Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Timothy Tonachella. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Timothy, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
I believe I’ve acquired resilience from a number of arenas. Growing up in a tough neighborhood in Detroit was the start of it. It was necessary to communicate on many levels with many different people. After reaching adulthood working in the factories in Detroit and trying my hand at construction work, as well as a number of other jobs, I found myself living in Northern California in a little town called Petaluma. This was a much different environment than I was accustomed to, and many changes occurred there. Perhaps the most profound thing that happened to me is I got sober and have been now for 38 years. Getting sober changed the way I looked at many aspects of my life. Along the way, I became a single father, returned to school (college) and went on to acquire a degree in Hospitality Management.
After my children were raised, I became the General Manager of Historic Truckee Hotel in Truckee CA.
What a leap from where I was as a young man growing up. I was living and working in a beautiful small town in California. I was very well known, and I believe well liked for the most part.
In process of getting sober I developed a spiritual life as well. This has relieved me of the fear of risk. As a legally blind photographer and breaking into the art scene, I really wasn’t sure how people would receive me. I mean, who buys a photograph that a blind man took?
In my personal life, the idea of becoming a single father was quite intimidating however, with the help of the group I got sober in, and my spiritual belief, I was able navigate my way through that as well.
I would love to tell you that my challenges ended there, but they did not. I found myself moving back to Detroit for the 2nd time after being diagnosed with another type of cancer called Non-Hodgkin Follicular Lymphoma. I had previously beat Hodgkins Lymphoma.
This is when my photography truly took off. While I had gotten started by doing some small exhibits and curating some, I was receiving chemo throughout and working harder than I ever had on the photography. I think it saved me from self-pity and morbid reflection.
For several years while recuperating from the ill effects of chemotherapy, I curated and co-curated a number of exhibits that were quite successful. I will always be grateful to the late Jim Aho, and our wonderful collaborations in this art endeavor.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Currently I am still out photographing on a regular basis and my favorite subject is Detroit. While out doing the deal, my mind is always tracking on what I can do with what I shoot. I am always asking myself “what do people want to see?” Did someone work in this building, did someone walk this ally or path every day to work or school. I want my work to resonate with others, on a perhaps nostalgic level that touches their deep and fond memories of place. Like when you smell the rain and it reminds you of when you walked to school as a kid. Or a song you hear on the radio. That is my purpose for taking these photos. A nostalgic view I guess.
On November 4th, 2023 at Plymouth Community Arts Council, I am presenting an exhibit called “OG’s” aka Original Gangsters or Old Guys, however you interpret OG’s. This is collaboration with 12 other artists, all over the age of 55 in a variety of media. Photography, Painting, and Black Smithing (Metal Work).
I am also finishing up the work on my book called “The Best of the D” Hopefully I will have it completed by the Nov event, but it may not happen. I am hoping. By the time it’s finished, it will be a decade of my photos, highlighted in the book.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Honesty, open mindedness and willingness, are three key essentials. I call these my soft skills and I learned them from the hard knocks of life’s journey. Without them it’s a tough road. My gregarious nature has carried me a long way, in my ability to ask for help and communication with others on many topics.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help, what’s the worst that could happen? They can say yes, no and I don’t know.
Being open minded to others feedback, input and criticism, is important, in that I can evaluate that information and sometimes use it to my advantage. Other times, I have to listen to what my heart tells me. To thine own self be true.
I was once told by a man that is very instrumental in my being here that, if more than three people I know, that truly cared about me, told me the same thing, feeling about something, that I should pay attention.
Always be willing to take a risk, with your art, it’s part of your heart.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
In my professional photography endeavor, I can say the person that had the most influence on my work was Bruce Giffen, a well-known street photographer from Detroit who took the time to show me the ropes.
Bruce is a Kresky Award winner for “Faces of Detroit”.
He took me out shooting, gave me good feedback, loaned me some lenses, and provided lots of encouragement.
I will be forever grateful to this man.
Contact Info:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tim.tonachella
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvnVWgx-Mzw&t=203s
https://www.facebook.com/FindingHappinessDetroit/videos/385570378999579/ - Other: https://lighthouse-sf.org/?s=tonachella
Image Credits
Photo credit for personal photo of goes to Jerry Simpson. All other photos are Tim Tonachella’s.
