Remembering Bob Pixel; the ‘god’ who walked amongst men

It was that one time; that one and only moment that we did something close enough that made me feel like I knew you for long.

Bob Pixel was a god of Photography

Solo Afari made that meeting possible – a cherished moment and one that is inspiring this very eulogy to you, sir.

For me, that first meeting was not also a first time hearing of the man whose many works had preceded him. It made the meeting even more honoring for me.

And so, when we got down from that car, backpacks strapped to us, and made our way through those fishing communities hidden behind the mountains, away from the peaceful and clean streets of Akosombo, I just wanted to drown in whatever lessons I could pick from trekking with you for a day; even if it was for a few minutes.

Those lessons, today, are memories I hope you are able to read from whatever you are now.

But even more, I would come to appreciate better, the personality you had.

It was either Bob would be seen often waving a ‘Hello’, complimented by his wide smile, or, that he allowed the ease with which he manipulated his babies (cameras and lenses) to fly through the space between them and the very target that they sought.

I doubt he ever missed any of those targets and then we’d move further. On and on, we were approaching our actual destination but with every step up those steep edges of the hill that identifies the town called Kpedzi, Bob was still looking out for something to capture.

Mountains goats and the clouds. The clouds. Yes! The clouds – he captured them all.

He was making wallpapers for all of us with every one of those shutter clicks.

When we got to the river banks, magic flickered through the air that pervaded the atmosphere around us. It was everything beautiful because a maker of beautiful memories was about to work.

And truly, it was such an honour watching him work: from gazing through his lens to capture the surface of the river, far away into the deep of the river, to getting his barefoot dirty in the mud, or, when he jumped over or under those low-lying tree branches, or, when he allowed the river to latch onto his legs just so he could work, we could all just tell he was truly creating lasting and beautiful memories.

That was Bob Pixel.

Simple man.

Talented craft.

Gifted hands.

And, big heart.

For the few photographer friends I know, Bob was more than another name in the industry or a great name: he was a mentor of mentors, whether they personally knew him or ever worked with him.

Students of photography would tell you how often they made reference to his works in class. Yaw Odame Gyau can confirm this.

Bob understood his craft and he maximized it in a way that was beneficial to even the newest kid on the photography block.

It’s truly sad to hear you go this way. As for the thoughts that it is too soon, I doubt that is a school of thought I subscribe to but in essence, you lived and you loved.

Nothing else matters, but I pray for your family now more than ever.

Today, reminiscing over your death, I realize what great resemblances you have with the late Komla Dumor. Truly, great people did live among us.

You are always in our hearts.

Baba na wo. Baba. Baba.

Desmond Mintah I’m truly sorry for your loss.

Nana Qwamie

Kofi Pong Fiifi

Julius Ofori Boadu PHd

And all you who knew him dearly, due.

It’s hard to say but, IT IS WELL.

May we all leave this world so celebrated. Amen.

#MrAndMrsE

#TheRealEtsey

#TheWriter