Videographer records life stories in Sisters

Videographer Mark Grape is using a modern technique to achieve an ancient end - passing the wisdom and experience of elders to the following generations.

Through InnerVisions Videography, Mark and his wife Leslyn hope to capture life interviews and end-of-life interviews that will allow people who have long experience of life or who are coming to the end of their time to impart their knowledge and leave behind messages by which they may be remembered.

"So much of our history is forgotten," Grape said. "We're afraid to talk to each other; we're afraid to tell the truth. We've found that there's lots of things that don't get passed on to the next generation that should be."

Grape's background in counseling and his work with hospice groups give him valuable experience in putting subjects at ease and crafting interviews that elicit meaningful messages.

"Anyone can pick-up a video camera and record information," Grape said.

He endeavors to go deeper - into the heart of human relationships.

"Our past is important to our present," Grape says. "The knowledge contained therein can shape our future. It's all about love."

Everyone, Grape believes, has a valuable story, which seldom is heard and remembered.

"We don't ever really see the person inside. We lose all those stories and people's worth. Basically, it's to give back importance to each of us as human beings," he said.

Grape said he creates a safe, secure environment in the subject's home or a place of their choosing. He allows the subject to become comfortable with him personally before bringing out the camera. There's no standard interview; instead, Grape encourages the subject to tell his story and asks questions only to help the person build that story.

The result is a legacy for family members and a testament to the value of each individual life.

For more information contact InnerVisions Videography at 350-1076.

Author Bio

Jim Cornelius, Editor in Chief

Jim Cornelius is editor in chief of The Nugget and author of “Warriors of the Wildlands: True Tales of the Frontier Partisans.” A history buff, he explores frontier history across three centuries and several continents on his podcast, The Frontier Partisans. For more information visit www.frontierpartisans.com.

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• Phone: 5415499941