photo sharing and upload picture albums photo forums search pictures popular photos photography help login
Phil Douglis | all galleries >> Galleries >> Gallery Forty-Eight: Telling stories with pictures > Breakfast coming, Pingyao, China, 2007
previous | next
13-SEP-2007

Breakfast coming, Pingyao, China, 2007

Breakfast is a family event in this Pingyao household. All four members are playing a part. Even the father is here – an abstracted figure at the back of the image. I watched as the young girl in red, accompanied by her younger brother, gently carried the hot pot out the door and down a neighboring street. As she vanished around a corner she looked back at me and smiled. And that is how my story begins. Where to from here? What is in that little pot, and who gets to enjoy it? How do the family dynamics in this culture differ from our own? Such questions generate their own stories, all of them in the minds of my viewers.

Leica V-Lux 1
1/80s f/3.2 at 20.1mm iso100 full exif

other sizes: small medium large original auto
share
Phil Douglis22-May-2008 02:39
Thanks, Shirley, pointing out the role of the little boy here -- he not only wants his sister to make the trip safely, but also wants to be part of the show himself.
Shirley Wang12-May-2008 11:44
Full of life and details. The little brother has a role too. He is watching the steps for his sis even though he is not carrying anything.
Phil Douglis15-Oct-2007 05:14
I know you do, Tim. It is what all parents do -- watch out for their kids. Yet their journey towards adulthood is just beginning -- they are learning how to take responsibility, and are doing it in the right way.
Tim May14-Oct-2007 23:25
I, too, like the caution in this image - It is as if it is a metaphor for being a parent - letting children step out in the world, but keeping an eye out for danger. I still do this even though the children are grown.
Phil Douglis06-Oct-2007 21:31
I like the way the little boy echoes the steps of the girl in this image, too, Jenene. It is part of the story this image tells -- a family not only helping each other in its daily functioning, but also the teaching and learning that goes on in the process.
JSWaters06-Oct-2007 02:23
There is a feeling of the continuum of tradition for me in this image. Steadied by the watchful gazes of her parents, the young girl carries out her assignment with great care and pride. The strength of the family unit, built on traditions and values such as this cooperation, suggests a wealth far beyond material. I also love the obvious mimicry of the brother - he is careful in his steps as well, as if preparing for the day he will carry the hot pot down those steps.
Jenene
Phil Douglis02-Oct-2007 18:12
Thanks, Celia, for coming to this image. Thanks, too, for pointing out the trust the mother has in her daughter's ability to handle the hot pot without hurting herself or her brother. It is, as you note, a study in human values such as trust and cooperation. And it is how such values are put into practice that define a culture. I just noticed something else here -- the repetition of "two by two" elements that carry the viewer through the image. All three people have their arms open and hands extended at this moment. The pedestal holding the stove is made up of two stacks of stones, the stove is divided into two halves with two handles, and there are two bowls on the top of the stove. And then there are those two sets of athletic shoes walking towards the edge of that pivotal step you mention.
Cecilia Lim02-Oct-2007 11:46
Phil, you made me think about how quickly some children in China have to grow up. Even at this young age, this little girl is already very independent, capable and responsible for the care of her family. In our culture and even yours I pressume, young children would never be allowed near a kitchen stove, let alone handle a hot pot. But it appears normal for this household. Her parents don't seem to be kicking up a fuss over her dangerous and delicate "job", but we know that her mother still cares for her as she keeps a watchful eye on her daughter while she makes her way towards the edge of the step. I also like this moment that you've decisively captured here at the step, further adding to the tension and mystery if she makes it safely down. And I like how your image reveals to us the values that are held strong in this family - as we can see, they don't have much in terms of material wealth but it appears that they place value on things that matter more - I've heard that a family that eats together (well... prepares breakfast together at least) stays together!
Type your message and click Add Comment
It is best to login or register first but you may post as a guest.
Enter an optional name and contact email address. Name
Name Email
help private comment