When photographer Vivian Cherry first started taking pictures back in the 1940s, little did she realize that she would still be at it some 60 years later. Her goal to be an invisible documenter of her home town is evident as you look at the spontaneity of her subjects. Some of her finest early work was of the children who used to play in New York’s streets and sidewalks. These days, Cherry said that she doesn’t often have the opportunity to photograph children because they so rarely play outside any more.
The above photo was part of a photo essay Cherry did called The 14 Days of Antoinette. She photographed a little girl named Antoinette who left home for the first time to attended a public sponsored summer camp.
Cherry loved to ride the
Third Avenue El train, and commented during the interview that it
offered one of the best views of the city. She shot two photo essays of
it, Riding the Third Avenue El and Tearing Down the Third Avenue El, both done in the early 1950s.
–Cristy Meiners
This was a great interview! I am only 48 and find the learning curve on Garage Band to be daunting. Kudos to Vivien Cherry for taking on PC’s, Macs AND Garage Band. She is inspirational!
Bob Edwards:
Your story about Vivien Cherry was both wonderful and inspiring, Thank you so much.
Jeret
Dear Bob,
What a lady!!! I loved her story and rushed to see the pictures on the web site. Her life story is of the most interesting I have ever heard. She is a wonder, and 90? Hard to believe. Hope I can find her book.
Thank you Bob.
What a charming and fascinating portrait of this inventive, important and inspirational artist. After listening to Vivian Cherry on the heels of your interview with Pierre Petit, I was reminded of the last line of James Wright’s great poem, Lying in a Hammock at William Duffy’s Farm in Pine Island, Minnesota: "I have wasted my life."
Keep up the great work of making interesting radio.
Doug Van Gundy
I enjoyed the Bob Edwards broadcast today, Saturday August 9,2008, the pictures brought back a time in my life when all there were for most people were black & white photographs, Vivian Cherry has brought back for all to view character to our life and what we see,thank
you to Vivian is just not enough, her frankness and memory is chrystal clear. I sincerely wish Vivian lifes
best, may God Bless You!
Great interview today, Bob. I wish you had more pix up on the blog, but these are fabulous. Vivien Cherry sounds like she’s 60, not 90!