James Whorriskey (Delbert Jackson)
A Moment Of Nostalgia !
You know how it is when childhood memories come rushing back.
Like when you hear an old song on the radio that stirs an emotion, or catch a nostril full of a smell that you haven't smelt in years, or even try a bowl of Kellogg’s cornflakes and realise that you had forgotten how good they taste.
Well it was just like one of those moments, only with a Northern Ireland twist.
Having one's camera bag searched under the prevention of terrorism act.
As I stood there, in the shadow of Craigavon Bridge, during an ongoing security alert, with the sound of deserted streets ringing in my ears. I grabbed a lungful of air, which probably still carried a slight aroma of controlled explosion, and thought to myself, "Good old Northern Ireland - What a shit hole at times".
The searching officer promised to check out my Flickr site......Result !!
Rank number removed as suggested by a friend !
The Following Added 12th July 2009.
I received a private mail from one of the groups that I posted this and the picture of the van at the centre of a two day security alert to. The mail outlined concern expressed privately to the group moderator from several people who felt "Uncomfortable" with the "Strong political content" and the "Airing of political views"
I feel that the individuals responsible for these private messages have done themselves the disservice of failing to comprehend the context of my image postings and commentary. I also wish to post my response below, so that any others who experience a similar miscomprehension are afforded the benefit of explanation.
Hi XXXXXX,
Whilst I appreciate and respect your request to remove certain content as it may not necessarily be in keeping with your vision for the "Love xxxxxxxxx Group, I wish to clarify that my commentary on any of the photographs which I take is neither sectarian nor politically biased in any nature, but more a colourful tongue in cheek swipe at the nature of the world that we live in.
My photographs are reflective of all aspects of life in Northern Ireland and further a field and thankfully I have never felt restricted in either content or commentary as I hold no strong political or religious views.
My images have been used in both local and national press as well as forums and websites across the political and religious spectrum; I have covered everything from St.Patrick's Day to the Twelfth Celebrations and much more.
As this is your group I have no issues and fully accept your decision to remove some of my images, and as a broadminded individual I have no hard feelings regarding this. I would, however, like to point that the picture of the van at the centre of a two day security alert on the Craigavon Bridge and the police search document are reflective of the current climate here.
Just because I take a picture of a security alert, it doesn't mean that I am either supporting or condemning the subject matter, I am merely recording it. As for the document; again there is neither political nor sectarian commentary, merely a tongue in cheek satirical observation, on advice from a friend, I have obscured the officer’s rank number as a matter of courtesy.
I would be happy if you could pass this response on to those who felt "Uncomfortable" with my images, but these pictures are nothing more or less than those individuals will find day and daily in the pages of the various publications that adorn the shelves of their local newsagents. Pretending that these things don't happen doesn't change a thing. I am also happy to receive any correspondence from those particular individuals.
Images added to this particular group may have stretched the boundaries of artistic licence, but then again “Love” can be interpreted in a million different ways and sadly it is not always beautiful !
I also intend to include the above as an addition to one of the images in question but will not identify yourself or the group in question. I feel that this is important to outline my position to other people who may feel uncomfortable with any of the content in my work.
Regards, James.
PS I look forward to and will continue to post material which you and others may consider more fitting to the group.
Footnote. Sorry if the above seems a bit self righteous, but sometimes things require clarifacation.
A Moment Of Nostalgia !
You know how it is when childhood memories come rushing back.
Like when you hear an old song on the radio that stirs an emotion, or catch a nostril full of a smell that you haven't smelt in years, or even try a bowl of Kellogg’s cornflakes and realise that you had forgotten how good they taste.
Well it was just like one of those moments, only with a Northern Ireland twist.
Having one's camera bag searched under the prevention of terrorism act.
As I stood there, in the shadow of Craigavon Bridge, during an ongoing security alert, with the sound of deserted streets ringing in my ears. I grabbed a lungful of air, which probably still carried a slight aroma of controlled explosion, and thought to myself, "Good old Northern Ireland - What a shit hole at times".
The searching officer promised to check out my Flickr site......Result !!
Rank number removed as suggested by a friend !
The Following Added 12th July 2009.
I received a private mail from one of the groups that I posted this and the picture of the van at the centre of a two day security alert to. The mail outlined concern expressed privately to the group moderator from several people who felt "Uncomfortable" with the "Strong political content" and the "Airing of political views"
I feel that the individuals responsible for these private messages have done themselves the disservice of failing to comprehend the context of my image postings and commentary. I also wish to post my response below, so that any others who experience a similar miscomprehension are afforded the benefit of explanation.
Hi XXXXXX,
Whilst I appreciate and respect your request to remove certain content as it may not necessarily be in keeping with your vision for the "Love xxxxxxxxx Group, I wish to clarify that my commentary on any of the photographs which I take is neither sectarian nor politically biased in any nature, but more a colourful tongue in cheek swipe at the nature of the world that we live in.
My photographs are reflective of all aspects of life in Northern Ireland and further a field and thankfully I have never felt restricted in either content or commentary as I hold no strong political or religious views.
My images have been used in both local and national press as well as forums and websites across the political and religious spectrum; I have covered everything from St.Patrick's Day to the Twelfth Celebrations and much more.
As this is your group I have no issues and fully accept your decision to remove some of my images, and as a broadminded individual I have no hard feelings regarding this. I would, however, like to point that the picture of the van at the centre of a two day security alert on the Craigavon Bridge and the police search document are reflective of the current climate here.
Just because I take a picture of a security alert, it doesn't mean that I am either supporting or condemning the subject matter, I am merely recording it. As for the document; again there is neither political nor sectarian commentary, merely a tongue in cheek satirical observation, on advice from a friend, I have obscured the officer’s rank number as a matter of courtesy.
I would be happy if you could pass this response on to those who felt "Uncomfortable" with my images, but these pictures are nothing more or less than those individuals will find day and daily in the pages of the various publications that adorn the shelves of their local newsagents. Pretending that these things don't happen doesn't change a thing. I am also happy to receive any correspondence from those particular individuals.
Images added to this particular group may have stretched the boundaries of artistic licence, but then again “Love” can be interpreted in a million different ways and sadly it is not always beautiful !
I also intend to include the above as an addition to one of the images in question but will not identify yourself or the group in question. I feel that this is important to outline my position to other people who may feel uncomfortable with any of the content in my work.
Regards, James.
PS I look forward to and will continue to post material which you and others may consider more fitting to the group.
Footnote. Sorry if the above seems a bit self righteous, but sometimes things require clarifacation.