http://www.erickruszewski.com Eric Kruszewski - Baltimore Photographer Wed, 27 Feb 2013 06:10:01 +0000 http://www.erickruszewski.com en http://erickruszewski.com/Water-Well-Rehab-in-Mozambique http://erickruszewski.com/following/erickruszewski.com/Water-Well-Rehab-in-Mozambique Wed, 27 Feb 2013 06:10:01 +0000 Eric Kruszewski - Baltimore Photographer 4888955 <img src="http://payload129.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/4888955/mozambique-final-edit-1_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload129.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/4888955/mozambique-final-edit-1_o.jpg" data-mid="26139320" caption="In Mozambique's remote Cabo Delgado Province, international NGO representatives visit with locals to assess water well pump operation." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload129.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/4888955/mozambique-final-edit-2_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload129.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/4888955/mozambique-final-edit-2_o.jpg" data-mid="26139325" caption="When water well pumps break, it may take months or years for organizations to address the issue. To prepare for maintenance activities, locals clear away debris from the well location." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload129.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/4888955/mozambique-final-edit-3_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload129.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/4888955/mozambique-final-edit-3_o.jpg" data-mid="26139331" caption="Under supervision of the NGO, locals remove the pump internals during repair activities. The NGO engages residents so they learn the well/pump mechanics, thus giving locals a sense of ownership." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload129.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/4888955/mozambique-final-edit-4_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload129.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/4888955/mozambique-final-edit-4_o.jpg" data-mid="26139342" caption="After pump repairs are complete, residents bring their colorful buckets and collect water. They oftentimes utilize a coconut shell for distributing water between buckets and washing their hands." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload129.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/4888955/mozambique-final-edit-5_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload129.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/4888955/mozambique-final-edit-5_o.jpg" data-mid="26139345" caption="When pumps are not working, locals use nearby rivers and swamps to do laundry and bathe themselves. It is possible that wildlife or waste streams contaminate the water, thus increasing the dangers of widespread disease." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload129.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/4888955/mozambique-final-edit-6_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload129.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/4888955/mozambique-final-edit-6_o.jpg" data-mid="26139350" caption="During each trip to a new region, NGO representatives have a specific number of wells to target for rehab. They pack enough materials and parts for the entire journey." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload129.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/4888955/mozambique-final-edit-7_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload129.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/4888955/mozambique-final-edit-7_o.jpg" data-mid="26139356" caption="For each well, GPS coordinates are documented. In addition, a well report is generated to note the pump diagnosis, steps taken to repair the pump and the number of community member that the pump serves." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload129.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/4888955/mozambique-final-edit-8_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload129.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/4888955/mozambique-final-edit-8_o.jpg" data-mid="26139364" caption="Depending on the severity of the pump malfunction, repairs might take 10 minutes or several hours. But once water flows again, children are usually the first to flourish." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload129.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/4888955/mozambique-final-edit-9_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload129.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/4888955/mozambique-final-edit-9_o.jpg" data-mid="26139368" caption="When pumps are broken, residents can travel up to 5 miles (8 kilometers) to collect approximately 3 gallons (12 liters) of water. Without water, locals have poor health and no energy or vivacity." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload129.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/4888955/mozambique-final-edit-10_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload129.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/4888955/mozambique-final-edit-10_o.jpg" data-mid="26139371" caption="During a pump repair, locals gather around a fence and curiously peer through its cracks." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload129.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/4888955/mozambique-final-edit-11_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload129.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/4888955/mozambique-final-edit-11_o.jpg" data-mid="26139375" caption="A tiny local market has bottled water available for drinking. However, with little monetary income, locals choose to drink water from the well (adequate for health) or river / swamp water (usually polluted)." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload129.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/4888955/mozambique-final-edit-12_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload129.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/4888955/mozambique-final-edit-12_o.jpg" data-mid="26139380" caption="The wells reach depths between 25 and 145 feet (8 and 46 meters), thereby requiring manpower and tools to install and repair the equipment. The pump materials are imported; therefore spare parts management and distribution are oftentimes a hurdle in pump rehabilitation." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload129.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/4888955/mozambique-final-edit-13_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload129.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/4888955/mozambique-final-edit-13_o.jpg" data-mid="26139384" caption="Well water is fresh, clean and healthy, and it acts as the main drinking fluid for local residents. While sitting on the floor, Mom and Dad wash down lunch with cups of water." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload129.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/4888955/mozambique-final-edit-14_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload129.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/4888955/mozambique-final-edit-14_o.jpg" data-mid="26139388" caption="Temperatures in Cabo Delgado, Mozambique easily reach over 100 degrees (F) throughout the year. And with the dry, dusty conditions, children use the streaming water as a chance to clean their dirty feet." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload129.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/4888955/mozambique-final-edit-15_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload129.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/4888955/mozambique-final-edit-15_o.jpg" data-mid="26139394" caption="After well rehab is successful, people of all ages utilize the pump to gather water." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload129.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/4888955/mozambique-final-edit-16_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload129.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/4888955/mozambique-final-edit-16_o.jpg" data-mid="26139398" caption="Functioning wells bring fresh water to homes, but without sustainment and accountability, the efforts are a fleeting endeavor. In dawn's early light, a young boy drinks water from a cup while standing in the home's courtyard." border="0" align="left"/> Project Statement Every human being deserves access to clean water. Yet for some impoverished countries, developing the proper infrastructure to provide water is not properly addressed. With almost 24 million people, Mozambique is one such nation – nearly 40% of its population lives without clean water. Residents without a proper water source usually access creeks and swamps to bathe, wash clothes and collect drinking water. This option is neither viable nor healthy; water availability can be sporadic, and the source is usually contaminated from wildlife and waste streams. The local government and its entities (Public Works & Infrastructure) do not have the adequate resources to supply clean water. Therefore, much of the burden for developing a quality infrastructure falls on international organizations that are eager to tackle the challenge and make a positive difference. To combat the water crisis, organizations initially install water wells; however, over time, the internal pumps malfunction and must be repaired. During visits to each well, the organizations perform maintenance activities. They document the failure causes, recruit locals to become mechanics and teach the residents how to perform repairs. Collectively they rehabilitate the wells to a working condition. The communities then have a sense of ownership as opposed to entitlement. The aforementioned approach creates an environment for maintaining water wells in parts of Mozambique. However, to reach additional residents, more organizations must become involved. Furthermore, the Mozambique government must be committed and accountable for adopting, implementing and growing the system. There is promise, but until such time that these conditions are met, a sustained clean water environment is a fleeting endeavor. Project Statement Every human being deserves access to clean water. Yet for some impoverished countries, developing the proper infrastructure to provide water is... http://erickruszewski.com/Home http://erickruszewski.com/following/erickruszewski.com/Home Tue, 17 Jul 2012 13:10:45 +0000 Eric Kruszewski - Baltimore Photographer 3767669 <img src="http://payload73.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3767669/cubaimage04covershot_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload73.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3767669/cubaimage04covershot_o.jpg" data-mid="21821623" border="0" align="left"/> http://erickruszewski.com/American-Rodeo http://erickruszewski.com/following/erickruszewski.com/American-Rodeo Fri, 06 Apr 2012 16:18:33 +0000 Eric Kruszewski - Baltimore Photographer 3156106 <img src="http://payload42.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3156106/rodeoimage01_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload42.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3156106/rodeoimage01_o.jpg" data-mid="16132491" caption="Prized rodeo bulls are generally agile, moderately framed and weigh approximately 2,000 pounds (907 kilograms). Two cowboys embrace the popular phrase, “hang on for dear life,” as they attempt to handle a prized bull during the rodeo’s riding competition." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload42.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3156106/rodeoimage02_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload42.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3156106/rodeoimage02_o.jpg" data-mid="16132495" caption="Rodeo venues have cowboy dressing rooms where participants network and prepare for pending events. Competitors carry ample gear for each event since they are on the road for much of the year going from one competition to the next." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload42.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3156106/IMG_1425lenscorrectvignette_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload42.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3156106/IMG_1425lenscorrectvignette_o.jpg" data-mid="16150221" caption="Indian Relay Races are staples at tribal rodeos and allow participants to acknowledge and revere their cultural history of horsemanship and bravery. A young Native American boy concentrates on his balloon as others participate in the Relay Races at the reservation’s annual powwow and rodeo." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload42.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3156106/rodeoimage04_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload42.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3156106/rodeoimage04_o.jpg" data-mid="16132502" caption="Most rodeo venues have Director’s Rooms, VIP Rooms and sponsorship tents. These are areas for participants and influential people to congregate." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload42.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3156106/rodeoimage05_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload42.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3156106/rodeoimage05_o.jpg" data-mid="16132506" caption="Cowboys congregate away from the main rodeo action. This metallic maze of fences and stalls, located beneath the rodeo arena’s grandstand, is utilized for staging animals that partake in roping events (breakaway, calf, team) and steer wrestling." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload42.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3156106/rodeoimage06_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload42.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3156106/rodeoimage06_o.jpg" data-mid="16132509" caption="Rodeo brings together a tight-knit community of cowboys from around the world to participate in America’s biggest events. Competitors even come from ranches throughout New Zealand and Australia with an aim to capture a portion of prize money." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload42.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3156106/rodeoimage07_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload42.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3156106/rodeoimage07_o.jpg" data-mid="16132513" caption="Rodeo dates back to the early 1800s when cowboys would informally test their work skills against one another. Present day, rodeos are formal events that bring together tradition, camaraderie and company sponsorship." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload42.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3156106/rodeoimage08_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload42.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3156106/rodeoimage08_o.jpg" data-mid="16132517" caption="A young cowboy goes airborne during saddle bronc riding, an event whereby two judges each give one score for the cowboy (1-25) and one score for the horse (1-25). A good score is typically in the high 80s. Horses used for this event are usually geldings (castrated male horses) and are bred specifically for rodeo use." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload42.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3156106/rodeoimage09_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload42.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3156106/rodeoimage09_o.jpg" data-mid="16132524" caption="With huge competition and big money payouts surrounding rodeos, even young cowboys feel the pressure to excel. This young Native American cowboy did not perform well in the competitions during the annual events." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload42.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3156106/rodeoimage10_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload42.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3156106/rodeoimage10_o.jpg" data-mid="16132531" caption="Left: Rodeo competitions span several days at each venue and daily events last for six to seven hours. Therefore, spectators pack into seats but have easy access to refreshments and alcohol throughout the day. Right: In America, rodeo is the official state sport of Wyoming, South Dakota and Texas. Bucking chutes are used to stage the livestock and prepare the riders in the following events: saddle bronc riding, bareback bronc riding and bull riding." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload42.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3156106/rodeoimage11_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload42.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3156106/rodeoimage11_o.jpg" data-mid="16132545" caption="A young Native American cowboy prepares to ride a steer at Crow Agency’s annual powwow and rodeo. Young rodeo participants use steers at an early age in preparation for riding prized bulls in the future." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload42.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3156106/rodeoimage12_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload42.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3156106/rodeoimage12_o.jpg" data-mid="16132552" caption="A cowboy tightens the leather lacing that affixes the spurs to his boot. The standard five-point rowel, donned during riding competitions, digs into the livestocks’ torso and encourages the animal to buck. This action results in a “wilder” ride, thus adding to the overall event scoring." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload42.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3156106/rodeoimage13_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload42.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3156106/rodeoimage13_o.jpg" data-mid="16132556" caption="Most rodeo events are designed for individual participants. Therefore, with the goal of winning prize money, a cowboy may spend the majority of the year on the road traveling to numerous competitions. One competitor takes a solitary moment of prayer before a rough stock event." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload42.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3156106/rodeoimage14_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload42.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3156106/rodeoimage14_o.jpg" data-mid="16132564" caption="Bull riding, sometimes called “the most dangerous eight seconds in sports,” is a rodeo event whereby a cowboy attempts to ride a bull without being bucked off. A ride only qualifies if the cowboy remains mounted for 8 seconds." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload42.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3156106/rodeoimage15_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload42.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3156106/rodeoimage15_o.jpg" data-mid="16132566" caption="Rodeos are usually held over several days, allowing multiple rounds of event competition to crown the respective winners. Each day, a professional rodeo may see attendance of approximately 100,000 people." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload42.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3156106/rodeoimage16_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload42.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3156106/rodeoimage16_o.jpg" data-mid="16132572" caption="Bulls attack because of trained response, agitation and movement of others around them. During the bull-riding event, rodeo clowns, as well as professional photographers like this man, may attract the bull’s attention." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload42.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3156106/Eric_Kruszewski_American_Rodeo_cowboy_hats_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload42.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3156106/Eric_Kruszewski_American_Rodeo_cowboy_hats_o.jpg" data-mid="27115987" caption="The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association organizes over 100 rodeos throughout the year that take place all across America. Each event brings together cowboys from many areas to participate in the competition." border="0" align="left"/> Project Statement In the American West, cowboys embrace life’s literal and figurative rough rides when entering rodeos to face huge competition with hopes of big payouts. Rodeos attract even the youngest talent for participation, while seasoned veterans strive for success on prized bulls or wild horses. Some cowboys might say it is part training, part skill and part luck whether one conquers the animal or hangs one’s head in defeat. Rodeo is a Spanish word that has the most common English translation of “round-up,” thus lending itself to the ideas of cowboys surrounding cattle or a circular pen for securing livestock. In its present day, rodeo is a highly competitive sport that grew out of the centuries-old traditional work practices on ranches throughout the United States, Spain and Mexico. The sport was based on the skills required for cowboys to routinely perform their tasks, including gathering cattle and moving the animals to different pastures. The sport of rodeo and the culture surrounding it are oftentimes perceived as a blend of performance, contest and pageantry. Cowboys are considered professional athletes who compete nearly year-round on a country-wide circuit trying to win prize money available from event sponsors and ticket sales. Meanwhile, rodeo venues welcome rituals that serve to revitalize the spirit of the Old West; however, modern day spectacle sometimes takes precedence. At its core, rodeo is a world of comparisons: antiquated versus modern, sport versus splendor and man versus animal. Project Statement In the American West, cowboys embrace life’s literal and figurative rough rides when entering rodeos to face huge competition with hopes of big... http://erickruszewski.com/Slice-of-America http://erickruszewski.com/following/erickruszewski.com/Slice-of-America Thu, 22 Mar 2012 09:37:15 +0000 Eric Kruszewski - Baltimore Photographer 3057890 <img src="http://payload37.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3057890/sliceimage01_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload37.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3057890/sliceimage01_o.jpg" data-mid="16147472" caption="An angel watches over as one of Hell’s Angels (Harley Davidson Rider) follows behind. Devil’s Tower National Monument, believed to be a volcanic “plug” and rising 1,267 feet (386 meters) above the surrounding terrain, fades into the distance. Devil’s Tower, Wyoming, USA." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload37.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3057890/sliceimage02_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload37.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3057890/sliceimage02_o.jpg" data-mid="16147474" caption="During the summer months, this typical schoolhouse in the Amish community is quiet, yet it begs for the bustling of children. Since homeschooling is dominant throughout the Amish community, a schoolhouse may only have a few dozen children in attendance. Warren County, Ohio, USA." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload37.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3057890/sliceimage03_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload37.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3057890/sliceimage03_o.jpg" data-mid="16147476" caption="The horse-drawn buggy remains the main transport for the Amish. Under the watchful eye of their father, these three boys are curious of the rare photographer visiting their community. Warren County, Ohio, USA." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload37.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3057890/sliceimage04_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload37.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3057890/sliceimage04_o.jpg" data-mid="16147477" caption="In a main city square, four Pakistani boys gathering at a nearby convention center use a break to play and express their patronage. Chicago, Illinois, USA." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload37.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3057890/sliceimage05_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload37.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3057890/sliceimage05_o.jpg" data-mid="16147480" caption="On Willis Tower’s observation ledge, a young girl finally realizes the dizzying distance below its supporting 1½-inches (3.8cm) of glass. At a height of 1,353-feet (412m), this observation deck, part of America’s tallest skyscraper, provides exhilarating city views for over 1.3 million visitors annually. Chicago, Illinois, USA." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload37.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3057890/sliceimage06_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload37.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3057890/sliceimage06_o.jpg" data-mid="16147481" caption="The statue representing the human eye is located in a popular location where homeless people congregate daily and sleep. Numbers vary from year to year, but city officials estimate roughly 6,000 homeless occupy shelters, streets and abandoned buildings throughout greater Chicago. Chicago, Illinois, USA." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload37.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3057890/sliceimage07_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload37.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3057890/sliceimage07_o.jpg" data-mid="16147482" caption="Millennium Park, located in the heart of Chicago, is a centerpiece for activity including outdoor concerts, ice-skating and cultural events. On warm summer nights, people gather at the Park’s multiple fountains to play and cool off. Chicago, Illinois, USA." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload37.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3057890/sliceimage08_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload37.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3057890/sliceimage08_o.jpg" data-mid="16147485" caption="America’s Interstate Highway System has over 46,000 miles (74,000 kilometers) of roadway making it the largest road network in the world. Logging millions of miles with his truck, this driver passes the time on the road with his daughter and man’s, four-legged best friend. On their journey across America, they rest at the world’s largest truck stop where they can eat, sleep, shop, do laundry and even complete necessary dental work. Interstate 80, Iowa, USA." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload37.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3057890/sliceimage09_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload37.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3057890/sliceimage09_o.jpg" data-mid="16147486" caption="The sheep-shearing contest at Iowa’s state fair is one of its most popular events. It is a timed competition where contestants will sheer 4 sheep and are judged on number of cuts, manner of handling the animal and final sheep appearance. Des Moines, Iowa, USA." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload37.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3057890/sliceimage10_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload37.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3057890/sliceimage10_o.jpg" data-mid="16147496" caption="The Big Pumpkin Contest is displayed at Iowa’s annual state fair. Along with pumpkins, the fair also organizes competitions for biggest boar, ram, bull, heaviest pigeons, heaviest vegetables and a myriad of others. Des Moines, Iowa, USA." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload37.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3057890/sliceimage11_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload37.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3057890/sliceimage11_o.jpg" data-mid="16147501" caption="Iowa’s annual state fair attracts approximately 1 million visitors each year during its 12-day duration. During a lull in cowboy customers, this young girl begs her mother to ride the mechanical bull; one of the fair’s most popular rides. Des Moines, Iowa, USA." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload37.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3057890/slceimage12_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload37.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3057890/slceimage12_o.jpg" data-mid="16147471" caption="Yellowstone National Park is the only place in America where they have a free-range, year-round bison population. Thousands of bison can cause havoc with traffic in the park or allow for a good photo opportunity. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload37.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3057890/sliceimage13_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload37.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3057890/sliceimage13_o.jpg" data-mid="16147505" caption="At the Native American’s annual powwow, many people don traditional regalia and hold dancing competitions with the local tribe’s rhythmic music. Dancers may be judged on their technique, rhythm, expressions and a “war-like” resemblance. Crow Agency Indian Reservation, Montana, USA." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload37.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3057890/sliceimage14_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload37.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3057890/sliceimage14_o.jpg" data-mid="16147508" caption="This car bursts into flames while being towed on the highway behind a recreational vehicle. While journeying through wide-open countryside, travelers rarely experience these situations, but may rely on state emergency response vehicles located throughout the region. Interstate 90, Montana, USA." border="0" align="left"/> Project Statement From 2005 to 2010, I lived in and wandered throughout 26 countries on 4 continents. During those five years abroad, it was revealed to me that many locals too often developed views on American culture based on satellite television, bootleg movies and the latest music videos. In the early years, discussions revolving around “media-based America” became long-winded and included explanations that would be rewarding only if others were immersed in true, American culture. Very quickly, the long-winded discussions were truncated to simple explanations stating that too many people were only exposed to a slice of America. Thereafter, the new, recurring question from locals became, “Where are the other slices?” Instead of drawn-out discussions, my new, recurring answer became “I promise to show you another slice.” In July of 2010, I decided to cease living abroad, return to America and embark on a 14-day journey across the country. My goal was to visit regions and smaller sub-cultures that could supplement the views of American culture as a whole. I captured moments revealed to me along a slice of America spanning from east to west. Project Statement From 2005 to 2010, I lived in and wandered throughout 26 countries on 4 continents. During those five years abroad, it was revealed to me that... http://erickruszewski.com/Courtney-Red-dress-normal-girl http://erickruszewski.com/following/erickruszewski.com/Courtney-Red-dress-normal-girl Thu, 22 Mar 2012 09:36:20 +0000 Eric Kruszewski - Baltimore Photographer 3057879 Project Statement On August 18, 1984, Courtney Gilmour was born in Sarnia, Ontario. Her right arm ends just above the wrist, and her left arm ends immediately below the elbow. She has one fully functional leg; her other leg ends mid femur. She uses a prosthetic to assist in walking. To complete trivial and complex tasks, she uses only the “nubs” at the end of her arms. Courtney’s parents recall her personal independence and mental and physical perseverance from an early age. Today, Courtney is a successful writer for several online publications and a sketch writer for the famous comedy school Second City. She lives in Toronto, Ontario. Sarnia, a town of approximately 70,000 people, is also known as Chemical Valley because of the 60+ facilities that comprise 40 per cent of Canada’s petrochemical industry. The amount of pollution generated throughout the region has given Sarnia the distinction of “the dirtiest place in Canada.” During her nine-month pregnancy, Courtney’s mother drove daily through Chemical Valley. Shortly after Courtney’s birth, three geneticists visited her mother to determine if the birth defects were genetically linked. After analyzing the family’s blood, hair, etc., each geneticist independently concluded consistent exposure to pollutants during pregnancy led to Courtney’s birth defects. Courtney’s parents accepted the findings and raised their child to develop into a normal, healthy girl. How many other Sarnia residents welcomed a child with abnormal conditions? How have the disabled faired throughout life? How many people, exposed to pollutants every day, have developed abnormalities or become ill? Courtney is only one piece of this diverse puzzle. My goal is to seek out people who are being abnormally affected by the vast industry, document their stories and begin assembling the pieces. Project Statement On August 18, 1984, Courtney Gilmour was born in Sarnia, Ontario. Her right arm ends just above the wrist, and her left arm ends immediately... http://erickruszewski.com/Hope-for-Haiti http://erickruszewski.com/following/erickruszewski.com/Hope-for-Haiti Thu, 22 Mar 2012 09:35:56 +0000 Eric Kruszewski - Baltimore Photographer 3057875 <img src="http://payload37.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3057875/IMG_8195_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload37.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3057875/IMG_8195_o.jpg" data-mid="17549172" caption="A young boy practices soccer in Gramothe, Haiti. In this small mountain village, people are overcoming challenges and realizing their true potential with the help of local leadership and foreign volunteers." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload37.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3057875/haitiimage02_2_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload37.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3057875/haitiimage02_2_o.jpg" data-mid="17548373" caption="After delivering water by hand, farmers in Gramothe nurture crops that include onion, leek, sweet potato and cabbage. Yearly increases in the harvest have bolstered nutrition in the community, as well as incomes." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload37.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3057875/haitiimage03_3_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload37.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3057875/haitiimage03_3_o.jpg" data-mid="17548419" caption="Villagers survive with only the barest necessities, but the mountainside they inhabit has relatively rich soil to sustain crops." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload37.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3057875/haitiimage04_4_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload37.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3057875/haitiimage04_4_o.jpg" data-mid="17548471" caption="Children from a nearby orphanage also attend school regularly in Gramothe. On a day off from classes, a girl reviews lessons in the orphanage's common room." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload37.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3057875/haitiimage05_1_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload37.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3057875/haitiimage05_1_o.jpg" data-mid="17548566" caption="A local artist proudly holds his latest masterpiece depicting a traditional scene from the Haitian culture. He sells his work at a popular road-side lookout known for its view of Port-au-Prince." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload37.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3057875/haitiimage06_2_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload37.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3057875/haitiimage06_2_o.jpg" data-mid="17548591" caption="The opportunity for free education at Gramothe's school draws children from miles away. Some walk four hours a day to attend in return for the prospect of a brighter future." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload37.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3057875/haitiimage07_3_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload37.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3057875/haitiimage07_3_o.jpg" data-mid="17548617" caption="Many of Gramothe's residents have family members in Port-au-Prince and other large cities where the 2010 earthquake's consequences are still manifest almost everywhere." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload37.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3057875/haitiimage08_1_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload37.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3057875/haitiimage08_1_o.jpg" data-mid="17548711" caption="Even years after the quake, the wreckage it produced remains on display in Port-au-Prince." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload37.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3057875/haitiimage09_2_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload37.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3057875/haitiimage09_2_o.jpg" data-mid="17548742" caption="In regions outside of Gramothe, difficult living conditions, malnutrition and lack of medical attention may lead to the inhabitants' biggest loss." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload37.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3057875/haitiimage10_3_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload37.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3057875/haitiimage10_3_o.jpg" data-mid="17548767" caption="Views into overbuilt and crowded cities outside of the village act as a vivid reminder that progress remains thwarted and choked as few people attempt to rebuild and develop." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload37.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3057875/haitiimage11_1_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload37.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3057875/haitiimage11_1_o.jpg" data-mid="17548802" caption="Prayer, faith, and worship form an intimate tapestry in many Haitians' lives. In order to enroll in the school in Gramothe, students must attend a church service at least two weekends per month." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload37.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3057875/haitiimage12_2_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload37.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3057875/haitiimage12_2_o.jpg" data-mid="17548824" caption="The positive developments in Gramothe spell better prospects for the kids and teens who live here." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload37.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3057875/haitiimage13_3_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload37.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3057875/haitiimage13_3_o.jpg" data-mid="17548831" caption="Villagers gather in the medical clinic corridor, where nurses take vital signs and perform preliminary exams before sending patients for further evaluation. Bacterial and viral infections, high blood pressure, malnutrition and arthritis are some of the most common ailments treated at the clinic." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload37.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3057875/haitiimage14_4_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload37.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3057875/haitiimage14_4_o.jpg" data-mid="17548840" caption="Two boys sleep on one another as they await their turn with a nurse at Gramothe's medical clinic. The teen carried his younger sibling for hours on foot to seek treatment. Medical teams from outside Haiti provide care to villagers several times a year." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload37.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3057875/haitiimage15_5_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload37.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3057875/haitiimage15_5_o.jpg" data-mid="17548861" caption="Family members take turns collecting mountain spring water from a newly installed spigot for daily cooking, bathing, drinking, and laundering." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload37.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3057875/haitiimage16_6_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload37.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3057875/haitiimage16_6_o.jpg" data-mid="17548877" caption="The homes throughout the village are getting larger and families are able to take in pets; animals that usually would remain as strays in the past." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload37.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3057875/haitiimage17_7_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload37.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3057875/haitiimage17_7_o.jpg" data-mid="17548910" caption="Outside Gramothe's church and school buildings, children have a safe place to play and interact with their friends and classmates." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload37.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3057875/haitiimage18_8_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload37.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3057875/haitiimage18_8_o.jpg" data-mid="17548932" caption="While Gramothe offers a better life for some, daunting challenges remain, both here and across Haiti." border="0" align="left"/> Project Statement Gramothe, Haiti is a mountain village located 13 miles southeast of Port-au-Prince where a model society is being built, crafted, and nourished. Through dedication, perseverance, donations, and vision, a Haitian-American family is successfully creating an opportunity that inspires villagers in and around Gramothe to realize their full and true potential. With proper leadership, this progressive community could potentially expand across the entire country. Since 1999, one determined family built a church, a school with grades kindergarten through secondary, and a medical clinic in Gramothe--in 2010, construction on a new hospital began. Haitians throughout this steeply mountainous region are beginning to feel the changes deeply. More children are attending classes, the number of crops per family is growing, visits to the clinic (open only when foreign medical teams arrive) are on the rise, as are the number of people participating in religious services or classes. Though the suffering in Port-au-Prince and in the hills around Gramothe is visible and palpable, Gramothe itself remains a bright spot and a source of hope. Plenty of day-to-day challenges remain: Poverty, malnutrition, corruption and disease are common in the countryside outside of Gramothe, and have been for generations. Access to education, medical care, churches and gainful employment is limited, often non-existent. Most families live in crumbling homes or makeshift tents. People struggle to find food and work;, and some succumb to the notion that there is no bright future or hope. In lack of being taught how to succeed, many simply rely on expected handouts from foreign companies or governmental agencies. Conversely, in and around the tiny Haitian village of Gramothe, residents are learning to shape their own futures and are embracing a new outlook on life. As word of the opportunities in tiny Gramothe has spread, the village has begun to draw people who walk hours, sometimes days, to attend school or get attention for a medical ailment. Hope motivates and rewards the grueling journeys in this mountainous region, where infrastructure is poor and continues to be unreliable. Roads are crumbling, electricity is sporadic at best, and water--though accessible via mountain springs--is difficult for many to reach. The challenge, as with so many projects that make a profound positive difference in the lives of tens or hundreds or even thousands of people: How to replicate this success story on an even larger scale? Project Statement Gramothe, Haiti is a mountain village located 13 miles southeast of Port-au-Prince where a model society is being built, crafted, and nourished. ... http://erickruszewski.com/Hands http://erickruszewski.com/following/erickruszewski.com/Hands Wed, 21 Mar 2012 15:59:41 +0000 Eric Kruszewski - Baltimore Photographer 3020717 <img src="http://payload36.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3020717/indiaimage01_1_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload36.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3020717/indiaimage01_1_o.jpg" data-mid="17544214" caption="The popularity of Bollywood is not only growing rapidly in its home of Mumbai, but around the world as well. The informal term is used to describe the Hindi-language film industry based in India’s largest city. As a constant decorative reminder, this rural home is wallpapered throughout with Bollywood tabloids." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload36.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3020717/indiaimage02_2_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload36.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3020717/indiaimage02_2_o.jpg" data-mid="17544227" caption="International studies report a wide range of statistics related to the population of Indian citizens living below the poverty line of $1.25 (U.S. Dollars) a day. India, including this area of Delhi, has accepted one of the lowest reported percentages (37% living below the poverty line) while other studies estimate a figure as high as 77%." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload36.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3020717/indiaimage03_3_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload36.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3020717/indiaimage03_3_o.jpg" data-mid="17544244" caption="At 282,000,000 cattle, India has the largest bovine population in the world. The livestock are venerated and worshipped within the Hindu religion of India. Because of their milk, they are to be honored and treated as one’s own mother. Yet with the abundant number of cattle, the sense of encroachment is undeniable in Orchha, India." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload36.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3020717/indiaimage04_4_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload36.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3020717/indiaimage04_4_o.jpg" data-mid="17544255" caption="On the back streets of Delhi, neighbors often relax and deliberate over daily issues. As people pass by, these men ask for money to alleviate struggles due to lacking employment and adequate healthcare." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload36.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3020717/indiaimage05_1_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload36.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3020717/indiaimage05_1_o.jpg" data-mid="17544335" caption="With a swift and forceful blow to the chicken’s neck, death will follow within seconds. In Chitwan National Park, locals raise animals to sell to guesthouses that accommodate tourists and hikers trekking through the nearby jungle." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload36.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3020717/indiaimage06_2_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload36.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3020717/indiaimage06_2_o.jpg" data-mid="17544349" caption="The Ganges River is the most sacred river to Hindus. As India’s longest river, it also acts as a lifeline to millions of Indians who live along its banks. This boatman, aboard his small sailboat, spends hours each day along the Ganges’ shore to provide transport to local villagers." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload36.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3020717/indiaimage07_1_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload36.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3020717/indiaimage07_1_o.jpg" data-mid="17544371" caption="Agra’s Red Fort, located in Uttar Pradesh, India, is one of the most popular tourist destinations for Indians and foreigners alike. Pilgrims make a stop here in conjunction with the nearby Taj Mahal - a structure easily seen from the fort’s defensive walls." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload36.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3020717/indiaimage08_2_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload36.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3020717/indiaimage08_2_o.jpg" data-mid="17544388" caption="Saris, a strip of unstitched cloth, may be woven of silk or cotton and decorated with printing and dyes. The material, sometimes 12 to 19 feet (4 to 9 meters) in length, can be worn in many different ways depending on the geographical region. This is an example of a common sari in Varanasi, India." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload36.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3020717/indiaimage09_1_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload36.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3020717/indiaimage09_1_o.jpg" data-mid="17544415" caption="A ghat is a series of steps that leads down to a body of water, usually a holy river. Located along the Ganges River, near Orchha, India, locals and pilgrims have access to the holy water for cleaning, religious rituals, and cremation ceremonies." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload36.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3020717/indiaimage10_2_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload36.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3020717/indiaimage10_2_o.jpg" data-mid="17544433" caption="Cafes in the communities of Orchha, India, may remain open around the clock. Outfitted with basic wooden structures and benches, they offer tea, coffee, homemade breads and act as a place for resting and passing the time." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload36.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3020717/indiaimage11_1_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload36.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3020717/indiaimage11_1_o.jpg" data-mid="17544467" caption="The first glimpse of the Taj Mahal is memorable, and for many Indian pilgrims, a mystical and spiritual experience. Walking through the Great Gate, a structure adjacent to the Taj, this woman catches her first glimpse of the building also known as the Symbol of Eternal Love." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload36.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3020717/indiaimage12_2_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload36.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3020717/indiaimage12_2_o.jpg" data-mid="17544482" caption="Marketplaces in parts of Kathmandu, Nepal, are comprised of shops, stalls, and solo street vendors. These venues can remain open at all hours of the day. On this street corner, illuminated partly by passing traffic, a woman sells her seasonal crops." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload36.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3020717/indiaimage13_3_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload36.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3020717/indiaimage13_3_o.jpg" data-mid="17544510" caption="A Saddhu shakes himself dry after bathing in the Ganges River among his solitary possessions. Saddhus are the nearly 5,000,000 wandering monks of India. They are widely respected for their holiness, and sometimes feared for their curses. They consciously leave behind all material and sexual attachments." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload36.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3020717/indiaimage14_1_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload36.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3020717/indiaimage14_1_o.jpg" data-mid="17544600" caption="In Kathmandu’s Durbar Square, many local vendors compete with each other by having the same wares -- usually, hand-made garlands and crafts. Tempers can escalate as they vie for customers." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload36.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3020717/indiaimage15_2_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload36.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3020717/indiaimage15_2_o.jpg" data-mid="17544626" caption="The Himalayan Mountain Range, which includes Mt. Everest, spans hundreds of miles through Nepal. Nepal contains eight of the top ten tallest mountains in the world. Alongside a regional jet’s pilot, the view from 34,000 feet (10,400 meters) grants a surreal perspective of the landscape." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload36.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3020717/indiaimage16_3_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload36.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3020717/indiaimage16_3_o.jpg" data-mid="17544633" caption="Rural Nepalese villages typically house approximately 1,500 people. They are usually a close-knit community. Farmers share and assist each other in daily agricultural tasks." border="0" align="left"/> Project Statement While traveling around the world in 2011, there was a chance encounter with a girl born without hands. Her name was Minx; she was a freelance writer. After interacting with her and photographing her ordinary day, she changed the personal view of able-bodied people and their immersion in everyday life. At the subsequent destination (India-Nepal), the camera turned toward the usage of hands and their conveyed expressions. Project Statement While traveling around the world in 2011, there was a chance encounter with a girl born without hands. Her name was Minx; she was a freelance... http://erickruszewski.com/Cuba http://erickruszewski.com/following/erickruszewski.com/Cuba Fri, 16 Mar 2012 08:54:54 +0000 Eric Kruszewski - Baltimore Photographer 3018245 <img src="http://payload35.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3018245/cubaimage01_1_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload35.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3018245/cubaimage01_1_o.jpg" data-mid="17542441" caption="On a school playground near Cienfuegos, children at recess chase after a ball during a soccer game. The Cuban Ministry of Education grants free tuition to all children, thus helping to increase the literacy rate to 97%. However, many Cuban parents admit sports may be the sole avenue for their child to reach beyond Cuba’s borders." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload35.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3018245/cubaimage02_1_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload35.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3018245/cubaimage02_1_o.jpg" data-mid="17542460" caption="The classic American car has become a symbol and staple throughout Cuba. In the back streets of Havana, one who has yet to learn of the country’s history, shows her innocence at play." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload35.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3018245/cubaimage03_1_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload35.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3018245/cubaimage03_1_o.jpg" data-mid="17542497" caption="Outside of Cienfuegos, a densely cultivated area of Cuba, a young village boy brings home his horse after a day’s work in the fields." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload35.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3018245/cubaimage04_1_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload35.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3018245/cubaimage04_1_o.jpg" data-mid="17542528" caption="On 3-versus-3 teams, children play baseball, Cuba’s most popular sport, on the streets of Cienfuegos. When a player hits the ball over a house and into its courtyard, it is considered a homerun. Many youngsters emulate their heroes in America’s Major League Baseball and practice daily with the hopes of one day joining them." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload35.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3018245/cubaimage05_1_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload35.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3018245/cubaimage05_1_o.jpg" data-mid="17542561" caption="Citizens still rely on rationing to attain basic daily necessities. Sisters wait in Havana’s local bodega (translation – convenience store) to acquire bread and fish. Quantity and selection of goods are based on factors such as age, gender, illness and pregnancy." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload35.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3018245/cubaimage06_1_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload35.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3018245/cubaimage06_1_o.jpg" data-mid="17542578" caption="The government operates the entire educational system throughout Cuba, and spends 10% of its budget on developing its student population (as compared to 4% in the UK and 2% in the US). The sheet separates this one-room schoolhouse into classroom and cloakroom." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload35.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3018245/cubaimage07_1_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload35.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3018245/cubaimage07_1_o.jpg" data-mid="17542597" caption="While waiting for more baseball players, these three youngsters engage in a game of handball. The tennis ball, usually struck with a closed fist, must be hit beyond the two defenders in the field to score a run. Players use the game to develop their hand-eye coordination and fielding technique – two critical skills for succeeding in baseball." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload35.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3018245/IMG_0726colorwarm_1_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload35.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3018245/IMG_0726colorwarm_1_o.jpg" data-mid="17542779" caption="The Malecon is an 8-kilometer esplanade and sea wall that runs the coastline of Havana. It is a popular locale for city goers who enjoy playing sports, playing live music, drinking and falling in love to city sounds or waves crashing." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload35.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3018245/cubaimage09_1_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload35.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3018245/cubaimage09_1_o.jpg" data-mid="17542643" caption="Along the wall of Floridita – one bar made famous by Ernest Hemingway – this man displays his tattoo of Che Guevara, a prominent figure of the Cuban Revolution and a symbol of counterculture." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload35.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3018245/cubaimage10_1_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload35.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3018245/cubaimage10_1_o.jpg" data-mid="17542676" caption="Locals and lovers pass the time at a bus stop in the heart of Havana." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload35.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3018245/cubaimage11_1_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload35.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3018245/cubaimage11_1_o.jpg" data-mid="17542710" caption="Irrespective of income or place of living, education at every level is free, as are the school uniforms and meals. A typical classroom has a strict maximum of 25 children per primary-school class and is sometimes taught by two teachers – over half of whom have a master’s degree." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload35.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3018245/cubaimage12_1_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload35.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3018245/cubaimage12_1_o.jpg" data-mid="17542722" caption="Trinidad, Cuba, a World Heritage Site, is a museum in itself that contains The Church of the Holy Trinity at its heart. Restoration and preservation programs are implemented throughout Cuba to retain its historic architecture and cultural attributes." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload35.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3018245/cubaimage13_2_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload35.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3018245/cubaimage13_2_o.jpg" data-mid="17542737" caption="Newly instated laws are allowing Cuban citizens to establish small entrepreneurial businesses. One of the most prevalent practices is selling produce on the free market." border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload35.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3018245/cubaimage14_3_1153.jpg" width="1153" height="769" width_o="1153" height_o="769" src_o="http://payload35.cargocollective.com/1/6/213186/3018245/cubaimage14_3_o.jpg" data-mid="17542751" caption="On New Year’s Eve in Havana, people pack small bars throughout the city with their two favorite things in hand – cigars and rum." border="0" align="left"/>