Davide Merino circa late 90s

As a portrait and magazine photographer in Vancouver since the late 70s, I can ascertain that I have photographed people in the thousands. Because I am 82 many are dead or have disappeared.

Due to some of the remnants that we are still experiencing because of the covid pandemic, keeping friends (those that are left) is tough. Many only want to text, refusing to talk on the phone, or in having coffee to chat.

I met Mexican born painter and Vancouver resident David Merino sometime at the end of that last century. I wrote about him in link below.

Moses comes down the mountain

I believe that my portrait of him is one of my best. 

We met at Samuel Frid's Threshold Gallery. 

My show at the Threshhold Gallery

We then lost touch and I spotted him walking in my Kits neighbourhood about a year ago. He was on his way to a nearby café and invited me to accompany him. I was invited again. He has a friend who is also Mexican who is graphic designer. Something was said and I became angry and stormed out. I felt bad but I let the situation stand. I felt guilty.

Then a couple of months ago I again saw Merino on my street and I apologized to him. We have become friends again.

It is important, so I feel, to keep one’s friends. It was not difficult to apologize. Now I have a friend with whom I can discuss art in Spanish. He has all his hair but now it is a lovely blend of white and gray. I have a feeling I will ask for him to pose again.

I was an idiot.