Ann Arbor Serendipity

What’s the game plan for a molecular collision of artistry on a random Wednesday in Michigan?

In my case, it went like this:

-Start with an outdoor photography session with an artist.

-Observe and take photos of an artist laying down a one-of-a-kind work of art using chalks on the sidewalk.

-Engage with every person who stops to watch and ask questions.

-Involve these strangers in the process.

-Say yes to the young woman from overseas with an old Polaroid camera who asked to take our picture.

The net result? A photograph that I’ll treasure forever. But one I didn’t take.

An element of David Zinn’s chalk work is its physical impermanence. But that doesn’t mean his unique illustrations have no staying power. The viewers memory and experience give it a staying power that transcends physicality. What David does combines classic visual artistry with performance. The immeasurable amount of joy that it engenders is the icing on the cake.

I was in downtown Ann Arbor to observe and document his process with my camera.

However, a measure of magic snuck in and now I have a separate work of art that builds on what we were doing and elevates the session to unimagined heights.

The gift from the other photographer of a black an white Polaroid was really something. It is a masterpiece to me and has given me the kind of joy that only emerges from serendipity.

What a day!

About the author: I am Stephen Kennedy, an experienced photographer with more than 2500 completed sessions in all 50 US states.