What is the story behind those Animal Mask images Ron Berg?

Ron Berg recently shared with us a series of images that are getting some attention.  When we were at Le Book Connections in NY, the images were a big hit and everyone kept asking what the story was behind them.  When we got back, we asked Ron to share with us what his inspiration.  Here is what he had to say:

“Over the last couple of years, I traveled some in in France, Italy, and Croatia and it was in those magical places that the root of the idea began.  Like most typical photographers I love to seek out areas that are not the norm and strive to find the areas were the locals hang out.  I occasionally venture out on my own or wander off from my wife.  She would say that I “get lost,” but really I am just exploring the sights and sounds of the local culture and go wherever my instinct takes me.

During these particular travels there were these string of occurrences where I kept seeing someone in a mask. Of course this never happened when I was near my wife and it always happened so quickly that I would never be able to document it.  She thought I was crazy or seeing things. And who knows, she could have been right.  Who knows if I was.  Sometimes those local libations have a somewhat unusual effect!

Needless to say, between the masks and the architecture (and local flavors!); I was inspired.

As far as the meaning of the images, I honestly don’t know.   I just know they were in my mind and I had to photograph them.  Maybe they will inspire others to make up a story to go with them.  As Shakespeare wrote for Hamlet, “God hath given you one face, and you make yourself another…”

© Ron Berg

© Ron Berg

© Ron Berg

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