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Margaret Cheetham Williams, an Emmy-nominated documentarian, introduced her narrative photography to San Francisco with the opening of her debut gallery, Moxie’s Daughter. The name comes from her mother- her fiercest supporter, best critic, and guide.
Margaret Cheetham gained recognition for her distinct documentary style that combines storytelling with preservation, a craft honed during her nearly seven years as a journalist at The New York Times.
Q: What role does travel play in your work?
A: Travel is an essential component of my work – Many of my early photographs were “byproducts” of sorts from my assignments at the Times. The moments on the road led way to some of my most treasured themes. I love a dilapidated barn or car, as I find they each have their unique personalities. I love to imagine the lives and people that used to inhabit old spaces.
As I go a bit farther afield, I am always drawn to portraits and changing landscapes. Africa in particular has been such a wonderful place to slow down and shoot film. Most wildlife photography is prized for action or incredible detail, but I find a backed off approach to be a romantic and softened view on my most favorite animals and grasslands.
Q: What is your dream trip?
The pandemic has certainly grown my “Dream Trip” list! I’ve long wanted to visit India, as it is an enormous and varied region full of color, culture and personality. The people seem incredibly inviting, and the spectrum of rich hues and texture would offer me so much inspiration. One day, we will rent a van and cover some serious ground in New Zealand to take in the vast open spaces and mountains.
Q: What’s it like to open a business during a worldwide pandemic in a city that has had multiple shutdowns.
I have a deep seated belief (/hope?) that art is unwavering – and essential (the word of 2020!).
We are surrounded by images online, and while I so appreciate Instagram and the web in general, I love being in a physical space with tangible pieces. Especially with film, it’s meaningful to be able to appreciate a print in person.
Since we’ve been so isolated, I am dying to change up my surroundings. I constantly feel the need to refresh our home, and bring in art and various finds that are reminders of the outside world. I find that people gravitate toward photographs that carry personal significance of a certain place, whether it be a beach, mountain or far flung destination.
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