I first met Joe on my first day at Camberwell Film Studios. I had heard about him, beforehand and was intrigued to meet him. He was, previous to our initial meeting, described as the ‘spirit’ of the studios. Which I learnt over time and getting to know him was an accurate description. I felt we properly got to know each other when we worked together practically as Joe described what he had built, fixed and planned for the continual update and restoration of the place. It was evident that he was passionate about the space, looking after it and its’ inhabitants. He brought his humanity and spirit to the place, which he had built with his hands and ingenuity. I have many memories of Joe, finding him asleep after painting one of the studios all night, with his trumpet next to him. His enjoyment of working in the back garden seemed like a mystical art and his regular visits from his daughters and grandson which were his priority over everything else. He was a positive force who helped me when I was stressed and a vital part of the community.
https://josephmicheal-girigari.muchloved.com/
