Ways of the Hand

The artistic hand of Bruce Jackson-combining his careful observation, compelling photography, and consummate storytelling-always delivers. In his memoir Ways of the Hand he reflects on his many years of work through a beautifully crafted narrative of photographs and words that combine to unveil the quiet edges of moments as well as the long arc of photographic memory. Saying his photographs are 'markers of a moment,' this poetic sequence of images and stories reveals the ripple and magic of time and experience, the artistic power of looking back and remembering. It's Bruce Jackson at his best. - Tom Rankin, Duke University Ways of the Hand makes us wonder whether its author was born with a camera in his hand. Drawing on his Joycean eye for detail and his Faulknerian ear for the story, Bruce Jackson has created a journal that blends his photography and prose with special power. With his beloved wife Diane Christian at his side, Jackson introduces us to folksinger Pete Seeger, bluesman Lightnin' Hopkins, civil rights lawyer William Kunstler, poet Yevgeny Yevtushenko, and many more fascinating friends he has known over his lifetime. As we overhear their conversations, jokes, asides, and peer at their portraits, we marvel at how Jackson captures each person and shows how they made this world a far better place than they found it. Ways of the Hand is truly a book for the ages. - William Ferris, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Bruce Jackson, himself a great writer and photographer, puts those skills to work to introduce you to a wonderful collection of his fellow creators and their work. - Howard S. Becker, author of Art Worlds