Last summer was a seeming low point for many people I know. Finally, coming out of the pandemic, we should have had cause to celebrate. Instead, we were confronted by the reality that it lived on in manufacturing shortages, establishments not finding enough workers, high gas prices, and incessant inflation. Making ends meet was more challenging, not less. Then add the constant gun violence, our current political situation, and attacks on people and civil rights in America. I can only speak for myself, but I found it all quite depressing. I was tired. I needed to find some joy.

That’s when I saw this image by Yvette Meltzer pass by on Instagram. I loved it. The photograph was simple and breezy. It screamed of a child’s exuberance for something simple and fun. There was so much joy within the frame, and it made me smile and even giggle. It brought me back to my own childhood when my cares were fewer, and life was simpler. How could I not love this image?

Meltzer told me photography allows her to see the world from a fresh perspective. Having spent a long career in education and social services, she shares some of what she learned via her series, Through the Lens of Children, from which this picture, Sure!, arises. She told me, “Children have unique ways of expressing themselves as they learn about the world around them. They live in the “now” with enthusiasm and joy, believe in fairness, are authentic, and say what they see. Inevitably children see the world with fresh eyes and offer clear perspectives to situations where many adults have lost sight. By looking at the world through their lens, adults can more clearly see what so many of us have until now turned a blind eye to. ‘The Children Will Lead Us.’”

Bravo, Yvette! I look forward to seeing more from this series.

Artist Bio

While Yvette Meltzer had a long career in education and social services, with a focus on the best interests of children, she also practiced in the arts, using a variety of media. It is the magic and mystery of photography that has captured her long-term engagement. Her photography reflects her interest in people – very often children - the narratives of their lives, and the environments that shape them. Her award-winning photographs have been included in 100+ group exhibitions, several solo shows and various publications worldwide. Her work is also held in numerous private collections.

More of her work can be found here.

Author Bio

Diana Nicholette Jeon is an award-winning artist based in Honolulu, HI, who works primarily with lens-based media. Her work has been seen both internationally and nationally in solo and group exhibitions. Jeon holds an MFA from UMBC.