Photo Essay. Native American Studies. This large format book presents forty-five dramatic, sumptuous, and empathetic black-&-white photographs, printed in duotone, with a succinct and poignant text by the photographer. The text tells the story of how, following a diagnosis of an incurable disease, the Italian-born author/photographer, then living in New York, undertakes a search for healing and spiritual transformation. This culminates in a Lakota Sioux Healing Ceremony and Vision Quest at the Pine Hill Reservation in South Dakota. While staying at the reservation, the author comes to know the Lakota people and love their spirit. The photographs were made during this time of personal crisis and spiritual awakening, and this book is dedicated to the Lakota people in appreciation of their warmth and wisdom.

Author City: Tuscany ITA

Marco Ridomi was born in Italy in 1952. After completing school, he moved to NYC to study photography and obtain a degree in fine art. At the age of 34, while training to become a professional photographer, he was diagnosed with a terminal disease. This changed his life dramatically and he soon lost his will to live. In desperation, he began to search for a cure and eventually met a Native American healer named Godfrey Chipps. Through Godfrey and his family, Marco was led on a soul-searching journey to reclaim his health and spirit. Presently, Marco lives with his wife, Georgia, in Tuscany.