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The Blue Bench Series



Ok, this is what happens after you retire. You start projects that otherwise you would have passed over as superfluous. 

I found and old bench in my basement that was given to me some time ago. In a moment of boredom, I decided to sand it down and give it new life. After sanding it down, I gave the bench it’s new array of color.

As I was painting, I started to think about how the bench could serve as a cool catalyst for a new photo series for my talented photographer wife, Ann Marie. What would happen if I asked people to choose an object to be featured in photographs with them on the bench? An object that could be described as important to them, an object that they would value above many other material things we collect in life. 

Corey's Comfort Rock

8/6/2021

3 Comments

 
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My son-in-law, Corey Mills was invited to the Blue Bench Session the same day that we photographed our first participant Jenny.  Corey is a truly gifted educator, wrestling coach, history buff, voracious reader, and all in all, just a wonderful person.
Corey brought a beautiful, smooth, river rock as his object to feature.
The rock, of course, has an attached story. Corey’s story actually made me tear up.



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A few years back, when Corey was in his early twenties, he worked as a coffee roaster at an independent coffee company. Corey’s boss was a young man by the name of David Hemmingway. Even though Dave was only a few years older than Corey, all the employees regarded Dave as an “older brother” type mentor in many worldly matters. Dave was also a jazz drummer, who performed locally throughout Providence, Rhode Island. 

As Corey was interested in learning to appreciate Jazz, - and at Dave’s suggestion - Corey went out and purchased an album by the great bassist/composer, Charles Mingus. He didn’t know it at the time, but he had purchased one of Mingus’ very esoteric final albums. Corey also purchased the very avant-garde John Coltrane album entitled, 
A Love Supreme. 

​When Corey reported back to Dave that he was having some difficulty understanding jazz based on these two albums they both enjoyed a laugh as Corey was informed by Dave that these albums are still being studied by jazz aficionados as intensely complex and challenging works of art. Dave suggested to Corey that he should start with some simpler, more traditional, melodic jazz offerings.
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David Hemingway would pass away from testicular cancer at the very young age of 33. Corey had the opportunity to say goodbye to his friend just days before David died. 

​At Dave’s memorial service, rocks from Purgatory Chasm State Reservation were passed out as remembrances of Dave’s life. Dave’s hometown was in Sutton MA., and Purgatory Chasm is where Dave would often go for solitude and relaxation.
When tensions rise in Corey’s life, and stress begins to takes over, Corey finds himself holding the special rock for comfort. With Dave’s rock in hand he is reminded of the importance of enjoying the moment, the importance of being kind, and the importance of focusing on the needs of others. 

I would suspect that Dave also helped Corey discover the breathtaking beauty in John Coltrane’s, A Love Supreme. Understanding Coltrane’s dedication to God begins by making a lifetime commitment to appreciate all the gifts that have been Divinely given to us, each and every day. That’s a gift that we can truly see in Corey Mills.

John & Ann Marie Ford
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P.S. Corey is also a well loved uncle to his nephew, Johnny. They love to get goofy together.
3 Comments
Marybeth
8/6/2021 11:48:26 am

This is a inspiring story. Corey is a truly gifted person with a big heart, loved by all who meet him. Dave was also a truly gifted person who inspired many including Corey. His memory lives on thru Corey and all who knew him💜

Reply
John E Ford
8/6/2021 12:05:23 pm

His parents are certainly due some credit, too. - John

Reply
Marybeth
8/6/2021 12:05:05 pm

This is a inspiring story. Corey is a truly gifted person with a big heart, loved by all who meet him. Dave was also a truly gifted person who inspired many including Corey. His memory lives on thru Corey and all who knew him💜

Reply



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  • Home
  • Senior Portraits
  • Class of 2025
  • Head Shots/Portraits
  • Families
  • Branding
    • The Blue Bench Series
  • About
  • Grandsons Iconic Photo Remakes
  • Contact
  • Photography Lessons
  • Engagements
  • Blog
  • Babies and children
  • Misc
    • Future Parents
    • Work for print
  • What People Are Saying
  • Events
  • Client List
  • Real Estate
  • Pets
  • Fine Art
  • Sharon's 250 Year Celebration
  • Event Photography Pricing