Journey To Everest

I recently had the opportunity to create some promotional artwork for a new documentary film, Journey To Everest. The project was relatively simple, consisting of a theatrical release poster and DVD packaging.

Although the film was completed before I became personally involved, it was a welcome opportunity to share this incredible story.

In October of 2008, six American trekkers traveled to Nepal with the goal of reaching Everest Base Camp. The journey took a dramatic turn after a routine local flight was overbooked, and the team was forced to wait 24 hours before beginning the long ascent to Everest. That cancelled flight, they soon discovered, crashed into a mountain covered by dense fog, killing all passengers on board. After being miraculously bumped from that deadly plane crash in the Himalayas, the team began the 18,000 foot ascension, but not everyone would make it.

As the expedition unfolds and the team struggles with the decision of continuing the trek, their faith comes to the forefront as they experience the Hindu/Buddhist world of Kathmandu, Nepal, while facing the challenges of the dangerous and remote Everest Region.

The world they encountered was a world apart; alive with color, pageantry, and passion. From crowded streets to breathtaking vistas available nowhere else on earth, these travelers began to see themselves and their world in a different light; to regard their fellow human beings, however different their culture may appear, as fellow sojourners and children of the same God.

The film ultimately tells the story of six real people as they discover the depths of who they are and a new perspective on their purpose for living. While Journey To Everest is a well produced documentary about a quest to conquer the world's highest peak, it is also much more. It is as much about scaling the heights within your own soul as it is about reaching any physical summit. It is as much about learning to trust things you cannot see with your eyes as it is about trusting your teammates. It is as much about compassion as it is about conquering the natural world.

Following the filming of the documentary, Nashville has recently received approximately 200 Nepali immigrants with the potential of many more on their way. These new Tennessee citizens have experienced, to no surprise, a culture shock and are faced with complexities and uncertainties regarding food, sustainable shelter, employment, education, transportation, communication, health, as well as social and spiritual needs.

Journey To Everest is a David Kiern film and an Epiphany Documentary Films production.

Until next time...

JP

The Ancient Path

I am often attracted to ideas that stir both the soul and the imagination.

I was recently invited to develop the cover art for an introspective and inspirational project entitled The Ancient Path, presented in the form of a book and companion album. Both installments were written by Craig Smith, the latter produced by Paul Mills. The book and album can both be downloaded for free at theancientpath.net website. All proceeds from donations are given to humanitarian efforts in the small villages and jungles of Central America.

The purpose of the project, according to the author, is "to use the truth within Psalm Twenty Three to increase our level of trust in the Shepherd of our souls, lead us into His presence, and experience more of His peace and His rest."

The timing of the opportunity was quite fitting, as each day I become more and more aware of my life's journey, and perhaps more importantly, my desire to create within that journey an epic story.

To settle for anything less than the best possible version of that voyage, I believe, would be a self-defeating act of villainous sabotage. May I have the strength of character to conclude not as the villain, but as the victor of my tale.

May we each become the heroes of tomorrow's legends, known fully to ourselves and others as just and courageous, seeking truth above knowledge, our dreams full of wonder, and our hearts full of love.

My spirit echoes the words of the author, as a challenge and confession:

"I find myself somewhat of an odd emissary, for the very message I bring is also the one I seek."

Until next time...

JP