Terri Gold - Mahjong Players Shidong, Miao Village, Guizhou

Terri Gold

My ongoing body of work, “Still Points in a Turning World”, focuses on Asia’s vanishing tribal heritage. The images explore our universal cross-cultural truths: the importance of family, community, ritual and the amazing diversity of its expression. This chapter is entitled “Into the Mists of Time”. It is predicted that in the next few decades, China will experience the largest human migration in the world's history, from rural to urban. At risk is a vast archive of knowledge and expertise. I am interested in capturing the different ways in which people find meaning in their lives, how an individual explores his or her existence through their traditions. My work is interpretive in nature. My technique involves creating imagery using the invisible infrared light spectrum. Working with infrared light seems to suit the subject matter and the timeless quality of the images. The post processing is part of my medium creating work that combines the use of the lens with technology. The differences between our many world cultures are fading away. We all lose when ancient skills and visionary wisdom are forgotten. As a “visual archeologist” I am interested in capturing these last moments of the rich tapestry of tribal life.