Lynn Gilbert
All images are courtesy of the artist from the series Silk Road © Lynn Gilbert
Text and Images by Lynn Gilbert
Interview by Ora Heard
How did your series come to be?
My series on the Silk Road came into existence because I discovered the Traditional Houses of Turkey. Considered an important part of the country’s cultural heritage, they were very different from the great formal homes I visited in England for three decades. In Turkey, I was moved by the humble homes, most with little of value, but had great character. The homes revealed the beauty and soul of the people and the culture. I was hooked.
© Lynn Gilbert
Were there any challenges that came up while working on this project?
The challenge to uncover the homes to photograph was staggering. Like all obstacles I did not let it stop me. Coming from America it never occurred to me that I wouldn’t get into homes that I wanted to visit. I traveled to remote towns and villages where I didn’t know anyone and getting into homes of strangers wasn’t simple.
My guide chose the towns where we traveled. We wandered down streets stopping in front of homes where people stood in doorways. I pointed to my cameras, asking to come in. Ninety nine percent of the time, we were invited.
Over four trips, with dogged determination, I was able to create a portfolio. That portfolio enabled me to get the support of the municipal governments throughout the country. Mukhtars, who are like mayors, set up appointments for me to photograph homes recognized for their character. These homes most of which hadn’t been documented before, these Traditional Homes, considered an important part of Turkish heritage were rapidly disappearing being replaced with modern dwellings.
I travelled 256 days during an eight-year period. I visited hundreds and hundreds of homes and saw thousands of rooms. I created portraits of their homes. I also documented the people and culture because at heart I’m a storyteller. I want to document “everything”.
Portrait of Lynn Gilbert © Lynn Gilbert
Describe your creative process in one word?
Determined.
© Lynn Gilbert
What inspires you to pursue image-making?
Storytelling. Capturing what is real, sharing with the viewers what I see.
I am inspired to photograph what is simple and real, not recreated to look beautiful. The homes which I documented in Turkey during these years, creatively used fabric, colors, even bare walls with holes to create impeccable design. The beauty of these homes rivaled some of the most renowned I have visited.
© Lynn Gilbert
What was the last book you read or film you saw that inspired you?
I’m inspired by many books; it is very difficult to choose.
Recently I read “Educated” by Tara Westover. It is the autobiography of a young woman, who grew up in an abusive family. Her family didn’t believe in schooling, so she didn’t set foot in a schoolroom until she was 17 years old. Her powerful story inspires. It is a story of someone with great intelligence who overcame every imaginable adversity. Against all odds she went on to get her PHD and lead a fulfilling life.
I love to read. I discover worlds with which I’m not familiar. I started a reading group 31 years ago and still meet monthly. Today I love to listen to books on Audible to “read” all the time.
© Lynn Gilbert
What advice would you give to people just starting out in photography?
My advice to young photographers is I would encourage them to believe in what they feel passionate about. Hone their crafts and regardless of obstacles keep forging ahead. One never knows what will happen unless you commit to what you believe in.
© Lynn Gilbert
What is your favorite podcast to listen to?
I haven’t started listening to podcasts yet I’m still so busy listening to my books. I was a guest recently on James Obrien’s podcast “All Your Days”. It is a weekly podcast featuring conversations with a focus on creativity, art, persistence, and how creative lives transform over time. It was an honor and a wonderful experience to be interviewed by James.
© Lynn Gilbert
How do you take your coffee?
Much to my chagrin I don’t drink coffee. If I drink coffee, 12 hours later I still feel the caffeine. Even decaf keeps me awake. I drink tea or hot water with lemon.
