Recorded from 1974 – 2000, I was privileged to be a part of the Romani community in California. These photographs are of Machwaya /Kalderasha family of the lineage of the great California ” Rom Baro” (loosely translated as chief or big man) Stele Costello taken over three generations. In 1997 I was invited to “Saintes Maries de le Mer“ in France during the celebration of the "Black Madonna". In 1999 I went to Italy with my young son , discovering the Roma population were in a refugee camp outside Venice called “San Giulliano. ” I was briefly allowed to photograph inside the Camp while escorted by police. This is where I first personally learned of the atrocities of Kosovo from the Roma who escaped. I later returned to Italy hosted by the ERRC (European Romani Rights Commission) between the years of July 1999 –2003. In Bologna we found Romani fleeing Yugoslavia - families, mostly children, hiding in a dilapidated abandoned farm house shared with rats the size of large cats. The Roma were fleeing brutality of both the Serbs and Albanians, during and after the Kosovo war. During this period I toured the Camps outside Florence, Venice and Bologna as well as Rome. In Rome I was able to photograph the Sinti and Romani children living on the outskirts of Rome referred to as ” Camp Land”- living areas with no running water, surrounded by barbed wire fences, refuge dumps and appalling living conditions. Some groups fleeing Eastern European countries lived in government housing made by the Italian government and surrounded by the “gated” entry. In Italy some children were eagerly able to attend school, but for others there illegally, it is too risky. Not included in this series are photographs of professional Roma: educators, diplomats, activists, published writers, and poets.

Price List to Purchase :

Giclee prints range between 48, 85 and 125 US dollars
Shipping and handling $5.00 in US $8.oo outside the US

Photographic Prints range between $300 – $500

FUNDING: Grants and personal contributions will allow for further exhibitions, and other visual modalities that highlight the dilemma and talents of the Roma, who for the most part are overlooked by the world community. A mission for the images and stories is to improve tolerance and understanding creating a bridge for multi –cultural respect. Concurrently it is essential to respect the Romani aspiration for security and privacy.

If you would like to contribute your donations will support this ongoing work.
For further contact information, mailing address and inquiries Email rana@infoasis.com California to Camp land.
Telephone 415 –721-5374 USA (CA)

A percentage of sales will go to human rights, rights of the child, and organizations helping Romani children and families. Certain images are not for commercial sale. Selected images have been donated to such organizations as ERRC, VOR and Teaching Tolerance.

Thank you Stefano, Kate, Demitri, Simona, Voice Of Rom, Patriners, and Dr. Hancock. My deep appreciation goes to the Costello family for their generosity, especially to Morena, (cook extraordinaire), for feeding my body and soul.

Nais tute – sastimast!