CASH
Many commodities: gold, precious minerals,
seashells, even animals, have historically
been substituted for money. Money was
society’s way of making barter more
equitable. Eventually taxes and tariffs
were levied for almost every transaction.
Stocks and bonds have become means of
ownership. Centuries later we still get
conflicted about how it all works.
For the average traveler there are mainly two
types of money: cash and credit card. Cash
is the most liquid instrument for monetary
transactions. Therefore it is the most sought
after. Roving crowds of malcontents’ sole
purpose is to separate you from yours. Beware.
As a photographer, I am always
fascinated by how beautiful some
monies are. The designs and colors
are spectacular and the intricacies
of watermarks and engravings make
them subjects for my photography.
Governments spends millions to make
theirs distinctive. So I collect clean bills
and shiny coins to create interesting
still life photographs when I get back
to my studio. Francs, drachmas,
kopecks, euros, etc. make wonderful
illustrations that highlight stories
about economy, finance, [