"We were spending our summer vacation near Aubagne where I photographed this older man playing boules. It is an ordinary scene, but I found the man very colorful in his postures.”
~ Willy Ronis
(1910 -2009)
When you are old and grey and full of sleep,
And nodding by the fire, take down this book,
And slowly read, and dream of the soft look
Your eyes had once, and of their shadows deep;
How many loved your moments of glad grace,
And loved your beauty with love false or true,
But one man loved the pilgrim soul in you,
And loved the sorrows of your changing face;
And bending down beside the glowing bars,
Murmur, a little sadly, how Love fled
And paced upon the mountains overhead
And hid his face amid a crowd of stars.~ William Butler Yeats
(1865 - 1939)
ENQUIRE ABOUT THIS WORK
Willy was a wonderful photographer and friend for whom the cup of life was always half full. He had an extraordinary life, filled with much joy and some deep sadness, but his profound humanity was evident both in his work and his demeanor. I think of him often. I had planned to host his 100th birthday party at his favorite neighborhood restaurant for a select group of friends and family, but sadly, he passed away just a few months before that special date. When I hear people complaining about growing old, I often think of him, and a smile comes across my face.
For any questions or enquiries please email peter@peterfetterman.com
