I came across this first image, several months ago, while reading through an article in National Geographic, about coffee production in El Salvador, and specifically in the region of Santa Ana, where I now live. But that was before I took a job at Cuatro M, before I learned that the man I was working for was, uniquely, the nephew of the man who operated the mill from which that photo was taken, El Molino; and before I knew I'd photograph coffee being processed, as seen in the second image, in nearly identical fashion to the way they were in 1944, when the article was written.
My reaction was initial surprise, initially perplexed at how vastly things change, and yet how ever more vastly they are no different then before. I think, as they say, the world spins madly on, and develops, yet only within brighter pixels, and lenses capable of capturing a greater extent of the details; essentially people, fulfill roles and needs that have existed always, and perhaps a few more we've invented along the way.
So I believe in continuity, because Solomon said that there was nothing new underneath the sun; and if he had in fact, been granted wisdom from God, I believe that he knew exactly what he was writing; so I want that pair of eyes to observe the world, and I want to believe that it is, as it always has been; that the sin I, and society face, are not in some way more depraved then generations before; and that my weeping, to be spared the consequence of it, is not unending, just as David lost his firstborn son, rose and ate.
Change is something we point to and recognize daily, and for understandable reason, because it makes us believe good things can happen, that president's can fix nations, that disagreements can be hurdled, or that relationships can be mended; but I prefer to find continuity in my day to day, for the sake of the fact that it reminds me, humanity, has always and always will be in need of the redemption that always was, there, before the earth was formed.
I like change, for what it means in terms of improving the way we see the world, and live our lives; just like I enjoy new cameras and easier methods of transportation; but I like continuity, for what it means in terms of this world's ever present need for grace, and rebirth; in no greater or lesser quantities than the day Adam ate the fruit.
First photo, taken Beneficio El Molino - Santa, Ana El Salvador: 1944.
Second, taken Beneficio El Manzano - Santa Ana, El Salvador: 2011.
And yes, I took the idea from Natl. Geographic, and I like it.
