Martin Banks
What's your favorite photographing memory?
"T
hinking back, my favorite memory isn't actually of a home build, but from a trip the Kathy Faller and I made to the migrant shelters in Tijuana back in 2018. Some of the migrants were hanging around us; I suppose hoping we had something more for them. I pulled the instant camera out and started taking photos. Everyone would crowd around and watch the picture develop, and there was so much excitement and a sense of glee. The parents had photos of their kids, and the kids had photos of each other. It was a wonderful day to see such excitement among everyone and the joy a simple thing as a photo can create."
Why is Casas de Luz important to you?
"A few years ago, I spent several months overseas, photographing for a non-profit. Shortly after I returned, I was back in Mexico photographing for Casas de Luz. It just kind of sunk in that here I was, less than an hour from my home, with people who face the same challenges and hardships as those overseas. The difference was, these people, these people in Mexico, they are my neighbors. Literally, they live right next door to me. This is where I need to be, to help the people with whom I share a border. I do look forward to overseas trips in the future, both for my professional portfolio and to help make a difference in someone else's life. But my heart will always be here, with the people and places that make up our bi-national region. Southern California and northern Baja are home, and it is where I am happiest and feel that I can do the most good. Casas de Luz is my conduit for the good that the world needs now as much as ever."
