Mr Coolcat

(This is an incomplete work in progress)

While on assignment  in Durban(December 2012) I had the privilege to meet the the most interesting individual in the shallow waters of the harbor, he referred to himself as a ‘Cool Cat’ forcing me to nickname him “MR Coolcat” in my own mind.

Mr Coolcat performs a trade that has been passed down from generation to generation amongst the males in his family. Almost every day of his life he goes into the shallow waters of the harbor to catch fish via the “cast net” method, selling the fish as bait enables him to pay the bills and put food on the table.

To my understanding cast netting is one of the oldest fishing methods from which plenty of humble men have made a living through the years. Normally when looking at photos of cast netting they are set in a luscious green environment unlike the industrial setting of the Durban harbor.

This isn’t a story about facts nor the aesthetics of photography or techniques there of, it is about something that I noticed while looking at Mr Coolcat through the lens connected to my camera. I have never before in my life met any one with such a broad humbling smile that is only shadowed by his graceful behavior and personality.

While being in Mr Coolcat’s presence I could feel how he radiates kindness and a sincere warmth that is similar to the same comfortable heat that is felt on ones skin while having a perfect day out.

These photos where produced after only being able to spend about 30 minutes with him, I will return to the harbor to continue documenting his life while seeking for the essence that makes him a cool cat also hoping that this adventure will help me to better understand my own place in this world.