Four Vignettes

by Henry Martin, Karl Strand (Photographer)

Four Vignettes features four photographs, each accompanied by a fictional interpretation of the scene in the form of a short caption.

KSHM Project is the result of a joint collaborative effort between award-winning Australian photographer Karl Strand, and American author Henry Martin. Aiming to combine striking visual images with thought-provoking prose, the goal for this project is to create one-of-a-kind tales that delve deep into the human consciousness, while addressing some of the struggles our contemporary society faces. Our work ranges from short vignettes and captions to complete short stories.

9 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 20, 2014

About the author

Henry Martin used to write fiction and poetry, which predominately deals with the often-overlooked aspects of humanity.

He is the author of three novels: Escaping Barcelona, Finding Eivissa, and Eluding Reality; a short story collection, Coffee, Cigarettes, and Murderous Thoughts; and a poetry collection, The Silence Before Dawn. His most recent published project is a collection of Photostories in five volumes under the KSHM Project umbrella, for which he collaborated with Australian photographer Karl Strand, combining one of a kind images with short stories and vignettes.

He is currently not working on any new writing, and does not anticipate any new writing in the future.

Reviews

[Elyse Walters · Rating 5 out of 5]

True confession.....
I’ve been friends with Henry Martin, author, here on Goodreads for almost as long as I’ve been a member. We have funny stories from a group we participated in years ago ....
A birdie just caught me at the right time and right place today: eating lunch and playing on the Goodreads site when I see ‘Henry’s face pop up. I do not know the photographer Karl Strand.

9 pages for 99 cents...AND MY FRIEND? How could I loose?

I’m not sure if it’s fair to quote in a 9 page book ..... but I really like this excerpt - so I’m sharing it anyway.
“Two generations passing by on the dividing line which plagues our world. The man —set in his ways, unconcerned with either side of the division. The girl — too young to care either way. Yet, the keen observer cannot help but make a parallel between the unintended scene in the image and the reality art faces today. Competing for the publics attention, art and commercial fad coexist side-by-side. On the other hand, a street artist gazes in concentration as he draws the images only his mind could see until now. On the other hand, an upscale boutique screams loudly with its “SALE” sign, ready to discard the old and bring in the new. Which way would you look? Such is the dilemma the artist faces today — staying true to his art has never been harder unless one is willing to sacrifice everything”.

This is such a sweet - collaboration between Henry and Karl ......
The photos speak a million words .... a homeless man radiates beauty ...and peacefulness ...and the words written add thoughts to our own thoughts.

Lunchtime Delight! Awesome Henry!

[Christine Hayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclosure: I purchased “Four Vignettes” by the KSHM Project. I do not know the author, Henry Martin, personally but have had encounters with him on the Goodreads site. I have never had any contact of any kind with the photographer, Karl Strand. The comments that follow are my own personal opinion. I received NO compensated of any kind, or from any one, to provide this review.

I found the photo “Drawing Pain” and the accompanying write up to be very indicative of our society and enjoyed the insight. The photo “Still Standing” showed a defiance built on personal triumph. The photo “Invisible” showed a real insight into the human condition and our tolerance of the intolerable. The photo “Zen in a River of Concrete” was my favorite, and showed the inner peace and grace that can be achieved in a world of chaos and distress. These short notes left quite an impression on me and I would love to see everyone share the insight and wisdom shown by the two artists.

[Roberta Pearce · Rating 5 out of 5]

The street photography of Mr. Strand breathes – you can smell the city, the people, the very concrete below and above. Mr. Martin’s accompanying stories are short; just a few lines – literal vignettes.

I’ve been spending quite a bit of my free time with the KSHM Project – reading and looking and thinking – and it hovers on the periphery of my thoughts far more than I expected. I’m a big fan of Mr. Martin’s writing — but when reading Four Vignettes, the stark power of isolation that always hovers in his work came flooding to the fore.

There is a defensive defiance in these stories – a I’ll show you! Don’t hurt me! declaration that is at once an angry assumption that the world at large hates and scorns the protagonists, and self-deprecating humility in the acknowledgement of small lives. It’s dark and light and ugly and beautiful all in the same breath.