly, I have experienced the ability photographs have to inspire people to action.

Oculus Dei means “Eye of God.” If I am able, I hope to use my photography to help me, and others, see the world the way God sees it. I hope to be an advocate of the poor, the orphaned, the abused and neglected, those displaced by war and famine and other tragedies. Our Western eyes are often quite capable of scanning over scenes like the ones described above, but if we were to see the world through God’s eyes, then perhaps we would not overlook those in the nooks and crannies.

But, the oculus dei is also a technical term from architecture. In ancient cathedrals and other structures, the walls needed to be solid enough to support the weight of the roof or dome. This didn’t leave much room for windows, so to provide light, an opening was left in the ceiling. This Eye of God provided illumination for the worshipers below. It is my hope that my photography will serve in such a way: illuminating, shining light on those we might be able to over look, or who are invisible to us, because they are living in the shadows of our world.

I realize the audacity of such an undertaking. Who am I to pretend to know how God sees the world? All I know, from my readings in some of the prophetic literature in the Hebrew Bible, is that God does look down and sees those bound by the chains of injustice, bound by the cord of the yoke.

So, this is the project I am working on for the next little while. I am looking for opportunities to use the skills I have developed thus far, and also for ways to improve my craft. There is no guarantee of success, but I’ve seen a hairdresser from Missouri rescue slaves from a life of servitude, and I’ve seen a flight attendant bring salvation to hundreds of ladies in India. Maybe God can work a little miracle in this.

Peace.

Posted in Life