A Celebration of the Life of George Pitts

Описание: A recording of the Memorial Service held in honor of George Pitts.

As a photographer and director of photography, an artist, poet, teacher, colleague, mentor, friend, and husband, George inevitably changed the lives of all who had the pleasure of knowing him. An artist first and foremost,George relentlessly pursued his own artwork while bringing those same formidable talents—the eye, the sophistication, the intellect and joy—to the magazines where he worked and the classrooms where he taught.
As the founding director of photography at Vibe, George created a fresh, profound and expansive view of Black celebrity, lifestyle and culture, making the magazine a visual go-to for the music industry, the art world and the photo, design and publishing industries. There, and then at Life magazine, George was fearless in taking on new and untried talent, fostering the careers of many young photographers. At Parsons, where he taught for two decades, he cultivated creativity and drive in his students with intelligence and passion.
Whether you were an established artist, a struggling one, a friend, a colleague, or a student, George engaged with you in a way that sharpened your senses. He asked. He listened. Often with an air of bemusement. Always with curiosity and keen perception. His own work—photography, poetry, essays, painting—was George’s Holy Grail. His purpose and his joy. He knew exactly what he wanted to do. His work flowed out of him. All he needed was the time to get it done.
He was deeply engaged with music, film, literature and all the visual arts. His knowledge of all these art forms consistently informed his work, as well as making him an exceptional teacher. He was always calm, even when the room whirled around him. Always incisive. Appreciative. Humane. His speech was mesmerizing, his laugh contagious, and his mind entirely unique. George will be truly and deeply missed. It is an aching loss for his family, friends, school, and the photo community; his impact will remain.