Ora et Labora
Ora et Labora (Pray and Work), has been the Latin motto of the Benedictine Order since the 6th century. This body of work examines the monastic life of Benedictine monks at St. Paul's Abbey in Newton, New Jersey. Fourteen monks live together and their daily routines includes prayer four times a day plus a mass along with reading and laboring.
Why do these monks choose to live in seclusion? My curiosity kept me visiting them and making pictures. Over the past two years I had the unique opportunity to observe them close up and to get to know them better. At first, their simple routines and hard labor seemed dull and monotonous to me. As I began to develop a personal connection, I discovered the peace and spirituality which surrounded them. Instead of a sense of estrangement from the outside world, I could see that they had open minds and a generous nature. In an isolated monastery, surrounded by a natural beauty, they constantly read, studied, and prayed in order to better understand and communicate God's will.
As a city person living in a crowded and extremely competitive world, I experienced an unfamiliar peace in the tranquil and natural surroundings during my trips to the monastery. As a photographer I wish to share the peaceful atmosphere I experienced with the viewer.
In order to enhance the sense of simplicity, I chose to photograph in black and white.
Beautiful light, and a sense of mystery surround the subjects. Many of images include solitary figures in larger spaces as a way to express the silence that always flows through the monastery.
