The religious pilgrimage route to Northern Spain is one of endurance and mental strength. Most walk the entire route across half of Spain, while some bike the journey. Their purpose: for adventure, religion or simply the experience.
John Colley decided to do it his way. The British-born photographer and artist literally painted his way through the journey, during which he discovered many forgotten routes and hidden villages.
John says, “I’ve realized we need to preserve the alternative routes and the people living along them. We need to respect the pueblos and not just do things the easy, city way. We need to preserve the artisan skills practiced. This is a way of life that is slowly being lost and we may need it again.
By sketching and photographing in these forgotten paths, John not only succeeded at promoting awareness in preservation of Santiago’s alternative routes, he has also raised 30,000 euros for various children’s charities.
Corporate sponsorship now donates 10,000 euros to a children’s charity of John’s choice every time he reaches Santiago. So far he has made the journey twice from different starting points and hopes to go on for at least another 18 months.
The ex-advertising executive gave up his thriving career for a much simpler life on the road. He uses the money he collects from his art for bare necessities, food, drink, and shoes. The rest of the money, he gives to charity.
“I was inspired to walk to Santiago after reading Tim Moore’s Travels with My Donkey: One Man and His Ass on a Pilgrimage to Santiago. Mainly though, I realised that I no longer wanted to be the man who sold 20 cent soap for two euros. The idea of opting out of modern life and living on a very tight budget really started to appeal.”
Read about John’s Santiago journey from his blog http://www.thelostphotographer.blogspot.com
I’m sure I saw THIS man in Granada about two or three weeks ago. He truly makes awesome picts on the road.