Graceloveandpolitics

Jennifer is a Brooklyn based photographer, humanitarian, meditation teacher, and aspiring Bollywood dancer. She has spent many years documenting life throughout the world with her camera. She hopes that her subjects stories told through her photographs can begin to break down the boundaries between self and other countries and cultures.

acs: You’ve traveled all over the world. What is familiar regardless of the country you’re in?

jmcf: The thing that is the dominating factor, people are good and smart. It’s important to be on the same level with everyone and to find the ways we are all connected.

acs: Explain. What do you mean?

jmcf: There are so many atrocities in the world and this is true? Observe it and meditate on it. But everyone has a desire to be happy. Most people are genuinely compassionate. I’ve met a lot of compassionate people and it’s very humbling. It makes me realize that I have so much: clean air and food and water. In Cuba, there are ration cards for food. I’ve learned that food is rare. Regardless, people there will invite you inside for a meal.

acs: Have you become close friends with anyone you’ve met while traveling?

jmcf: My friend Subratta, he lives in Calcutta. He is an architect and professional mentor.

acs: How did you meet?

jmcf: We met at a fundraiser and exhibition that I organized that included participants from all over the world. We began a friendship. I met his family and friends. They are now my friends.

acs: What draws you to him?

jmcf: He sees the potential in people. Subratta really puts effort into bringing that out – no matter how long it takes. It sometimes takes 10 or 15 years.

He has worked with all these young people who eventually leave India and follow their dreams. He is someone who you can learn from. He is very humble. when I met his friends I realized what a huge force he is. I love him so much!

We’re working to rescue a woman from Afganistan. She’s a journalist who did a documentary film that was progressive. Subratta has been working to her her out and he asked me to help get her political asylum. He writes to her every week. It’s amazing how much time he gives to others.

acs: If there is one thing that you would want to share with him, what would that be?

jmcf: Hmmm. I have not seen him in a while. I wish he would visit America. I’d show him the museums and restaurants. I would tell him this is the way it is here. America.