Europe Deja vu

Europe has always drawn people with its romanticism and feelings of nostalgia. Now it is entering a new era. Walls between east and west are gone. Some countries are breaking apart, yet Europe as a whole is joining together. During these exciting times, people from around the world continue to flock there to see if the "old ways" and "old things" still exist.

Living in Japan for nearly 20 years I always find it a breath of fresh air to get out and visit "Western" countries for a change. For culture and atmosphere I choose Europe. On my most recent trip I had the opportunity to visit for the first time several "Eastern European" countries from which my ancestors came. Naturally, one is drawn toward the energy of the great cities, sites, and people. The countryside, which touches my heart with its salt of the earth beauty, is the subject for another series of photographs.

When I journey around in Europe there is a sense of awe at the "oldness" of things. In Eastern Europe in particular there is a sense of deja vu, of coming home. To see the older ladies in the market is to look into the face of my eternal grandmother. The man behind the counter may be my long lost "uncle"; the peddler on the street my brother.

I people watch at the tourist spots and walk the back streets in search of hanging laundry and playing children. I reward myself with a stop at a cafe and let the strong coffee percolate my subconscious memories.

Memories become photographs. Photographs become memories.

Edward Levinson (January,1999)