About the Director
Artistic Statement
I am a native California artist who is first and foremost a storyteller. As I develop a story, it is my connections with the community that inform my work. Whether with filmmaking, visual art or spoken word, I often collaborate with others to create multi-faceted opportunities to engage the viewer and foster an environment for open dialogue. I am compelled to expose the sometimes complex and hidden parts of society through the simple beauty of a moment, revealing those things that are unjust. This can often be a mirror for the viewer to see himself or herself or the greater society, if they choose to look. Though sometimes unsettling, my desire is to show the sacredness of human life. I am drawn to see each individual on a personal level and to share a glimpse of his or her being. It is my hope that each work can act as a tool for personal empowerment and, in the end, for social transformation.
The purpose of my work is to bring the viewer and the subject together. Sometimes that is done with live painting experiences. I collaborate with a speaker by creating an illustration for their message. Beginning with a blank canvas, I connect the audience with the speaker as the focus of the lecture becomes represented visually. Other times, it is with my video camera, filming everyday life, showing the simple joy and pain of an individual or a larger population. I have collaborated with many organizations to develop promotional videos and short films to inspire viewers into action such as: “Remembering Munich” – for the American Freedom Alliance; “Christmas Shop” and “MacArthur Park” – for ACTION Foundation; and “Freedom Train” – for Israel/Christian Nexus. In addition to the many opportunities I have had locally to capture and edit compelling stories, my collaborations have also taken me to India and Italy.
Rich Brimer
LINK To Newspaper Article about Rich and Without Shelter