Vivian Maier was a nanny in the 1950's. She was also a brilliant photographer but no one ever knew it. No one ever knew she had this amazing talent. When I learned of her story it really struck me. I guess it was inspiring because here is this woman whose entire life was taking care of children. What she did to make a living had no negative impact on her eye. I love these stories where it's obvious that talent is something your born with, not learned.
Maier's work was discovered in 2007. There are over 100,000 negatives. Her point of view on life is quite fantastic. Some of the images capture children and domestic life while others are brilliant captures of people in interesting urban settings. More of her images and story can be seen here. Having a photographer for a husband I don't really like hanging other people's work on our walls but I must say, this is one photographer whose work I would love to have.
image via VivianMaier.com
Labels: art
