Arts & Entertainment
Photography is "Beyond Words" for Edward Morgan
Edward Morgan, who has aphasia, has found a creative way of connecting with others with the guidance of Rockland photographer George Potanovic .
Life has not always been easy for Edward Morgan, but when you’re passionate about a hobby, life is worth living.
In 2005, the Hawthorne resident suffered from a stroke while he was running in a road race and was in a coma for 47 days. As a result, Morgan suffers from Aphasia—a disorder that affects language and word communication.
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Even though he may not be able to verbally express his emotions at times, photography has provided him with an outlet to show everyone how he feels. His photography mentor George Potanovic, Jr. of Stony Point assists him.
Edward became interested in photography a year-and-a-half after the accident, said his mother, Rosemary Morgan.
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“His sister brought a camera for Christmas in 2007 that he could hold in one hand and he has loved it ever since,” she said.
His camera of choice is a Canon G9, which was picked out by Potanovic.
When Edward first began taking pictures with his Canon G9, the photographs were “always peaceful and of quiet scenes,” said Rosemary Morgan. “That is what he loved in the beginning about the photography—there was not a lot of background noise.”
Taking pictures has also helped Edward with his speech. While he goes to a transitional rehab center at Helen Hayes hospital four days a week, Morgan noted that she has seen progress since her son started taking pictures.
"It has been great experience for me to work with Ed and see his growth," added Potanovic.
Morgan's work includes architecture, landscapes, black and whites and animals. He was previously scheduled to show 18 of his photographs at the Mount Pleasant Public Library, beginning this week, as his "Beyond Words" exhibit. The concept behind “Beyond Words” was chosen because Edward communicates through his photographs.
The show was canceled due to the library's .
“Pictures give him an opportunity to communicate with other people that he probably will not be able to communicate with,” said Morgan. “Art is his way of speaking.”
For more on his photography, visit his website.
