NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) – New Orleans photographer Eric Waters has spent the past several decades documenting the people and culture of our city, and it’s celebrations. His chief concentration has been on our music in the streets and our Mardi Gras Indian traditions.
Waters was a student of famed New Orleans picture man Marion J. Porter, and from the beginning, our city has provided the perfect back setting for his work.
Carol Bebel of the Ashe’ Cultural Arts Center says, “He was, I guess one of the early photographers that were kinda these culture documenters, you know the ones who were wanting. This whole thing about seeing is believing. When you talk about New Orleans people who don’t know New Orleans, I find it hard to understand what it looks like, what it feels like to be in a place that the culture bubbles up from the street.”
Like many of us, Waters was displaced to Atlanta as a result of Hurricane Katrina. He was then the victim of contractor fraud, and he’s still trying to get home. We spoke to Waters at his 7th Ward home and his desire is to be back permanently.
“Hey! It’s home. I’m ready to come back. Atlanta served its purpose. I’m ready to come back, but I’ve been back so often. I have over 100,000 miles on my car from Atlanta to New Orleans and New Orleans to Atlanta,” says Waters.
In the nearly 10 years since Katrina, he hasn’t missed working a Jazz Fest, not very many second lines, and never a Mardi Gras or Super Sunday.
This Friday night at the Ashe’ Cultural Arts Center, a fundraiser, including some of new Orleans’ musical greats like Detroit Brooks and Bill Summers are performing at the benefit, Rebuilding One Image at a Time.
A humbled Waters says, “It’s overwhelming that people are willing to help me. The musicians who have allowed to play for my fundraiser, it’s overwhelming.”
There is also a gofundme account to help int he rebuilding efforts to Eric Waters’ home.