Welcome Back to Density
After a short hiatus, Density is back. Over the past few months, our editor, David Armentor, hasn’t just been relaxing on a beach or plotting out our next issue. Instead, he spent the summer training as a first responder, starting a narrative he never expected to tell.
When David moved away from the office last Spring, it wasn’t to take a break from work but to step into the boots of a first responder. Joining the New Orleans Fire Department, he embarked on an intense training program that introduced a new kind of teamwork, physical endurance, and emotional strength. As an older artist and editor, the experience was unexpected yet deeply aligned with his commitment to community and storytelling.
First and foremost David is a maker, out of this experience came a wonderful photo-documentary project titled, “Fire Camp.”
FIRE CAMP - statement
david armentor
Since 2017, my studio practice has been racing towards a focus on communication and finding areas of mutual understanding.
This pursuit has led me to question why I am a maker and who I am making for. Through this introspection, I realized that my practice is most impactful when I create for the communities that are part of my life.
I’ve taken this approach in many directions, most recently using it to document my experience of going through the New Orleans Fire Fighter Academy.
The juxtaposition of a middle-aged artist becoming a firefighter is unusual, yet the benefits have been profound. Over the past few months, I’ve leaned on this documentary process to build relationships and trust. I’ve received mental and emotional support through the act of making and, in return, have been able to capture and share the journey of a group of individuals coming together for a shared purpose through a demanding curriculum.
This experience has allowed me to document a deep camaraderie that transcends physical and cultural differences, capturing resilience and unity cultivated in a unique environment.
Through these images, a shared narrative is rendered, showcasing a collective strength that speaks to the power of community and purpose.
MPS Grant Finalist
We’re thrilled to announce that “Fire Camp” has been recognized as a finalist for the Micheal P. Smith Grant, which honors excellence in documentary and photojournalism. Being shortlisted is a testament to the power of this work. Its selection as a finalist underscores the importance of stories that highlight the intersection of art, service, and community.
A New Chapter for Density
With all these changes, we’ve had to make some tough decisions. To manage the strain on time and resources, we've decided to shift Density from a quarterly publication to a larger, more immersive annual release. This new format will give us the space we need to continue our mission of creating opportunities for lens-based artists throughout the Gulf South, amplifying their work and sharing their stories. By focusing on a single, high-quality annual issue, we can better align with the caliber of content we strive to showcase and the meaningful narratives we want to tell.
Be on the lookout for promotions of our third issue, “Take Me With You,” Releasing During PhotoNOLA!