We recently connected with Rachel Crick, founder of Poser Productions Presents. Their project, As Many Weirdos As Possible (A.M.W.A.P.), merges documentary photography with handwritten anecdotes preserving the essence of the Pacific Northwest’s music scene circa 1985 – 1995.
Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
Thank you for connecting with us, and taking an interest in our project. Close to three years ago I had a tumor removed from my parathyroid. While I was recovering I started thinking about the legacy I wanted to leave behind. What purpose was behind the life I’d led? I have multiple degrees, experience working in music, and a passion for photography and storytelling. I dreamed up a project that encompassed all those aspects, and set forth to bring the project to life. With a lot of help from my friends and community we’ve found a collective purpose – The As Many Weirdos As Possible project (A.M.W.A.P.).
Could you share more about the As Many Weirdos As Possible project?
Rachel Crick: A.M.W.A.P. is a photo documentary and storytelling project centered on the vibrant music scene of the Pacific Northwest between 1985 and 1995.The team consists of multiple creatives who have come together through a deep connection to music from that era including Rosetta Greek, Lance Mercer, Niffer Calderwood, Chris Pugh, Pamela Houle, Ricardo Frazer and Jay Barber.
Through the Weirdo project, we’ve found purpose in capturing the essence of the PNW music scene through portraiture and handwritten anecdotes. This journey has been one of discovery and nostalgia, connecting us with like-minded individuals and creating a meaningful, enduring project. These portraits preserve the diverse individuals who shaped this transformative period, a testament to emotions, memories, and the very essence of an era. By intertwining visuals with personal narratives, we emphasize how these stories molded identities and fostered a profound sense of community.
In today’s competitive environment, there’s a lot of advice about the skills and qualities needed to succeed. If your organization had to focus on just three, which would you choose?
Rachel Crick:
- Passion for the subject: All of us working on the project grew up in the Seattle area during this decade; it was our youth, and this project is a love letter to the region.
- Creative storytelling: Thinking creatively about the best way to tell the story as a whole. Deciding to use handwritten narratives was something that is rarely done, and while people were nervous about it at first, the response we are getting to the handwritten piece of the project is fantastic.
- Collaboration and teamwork: This is a group project, so it’s imperative to consider all involved with kindness and grace.
Reflecting on the past 12 months, what has been your organization’s biggest area of improvement or growth?
Rachel Crick: Since the inception of this project, we’ve witnessed remarkable growth on our team. This growth has been both individual and collective, as we’ve learned from each other’s unique perspectives and techniques, ultimately enhancing the depth and richness of our storytelling.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.manyweirdos.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asmanyweirdosaspossible/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asmanyweirdosaspossible
Image Credits
Woman in black jacket – Photo by Lance Mercer Couple – Photo by Rosetta Greek Man with records – Photo by Rachel Crick Man against fence – Photo by Chris Pugh Man holding flyer – Photo by Niffer Calderwood
