All shots developed, processed, and lightly edited by me.
Black and White, Color, and Slide film.
4x5, 120, and 35mm Film Photography
Long Term Projects
Handicapped Encounter Christ
In 1974, a small group of Christians gathered outside of New York City for a weekend retreat. Many of them lived or worked in group homes for developmentally disabled individuals. In their communion, they found a space of reflection, faith, and abundant joy. 50 years later, the HEC (Handicapped Encounter Christ) community continues to convene for weekends of fellowship and worship.
In its second year, this multimedia project is an attempt to document the HEC community with a combination of 4x5 portraits, 35mm candid photography, and descriptive writing. Click any image to expand.
Jessica Marcano and I drove together to the October 2023 retreat. She's been an entrepreneur since the second grade, when she sold bracelets to schoolmates. She accidentally founded a successful cleaning company while high on Ambien - a story she gleefully recounts - but shuttered it during the pandemic. Jessica possesses a rare pairing of gifts: she is an avid speaker and storyteller, and a deeply empathetic listener.
Jessica and Alfred use art to express their emotional state of mind at the start of the weekend.
Bill Reilly attended the first HEC, in 1974: only two other participants of that inaugural retreat are still alive. Today, at 71, Bill is an athlete. He has competed in close to 50 marathons, which he races in his wheelchair, facing backward for all 26.2 miles.
Bill and Mary Anne speak. Speaking with Bill requires great patience and intention from both parties. One quickly learns to shed all pretense: "One more time, Bill." "I didn't catch that." What's the first letter?" Pretending to understand is a mistake, often noticed.
The last night of the retreat is reserved for "skits." HECers break into groups and perform improvised comedy routines that quickly veer into the absurd, vulgar, raucous.
Marty, Bill, and Joann watch a skit.
Alfred Manners is a large, quiet man, who responds to most questions with "Yes." Though he lives in a group home, his father taught him to be largely self-sufficient: to iron his clothes, prepare his meals, keep his space tidy. Alfred and I were partners at October's HEC. He had the habit of glancing at me and holding my gaze, then looking away with a small smile. In those moments, I could see something clearly: Alfred has a kind soul.
Alfred and others dance and play music. During worship, Alfred would break his silence to sing freely and loudly in a rich, gravelly baritone.
Alfred watches as Marty leads the group in worship.
Ginny and Mary Anne sing. Outside, Marty burns papers on which HECers wrote the burdens they wished to leave behind.
Serious, deeply religious, a natural leader - Michael Luciano is one of HEC's most forceful personalities. In his mid-30s, he is also by far one of the retreat's youngest participants. (The median age is somewhere in the late 50s or early 60s.) Michael learned to play guitar at HEC. Others recount the day that Michael's father, a musician himself, visited a HEC retreat and watched, amazed, as his son played at the front of the room, leading the group in worship.
Michael and Ginny lead a song. Music is an integral part of the retreat: a joyful break between moments of discussion and prayer. Long-time HECers have the songs memorized. For others, there are battered, dog-eared songbooks.
A HEC songbook.
Jermaine dances as Michael and Marty play.
Frederica (Freddie) Cruz. More text and photos to come.
Carmen Tirado and Smokey. More text and photos to come.
Mary Anne Austin and her son, Dennis. More text and photos to come.
