As you can see, I’m a Paul Bowles fan. Most know Bowles as a writer, which he certainly was, but he was also so much more. Composer, translator, documentarian, and source of inspiration for so many others. Orson Welles, Tennessee Williams, Truman Capote, William S. Burroughs, Gertrude Stein, Allen Ginsberg, and the list goes on and on. If you take a quick look at those that came and went from the Bowles circles, the list is difficult to comprehend. His wife, Jane Bowles, was also an accomplished writer.
Bowles moved to Tangier, Morocco, in 1947 and lived there for the next fifty-two years. He became an integral part of the expat exodus who visited Tangier just to spend time with Paul. The Rolling Stones, photographer Bruce Weber, Patti Smith, and more. Bowles also translated Moroccan authors and recorded traditional music. This is by no means a complete recap of the man, just a few things I thought worthy of mention.
I can’t think about Morocco without thinking about Paul Bowles. When I visited the country in 2000, he was with me in mind and spirit. What would Paul do? What would Paul think? A pathfinder and guide. Photography was different twenty-five years ago, and I don’t expect Morocco to look or feel the same when we return for a workshop later this year. That is to be expected. Nowhere is like it was twenty-five years ago. The only people with cameras in 2000 were the people I was traveling with.
This book was gifted to me by another photographer who knew I loved Paul. Since then, I’ve bought numerous other copies to give to other photographers. Paying it forward, if you will. I also got to meet the designer of this book, Elizabeth Avedon. Yes, that Avedon. I keep this book on my coffee table and within easy reach at all times. This isn’t a photobook, but it feels like one, at least in some ways. It’s a visual memoir, and one that has so much feel. Even though there are a few images from Bruce Weber, most of the images come from intimate, personal moments between the author, Cherie Nutting, and Paul.
I’ll make my own book from our time in Morocco. If I can make something with a fraction of this feel, I’ll be more than happy. Much of my lifelong inspiration has come from authors more than photographers. I’m not entirely sure why, but I can’t deny their presence when I’m peering through the viewfinder. Their words provide me with titles and story ideas, fictional narratives, and good captioning. Paul had an advantage. Time. I don’t expect to make something life-changing, but I can do what I can to pay homage to the master.
I’ll be rereading all these over the coming months. These books will live in the van, waiting for rainy moments, late nights, and early mornings. Coffee on, birdsong, binoculars, and Bowles taking me far, far away from wherever I am.
Comments 7
I read ‘The Sheltering Sky’ late last year. The story and its greater commentary on hubris put quite a whomp on my head. My brief note describing this book reads “Three travelers in North Africa between the wars. Arrogance and ignorance of the culture and harshness of the desert”. Seems apropos of our influencer culture and its affect on traditional places.
Author
The impact of the influencer world cant’ be understated. It’s grim.
The Sheltering Sky. One of my faves.
Author
I like the movie too. Debra Winger is a force.
I have had a copy of that book for years and it always reminded me of Peter Beard’s End of the Game, I recently discovered that Beard had a hand in producing this book. Small world, great book!
Author
Yes, apparently he was friends with most of the major players.
I know little about Paul Bowles beyond what I’ve read here or heard from you in the past, but reading that passage about the Continental sparked something in me…a kind of realisation. Living the experience you document, whether as a writer or photographer, carries a depth and meaning that’s hard to replicate. Sure, a photographer might visit Tangier, walk past the Continental, notice good light, snap an amazing photo, and write a nice caption. That image might even be gallery worthy. But to me, it still wouldn’t hold the same weight or soul as someone like Bowles brings; someone who lived it, breathed it, absorbed it. I guess that’s the power of not just observing but inhabiting a place or a story. It’s what makes documentary work feel personal, intimate, and truly meaningful. By the way, that’s not a knock on other genres, but documentary photography, especially when it comes from someone who’s truly lived what they’re showing and writing about, just hits different. It stirs something deep. Powerful feelings, for lack of a better word.