Beyond the Box

Available via your local bookstore or, Indigo-Chapters, and Amazon.ca

Reviews /  Testimonials:

Michael Frimer’s Beyond the Box is a masterfully told and authentically photographed dialogue on the complexities of life. The images are compelling, the writing flows through the pages and gives us a taste of life’s lessons that we all can appreciate. Frimer is completely engaged in his photographed subjects, seeing the deeper meaning and lessons that are there for us to explore further with him. Beyond the Box will appeal to those looking for a richer purpose in their lives. As Frimer states, “I would prefer the gift of a meaningful photograph.” And that you have.
— Karen Cooper, professional landscape photographer, Karen Cooper Gallery, Vancouver, BC

Michael Frimer’s Beyond the Box is an ode to his family and life. By weaving his words and images together, he clearly shows what he holds most important. As a father and photographer myself, I found the thoughtfulness in his portrait “The Child is Father of the Man” to be powerfully moving, showcasing his deep humanity. The book’s black and white photographs cover broad topics, but the quality and vision highlight Frimer’s ability to instill two-dimensional expressions with his thoughts and feelings, using only light and shadow to communicate. For a surgeon to gain the visual and film skills that he shares in this beautiful collection of images should serve as a lasting inspiration for many to explore and consider their own self-expression.
— Rick Etkin, winner, 2020 Award of Excellence for photography in Communication Arts and Applied Arts magazines

Foreword:

The reason Michael asked me to comment on his work was that he knew that I, too, had experienced this same geometry teacher, R.G. Pete Colgrove, and was affected by his presen- tations regarding the fourth dimension. It was only recently that we learned that our high school teacher had been a disciple of George Gurdjieff, a mystic and spiritual teacher who had proposed a method to awaken one’s con- sciousness, “The Fourth Way,” in order to achieve fuller personal potential. But what were we seventeen-year-olds to make of all this? These writings and photographs tell us a great deal about the impressions left by these ideas and how they played out through Michael’s life.

When I first met Michael he was always accompanied by his box camera. In his text, he states that it was through the lens that he could best capture his inner feelings and beliefs.And his sense of the mystery of it all is suggested by the black and white and sometimes blurred images, always tempered by shades of grey.

Having been a vigorous and dedicated surgeon well into his seventies (and never saying he was too old), Michael finally retired due to illness. For many years these insights had guided him in the tireless care of his patients, and they may have helped him to deal with his altered situation.

He has presented us with this record so as to share his insights and excitement with family and friends. Highlights from among the many: honour the wisdom of our children; appreciate the creative power of hobbies; and accept the inconclusive perspectives of the lines that never meet.

I invite you to join me on this journey that Michael has carefully prepared for us.

—Gershon (Jerry) Growe
Jerry Growe is a retired hematologist who has practiced for forty-five years at Vancouver General Hospital and at Canadian Blood Services.