East Meets West
March 1st, 2010
The Himalayan Kitchen joins with photographer Joel Addams to raise awareness and funds for the Himalayan Cataract Project
by Rebecca Edwards
Himalayan Kitchen owners Carmen Fournier and Surya Bastakoti, joined with photographer Joel Addams to create a unique art exhibition/fundraiser for the Himalayan Cataract Project (HCP). The Project, whose originator and "rock star" head doctor Geoff Tabin (check him out on the latest cover of National Geographic Adventure magazine) calls Utah home, is committed to providing "the greatest number of unserved blind people, with the highest quality care, at the lowest possible cost."
Being the only Nepali restaurant in Salt Lake City, the Himalayan Kitchen was the ideal place to spotlight the amazing work of doctors like Tabin with the arresting photos taken by Addams when, as a med student, he joined Tabin in Nepal for a summer. Addams shares how it all came together, "I was put into contact with an artist representative, Mikell Stringham of Mondo Art, and Carmen and Surya and I became friends. They decided that they wanted more art up and even an exhibit, so we set a date. I had worked with The Himalayan Cataract Project before and it seemed like the most interesting way to involve a lot of people, raise awareness, and raise funds."
Project, which sends doctors from the US to do surgery on patients
suffering from eye diseases
Approximately 300 people showed up to help kick off the exhibit on Friday, January 15th. Those of us who were lucky enough to be part of the launch party were treated to a special menu featuring Mini Veggie Samozas, Hara Kabobs (spinach and fresh cheese fritters), Chicken Shekwa (spiced roasted chicken cubes), with Tamarind, Yogurt Raita and Mint sauces as well as an Indian snack called Khatta Meetha, which is sweet and spicy and crunchy. Modern Hindu Mixes were provided by DJ Justin Khan, creating the ideal atmosphere in which to appreciate Addams' photos and the importance of the HCP.
Both Addams and Tabin were present, and eagerly shared their experiences in Nepal and their passion for the work being done by HCP. Tabin is a strong supporter of Addams' commitment to increase awareness through the powerful images he captures, and acknowledged his work in the few words he spoke thanking Himalayan Kitchen for hosting the event and promoting another upcoming fundraiser that will be held on February 27th at Snowbird.
I spent a lot of time drinking in the photos that were displayed in the restaurant's Everest Hall; several images drawing me back again and again. The exhibit will be on display through the first of March, and 10% of all proceeds will go directly to the Himalayan Cataract Project. Addams, who has exhibited his photography all over the world, shared how he strives to make sure that he does work that matters.
"I have to believe it makes a difference or photography is not worth it to me," he explained. "I began photography with the love of the outdoors and I wanted to show other people how beautiful the landscape can be. That interest has expanded to showing people a lot of things: places, circumstances, life and culture elsewhere. In the end though, I hope that a visual impact will lead to an emotional impact and cause individuals to feel something or do something. In this case, I specifically chose images that reflected the daily (and simple) life in Nepal in comparison to 'Western' life...and show the simple intertwining of work, family, and religion. People, I hope, find something in this simple representation of somewhat simple, yet meaningful, lives."
Regarding his commitment to HCP, Addams said, "I've seen it work first-hand. People who can't get eyecare and who don't have money will get it for free. Those who can pay a little do so...Everyone gets care. Everyone in Kathmandu knows the Tilganga Eye Center (main hospital in Kathmandu for eye care) and where it is. It's quite amazing. I feel it's the most sustainable project I've seen anywhere (Egypt, Peru, Nepal, even the US) yet."
Both Addams and Fournier have received nothing but positive feedback about the event and the exhibit.
"People loved the food, music and art combo," Fournier gushed, "We have received tremendous positive feedback from many people on the event ranging from 'wow, you guys really know how to throw a party!' to more serious inquiries about how people can get involved in community service. Of course, people are in awe of Joel's talent and I think he will soon be a "name" in photography. We are really proud to display his art."
One of Himalayan Kitchen's main goals going forward (besides serving great authentic food) is to be a crossroads for Eastern and Western cultures. "We want to focus on commonalities, as well as embracing our differences as an opportunity to gain valuable insights from each other. We definitely plan to have more of these type events and fundraisers to promote art and charitable causes and educate people on the rich culture and majestic beauty of the Himalayas," Fournier said.
Don't miss out on your chance to see (and purchase) these extremely limited edition photos. You can also learn more about the Himalayan Cataract Project and how you can support Dr. Tabin's work at www.cureblindness.org.
To whet your appetite, here's Addams describing one of his favorite pieces, "My favorite is 'Patiently Waiting' an image of copper and tin cooking pots that adorn the walls of most Sherpa homes. This was my Sherpa guide's home in Khumjung in the Everest region. He had not seen his mother in three years, so hiking with me allowed him to go home. They are symbolic to the daily life of the family and the region, but they are also compositionally my favorite. There is a texture and rhythm to them that I often look for in daily life, and this exemplifies it well."
Learn more about the Himalyan Kitchen:
http://www.himalayankitchen.com/
If you liked this story about local charities, you might also like our articles about the CASA volunteer program, one Provo woman's quest to clothe Haiti, and providing help to local refugees.
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