Multimedia piece: Photography Tour through Burma, Feb 2010.

Of all the places I’ve traveled to in search of authentic culture, Myanmar (aka Burma), is undoubtedly at the top of my list.  Working with Bob Holmes to lead a small exploratory photo tour was the ideal way to interact with the people in an unobtrusive way.  Everyone I met – nuns, monks, farmers, and artists – were genuinely curious and kind.  I was especially touched by the amazingly talented photographers, painters, lacquer artists, and clothing designers, all of whom expressed admiration for an American woman’s ability to travel freely and make her living as an artist.    When I asked how they felt about being photographed, they answered with the same response “I will not leave Burma in this lifetime, but at least my photos will make it to America.”  In each location we worked with a local guide, one of whom best explained the basic desires of the people:  to improve their quality of life and to be treated as a human, rights I take for granted.  “Listen to the words behind the smiles”, our guide emphasized.  “I want people to hear and know our heart.”

We plan to return to Myanmar to lead another photo tour throughout the country, please contact me directly if you are interested in details.

Burma from Andrea Johnson on Vimeo.