The time I have spent with Andre made me realize that curiosity is one of the traits I most value in people, and Andre has one of the most curious minds I have had the pleasure to know. While we did not get many opportunities to spend time in the same physical space, digitally we have had conversations about photography, health, friends, pets, mortality, adventure, and everything in between. We have been able to laugh together about the absurdities of chronic illness, all the while holding space for the times when we didn't want to laugh. He has been a fount of friendship and humour in my life, and I'm so grateful for the time we have had together.
This photo is from the last time we shot together, in the summer of 2019. We chatted about everything and nothing while we waited for the sun to fade perfectly from the sky and the string lights in the yard to come on. Neither of us were at our best, both dealing with our own illnesses, but it didn't matter if we took 10 shots or 100. The point was that we could play around and stretch our creative muscles without worrying, because the moment we were “done” we could be done. Despite both of our limitations that day, we ended up with some of my favourite photos we ever created together.
If there was a major take away from my friendship with Andre I think it would be to stay curious in a world, and a body, that doesn't always encourage that.
