Re: festivals, photos, & volunteers

William James Hall (wjhall@erols.com)
Sat, 13 Jun 1998 18:06:57 -0400 (EDT)

So let me make my pitch for Robert here, too. Being a volunteer at
Robert's exhibit can be a lot of fun - if you discount the risk of
runaway taco trucks a la Falcon Ridge last year. I keep reminding him
that as long as Mir remains aloft, he is not safe. But I trust he's
well insured.... and seriously, his exhibit has been one of the
highlights for me.

The truth about his dedication as Folk Photographer lies, from my
perspective, in his decades steeped love for the people and music of the
folk music world. I feel the secret of his particular photographic
voice is simply that he adores the subjects of his portraiture. He
collects us for himself - with his own vision - then reflects us back at
ourselves and because of his affection, we don't look as stupid as we
are. This is what makes Roberts work outstanding... and so it forms the
natural visual counterpart to the music and lyrics. To him, it doesn't
feel like dedication maybe, but we all are the beneficiaries of his
obsessive-compulsiveness (or whatever you call it) none the less.

Bill Hall