Traveling and photography have always gone hand in hand for Dr. Alan Sloyer and his son, Michael.
“One of the most fun, inspiring, meaningful and purposeful ways to travel is by having a camera and being attuned to what’s going on around us,” said Michael. “Especially the life that’s going on around us.”
It was never their intention to make a show out of their photographs. Yet, seven years ago, the two noticed a recurring theme throughout 15 years of their trip documentation. It was this realization that gave rise to “Life Giving Life”.
The Sid Jacobson JCC will be the exhibition’s home until the end of the year. The display aims to inspire people to consider why human connection is so important and depicts the diversity of culture and natural environments in Africa, Asia, the Americas and more.
“Our daily lives are full of so much magic and if we’re paying attention to it, we get to see it and appreciate it and share it with others. If we’re not paying attention to it, then we miss it completely,” said Michael. “I’m guilty of missing it completely, just as much as anybody else. But I’m hopeful that this exhibition causes people to stop and take a second to appreciate the magic that’s in their everyday life.”
Alan is an award-winning photographer. He has had his photographs appear in publications such as The New York Times, The New England Journal of Medicine, Chronos, Annals of Internal Medicine and Shutterbug Magazine. He also has a gastroenterology practice in Great Neck.
Michael, based in Tokyo, has had his work appear on travel blogs and websites, including the Huffington Post. He attended the Sid Jacobson JCC while growing up in Roslyn and said he is grateful to be able to give back to what was a “strong centerpiece” for him.
“I feel very lucky that [the Sid Jacobson JCC] asked us to be a part of this,” he said. “I also feel like gratitude that the pictures can help out in some way. Not only from a ‘creating a nice atmosphere inside’ perspective, but also financially, given that some people have been purchasing the photographs.”
The Sid Jacobson JCC will receive all the proceeds made from sales.
David Black, Sid Jacobson JCC’s executive director, said the club is privileged to work with Alan and Michael Sloyer and have their work hung displayed.
“This exhibit is so powerful and so moving,” he said. “We have already had such a wonderful response in the short time we have had it hanging in the halls of the building.”
Black also said he is grateful for the Sloyers attempt to bring attention to the club.
“Like them, we believe that each moment of life is sacred and try to remember that each and every day,” he said. “We hope that our members and all who walk our halls over the next month stop to admire the work and think of its meaning – and then consider purchasing a photo from the exhibit.”
