From India, with Love and Fire: Embrace
WOMEN OF THE (AFRO) FUTURE
Imaginibus: Fostering Imagination in Museums
In The Streets with Juan Studios
When Paris was just beginning to get chilly, Culture Keeper assembled a rad little team of creatives for this video project. Juan Studios loaned us an amazing wardrobe, that gave off sunny, California vibes. As the sun set we skated and created mischief through the midcentury structures of the Beaugrenelle.
On The Road
How Paris Grieves
My neighbour called to me from her window: “Put on your coat, we are going to Flore.” She spoke in reference to our neighbourhood cafe. “Now?” I asked. In disbelief as our city had been rocked by bombings and shootings merely two days before. “Of course.” She declared. “We will protest this violence by celebrating life..."
Bradley Leach and The Bergamot - Keeping It Classy
A folk duo, The Bergamot, played a show in Paris at Break Art Mix for the featuring of their most recent album, “Tones”. After the show, we conversed and they expressed their need for new photos and videos. I admired their vibrant personalities as well as their harmony and so we decided to collaborate. The very next day we set out to do what we (individually) do best.
About A Bag
Because I am always traveling I have to be specific with my possessions. A simpler lifestyle has helped me hone my style in a very minimal, versatile direction. This also makes each piece all the more precious. I don't really purchase new items without a lot of consideration and planning.
When I was in Chicago recently, my little black backpack fell apart.
The Disconnect
Photo by Elani Garfield
It is the same struggle each trip: about a month before I depart for a new place, I start to disconnect.
I get emotional easily. I cry a lot. I need more time alone. I am irritable, exhausted, and all peopled-out. This is layered with a desire to soak up every minute I can with dear friends and family who I am sure to miss, and to enjoy the current season's activities. It is overwhelming. I am aware that others encounter this too... a cocoon effect before travel. Always, upon arrival it dissipates, and I can re-emerge as a healthy, sane person, but it is a traumatic process.
Part of this stems from my nature- I am very loyal: to my hometown, to my history, to my family, to my friends, to the land of my birth... but due to my calling and career I am forced to operate outside of that formula. Each of us must sacrifice something for our calling. I was reminded of this the other day when talking to my cousin who has lived most of her life in Sub-Saharan Africa. We crave and treasure time with our family... but we have had to sacrifice that for something bigger. Often, we look at another person and envy what they have- unaware of what they have given up. I think of this often. I hear daily how others wish they could live in Paris like me, or have my career... unaware that I have had to sacrifice my dearest treasures for the sake of doing what I was created to do. My self-awareness allows no compromises... I am forced to press on towards my goals... but I have given up much in the process.
All of these things are rolling around in my mind as I prepare for another season in Paris. This time my return is indefinite... I don't really know when or if I will be returning to the United States with the exception of summertime visits. Much to ponder.
Jonathan Randall Grant // Culture Keeper
Mystery At The Paris Flea Market
Home Town Love
Each Summer I make sure to get back to my hometown- a magical place, full of magical, dear, creative people. Lately, many of my friends are moving back from all over the world. It is grand to have them gathering in one place. South Bend / Mishawaka is finally becoming the dynamic place we all dreamed it could be.
