2008 Year in Review

International Press and Art Photographer Visits Morrison

by Mary Ellen Brackemyer - The Morrison Post

Jacko Vassilev was born in 1951 in Bulgaria and always had a dream to come to the United States of America to photograph it. “The United States of America is the most fascinating, most beautiful place in the world,” according to Vassilev, “Because of the people.”

He dropped in at the Gallery on Main and I consider myself fortunate to have met him. He had many stories to tell.

He grew up in Bulgaria under Communist rule. During his 30 year career he has photographed a lot of war, devastation and inhumanities to man. He said in his early years you had to be careful taking personal pictures. “I would hide my camera and when I found something to photograph I would look all around me, then quickly take the picture and just as quickly return the camera under my coat and usually run from the area. If you were seen taking pictures you could be taken in for questioning and quite possibly your camera would be taken away or broken. He never thought that he would be able to share his personal photographs with others but hoped that someday, at least, his children could see them.

He specializes in people. A quote I took from his web page is, “The grand and endless expressions on their faces are so natural, so real; sometimes I wish my photography could have smell and sound. At least it is something that will remain for future generations. That is why I photograph a man.” He said, “Something I tell my students and others, you must followed your heart, capture the moment because that moment will never be again and it is never to late to dream.”

In 1994 he published a photography book entitled “ The Bulgarians”. His portfolios are exclusively sold all around the world including many locations in the United States.

He has been working on his Photography Book of the United States for six years beginning in 2002. Jacko and his wife Valentine come here, travel the less traveled roads in a small RV and take many pictures.

He said, “I love America, the people are so friendly. In France I feel like a foreigner, in Germany I feel like a foreigner, in Italy I feel like a foreigner but here in the United States of America I feel welcome. You see, in most European countries you must live in a country all your life to be accepted. I love country music and sweet corn, we have eaten our share while traveling through Iowa and Illinois.” That led to a whole lot of talk about food and how different our meals are. Valentine gave me a recipe for a typical lunch on a hot day in Bulgaria.

Valentine and Jacko shared with us many original photographs. You can view them on his website: Jacko Vassilev.

Valentine’s Recipe
Cut cucumbers in small pieces, add a little chopped garlic, salt to taste, Olive oil, chopped pecans or walnuts, chopped parsley. Mix all together and let set for 10 minutes. Add yogurt and enjoy. Jacko added for a cold soup just add water to desired consistency.

If anyone does try this meal, please drop by our office or email us at morrrisonpost@frontiernet.net and let us know how it was.

by  Editor, theCity1.com
September 8, 2008