Genius at work
Posted by Carolyn Hughes on August 20, 2007

On Friday, I called in to the Town Hall to catch up with a very talented photographer and friend of mine, Jim Connolly, who was showcasing some of his outstanding portraits in the glorious surroundings of the main ballrooms.

Jim has a unique eye for what will make an interesting artistic shot and I never cease to be amazed at what he catches through his lens.

I don’t know anyone else who captures quite what Jim does.

He is a genius and his work always amazes me.

http://byinvitationonly.merseyblogs.co.uk/2007/08/genius_at_work.html

I met photographer Jim Connolly in 2004 on a brief visit from across the pond when he had a photographic display at The Liverpool Cathedral. There were hundreds of photographs on display, including the “macho men” in delicate ballet shoes with their tutus, a homeless man strumming his cardboard guitar, and the poster of Al Pacino as Scarface shooting beyond the bounty of his paper world fake victims in the real world. But, out of all the pictures, there is one that moved me most is the photograph of poet, Levi Tafari.

I was taken by the depth of this symbolism present in the image. The clock tower hovering at the top of the frame represents time for the people of Liverpool to recognize Liverpool’s past as a city. The statue hunched over to Levi Tafari’s right in shackles represents Liverpool’s past, which was built on the backs of slavery. The poet, black, and well educated reads from a book representing his knowledge and education…Above, the lamppost to Levi Tafari’s right; represents the positive light we can head toward in the future with our new found respect and knowledge of Liverpool’s history.

I was amazed to see such a full story and message brought together in a single image. I was so moved after my holiday I managed to track Jim Connolly down, and ask him for a print of the photograph. For some reason he told me “No”. When I arrived back in Los Angeles there was a print of that photograph waiting for me, and he thoroughly surprised me! This is a true testament to the friendly nature, and positive energy that embodies Jim Connolly.

-Masresha Tadesse

Masresha Tadesse has a genuine curiosity for world art, cuisine and photography. She holds a B.A. in Political Science and is trilingual in Italian, Dutch, and English.  Ms. Tadesse has worked as a television reporter for a number of years in the United States.  She is currently working as the Director of Communications and Development for the Humanities Council of Washington, DC.  The HCWDC is a private, nonprofit organization that funds and conducts humanities-based cultural and educational programs for residents in Washington, D.C. 

Thank you for bringing a smile to my lips and a wonderment to my eyes.

You have a rare gift which is only available to few.

Ronald Bailie.

A wonderful vehicle to present to the world. A truly amazing talent. You’re a craftsman and an artist whose pallet is made up of anything and everything that’s worthy of your gift.

Tony Brown.

Very impressive. Well done. On behalf of Liverpool Town Hall I’d like to say a very big thank you for your magnificent display of photographs.

Steve Lambert.