4-Fathers
Thank you Marlon from 4FATHERS who looped us in on the photo journal he curates. This is a self-published journal that celebrates fatherhood through photography and visual arts.
Who is 4-Feathers?
My name is Marlon Cole, born in Queens raised in Brooklyn (my parents are originally from Guyana). I started forFATHERS project after the birth of my sun. The project is a celebration of fatherhood through candid photographs and other visual aids of fathers and their children. I felt it was important to document the project through the use of visuals, so I reached out to photographers and other visual artist and began curating the site.
I created 4FATHERS Photo Journal, which comes out bi-annually. The whole project is very important and needs to be recognized because there aren’t many firm images that I feel represent fathers, so I felt it was my duty to show that fathers are needed just as much as mothers and by using this project I hope it’ll help lessen the burden of mothers always having to carry the weight of being a parent. Fathers are here, I’m here and I just want to tell that side of the story.
Favorite song lyric
“Life as shorty shouldn’t be so rough.” - C.R.E.A.M., Wu-Tang Clan
That lyric stands out to me, because I really believe in a child being a child, not having to grow up so fast. I really encourage that especially with my sun - I don’t want him to grow up too fast; I want him to enjoy being a child.
I’m inspired by
New York. The different cultures especially in Brooklyn you can find people from all over the world here. My background is in Graphic Design so I’d say good design inspires me. Also my sun, watching him grow and seeing life become its own - that’s definitely an inspiration! Watching his character develop, as a father that makes me really proud.
My icons past or present
Past: Marvin Gaye, in particular the ‘Here, My Dear’ album. It speaks volumes, as he was able to express the demons that he was going through at the time. I think it’s something everyone can relate to, especially as a man.
Philosophy/Mantra
When things are going bad, don’t fight it. Don’t try and control every situation. You just have to let things be.
Best,
Marlon
Photo credit: 4Fathers