[MPWG] Seeking research team

[Vance Gellert]

Dear Fellow Researchers,

I am seeking to join a research project on medicinal plants in the Amazon. I
have a Ph.D. in pharmacology but for the last 20 years, I¹ve been a fine
arts photographer and administrator. Since my days in graduate school in
pharmacology, I have wanted to study the interaction of shaman ritual and
belief systems on the efficacy of medicinal plants. I have now rearranged my
life to finally begin my dream. I propose to do this by making elegant
conceptual photographs of shamans, working collaboratively with them and
using the experience the rituals to construct the images. Rather than
straight portraits, these will be built on metaphor and symbolism, always
carrying elements of beauty. I will also collect medicinal plant information
(collection, preparation, administration) associated with the particular
ritual. My goal is to broaden our understanding and discovery efforts to
help find new medical treatment modalities from the Amazon and other South
American areas. 

I have done some preliminary work in Bolivia last February and have received
a grant to return to South America to continue. I would like to join with an
expedition to work collaboratively with other researchers, enhancing our
collective work. I also have ideas on how to engage members of the
indigenous communities as photographers to document these rituals and
treatments to include their unique points of view. I can also provide
straight documentary work for the research team. Right now I have a flexible
schedule and my grant is ready for me to pick up as soon as the journey is
scheduled. All inquiries welcome. Please contact me at vgellert at mn.rr.com.
My photography can be seen at www.vancegellertphotography.com. (soon to be
vancegellert.com).

Thank you,

Vance Gellert Ph.D.

-- 
Vance Gellert Photography
4551 Aldrich Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55409
612-618-0526


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