Bridging the gap: a life of contrast

 Giving life to the Tranquil Tea Lounge, located in Downtown Fullerton, was due to a gathering of photographers, to support local artist, Michelle Cunningham. 

However, the exhibit was not exclusive to just colleagues. A festive and friendly locale, the photo exhibit was also, more or less, a reunion of friends and family. 

Yet, no matter their affiliation with the creative star, all were in attendance to admire the work of Cunningham, a freelance photographer.

Sharing the focus of her work on display Tuesday night, she was born and raised in the Philippines.  For half her life, she grew up in a privileged homestead with her family, but was raised by nuns as well, where she inherited the characteristics of humility, simplicity, and sacrifice.

She began her life anew in the United States where she also met her fiancé, Curtis Cunningham, and began a career in wedding and portrait photography in early January 2010.

Michelle never forgot her home and where she came from, visiting as often as she could.  On her third visit back home to the Philippines, she exposed her fiancé to the poverty of her nation, which altered his perception to a more positive outlook of the unfortunate lower class citizens of the archipelago nation. 

But together, they brought back more than just a stark reminder of different lifestyles; he returned with insight and a new understanding and with her, inspiration.

“You always go on vacation, but never experience enough of the true culture,” Michelle said.

Another of her goals for the exhibit was to raise awareness for those less knowledgeable of the poverty dilemma that is current in the Philippines.  All of the proceeds earned during the event will go directly to the families in impovished areas of the Philippines.

According to Michelle’s website, “This body of work is an attempt at bridging the gap.”

The slums of the Philippines have heavily influenced the presentation of her work. More than that, however, in every photo and in every face captured were smiles of immense joy.  Jackie Lovato, a friend and photographer, said, “I know the artist, I know the story.  It’s the kids in the slums of the Philippines… but they’re all happy.”