Testimonials
Sol Lang says:"You've got Matzo Balls, Gail. As one artist to another, I am glad to have made your acquaintance.
Sol Lang,
December 1st 2007"
123ozzie says:"Gail is quite possibly the most attractive and sexiest girl on Flickr. Her growing Social issues postings are pleasure to read, and now she's starting to investigate politics that shows her talent, things can only get even better for people like me. Gail is a very beautiful girl in all ways. She's so very lucky and so are we for being her friend. We learn a lot from her."
tikanyis says:"I apologize for not being as articulate as most of these testimonials, but Nice Jewish Girl mixes very succinct world views and political observations tailored to her various photos, and the memoria to Gail Orenstein are just beautiful! Thank you, Nice Jewish Girl!"
imarealist101 says:"I am so glad this fantastic, HONEST photographer is back. If NOTHING else she will make you think..even if just for a second........................"
Viewmaker says:"This is my first ever flickr testimonial. And this Catholic boy is oh so glad that he's saved himself for this nice Jewish girl! (Only on flickr.)
How awesome is this little cornr of flickr, you ask? Well, I can sum it up by saying that when I'm asked "If you could have dinner with any five people, who would they be?" Gail Orenstein is on my short list. Most people react to this response with a vacuous visage, straining with all their might to not appear so clueless or out of touch with some celebrated figure they don't want to admit they've never heard of. Then they think I'm pulling their leg. But I'm not.
I swear that I come here for the commentary. Okay, I'll concede that it doesn't hurt that there are heaving bosoms and curvy bare hips to inspire my comments, but grant me some credit for understanding that the photography here transcends the abundance of flesh you first see on the surface. Scratch below the veneer and you'll be compelled to agree with me that what goes on here is vitally important stuff.
In fact, if flickr had to erase all its content but one user's this would be the one to save. I couldn't be more serious. It is not just quintessentially flickr. It's quintessentially the converse of flickr. It's mainstream and liberally accessible...and it's underground and radical. This applies to the pictures and commentary alike.
The bottom line for you: Don't be one of the blank-faced zombies. You're right here for Christ's sake. Take a look around and understand! Capice? Mazel tof!"
rouly_b says:"Wwooww.............
What a beautiful side
on your side are very good and fantastic pictures
very sensual shots
very very very hot!!
I love it
all your pics are awesome
more more more more more more
You have a fantastic figure, so sexy
You're a very attractive and sexy woman!
What a beautiful body literally from head to toe.
add me as a friend and family please
and i add you as a friend and family to"
* michel clair * says:"The world needs somebody like you.
Today more than yesterday.
Tomorrow more than today."
Sassy Fox says:""Vote Gail For President"
It is time to rise up America and vote for the smartest woman ever in history. Face the facts, Gail has a genius mind and much better cleavage than Hillary~
Gail found something she liked in one or more of my photos and made me a contact. We always check out the Flickr member’s profile and photostream. Wow we said, spending more time with her photos and commentary than any other member; this is not to say her page is best; not at all. For a better way of putting it, her work is superior to any we have seen and a fine credit to all of Flickr. We may not agree with everything Gail says, but she knows how to both keep our attention and open our way of thinking. Be blessed Gail in all that you do; we both very much enjoy every square inch of your Flickr site! Thanks, Sassee and Knight"
Fritz9373 says:"Gail's hard hitting photos and straight talking socio-political commentary is a pure treasure, not to be missed by any free-minded and thinking individual. The way she highlights the issues that affect our world and exposes the darker implications these may have on our lives is truly invaluable. The day that people like Gail are no longer allowed to speak out, our society will truly be a lost cause... Read it while you still can!!"
fireman69 says:"Gail is a credit to the world of genuine mature thinking women
I love her approach on life. On second a beautiful pair of large tits (mmmmmm) the next a muslem in full dress. then a picture depicting famine in Haiti. And that cums from a man ( 100% straight too)
I love straight talking straight thinking people and Gail is one straight talking beautiful woman."
Healing Spirit says:"Maria ....
It appears that You SEEK to Bring the Reality of Life to the Photo Scene and I LOVE IT !!!
Your Inner Vision of the Female Body shows Intensely in Your Work !!!!
Thanks So Much !!!
Keep it Up !!! As Your Worrk seems to Keep Me Up ..Tee Hee !!!
Primo Prime Rib !!!"
photomalc46 says:"Hi, Gail is a new friend to me but she is right it is a free world and if there is something you dont want to see or hear dont look, listen or read. There are too many people these days that dont want to let people like Gail express themselves, because they are wimpish and say it might upset or affend someone. Good on you Gail keep up the good work its begining to get to much like George Orwells 1984."
Creativist says:"So glad to find you again. Where else can I find such a powerful combination of sociopolitical opinion and naked flesh? I mourned your departure and rejoice in your return. Once again I can look for you each morning to find out the news and views of the day!"
Mighty! says:"Possibly one of the most important photostreams on Flickr!
Thanks for your provocative photos, but moreso the excellent commentary and for raising awareness with your writings. I am very proud and happy to see someone so proudly and fiercely defending eroticism. Thanks again, and please keep it up! we need more like you in the world, you have one of the most important messages."
copsunited1 says:"While it is that I seldom get passionate enough to protest an issue or even be a protagonist..I do believe that if a female has a beautiful body and wishess to share the image with others, she should be allowed to do so.
gail orenstein seems to have sparked the right flint and set the fire."
B_Secret_99 says:"I can't believe I haven't run across your work until now. I'm in awe. Absolutely awesome."
Marcmarc says:"gailorenstein has merged two vital topics into one...pussy and politics-the results are remarkable.
As I am well past the age of consent I don't care for the Yahoo! Folks to monitor my intake...that's the role of my wife and that role is currently filled."
pizzo says:"I have been jonesing for your daily news on flickr!!! So glad I found you again. I can now resume my daily fix of Orenstein political news..."
C is for Casey says:"I've been a big fan of your work for a while and I think it's ridiculous that flickr deleted your account. It always seemed to me that you were one of the people truly making a difference with this tool. I also think you're nude work is pure art. Who is flickr to decide if you're to stay or go?"
FulcherP says:"I love Gail's work. She is a true photojournalist - she knows that you have get people's attention before you can inform them; and her photos definitely get our attention :-)"
JohnnyCashsAshes says:"Thank christ for gail. Fuck. Thank Buddha for gail. Thank whatever fucking deity you'd like for gail, even though she owes nothing to any of them.
As I waste away in western massachusetts, hiding from personal demons, impersonal demons, life, money and change, this photostream not only constantly reminds me of the world around me, nipples, track marks, protests, smiles, real faces of real people with real thoughts on real problems but practically begs me to come back to life, to fucking live again.
thanks gail for caring when no one else does, thanks for being here with us, for us, being us.
-l-"
nyagwaispiritbear says:"Awsome photography!!!!! Still trying to get through the whole photostream!!!!!!!!!!!"
sisforsue says:"This is one of the most intelligent people on Flickr. She stands up for her principles and is usually right on the mark. If you read them, you will see that a lot of research goes into them. I am proud to call her my friend.
And her pictures aren't bad either.
Keep up the good, no the great work.
Sue"
Fois.GrasToo says:"Gail does amazing work; Yes, the artistic and technical aspects of her photography are top notch, but what sets Gail apart from other professional photographers is her ability to capture a subtlety and sensitivity in a business that is known for being explicit and harsh. She has a very insightful and compassionate eye. Through her photographs, beings disenfranshised from society as merely sex objects are reintroduced as people with hearts, minds, dreams, feelings and aspirations. Through her photographs one sees not a two dimensional titillating image, but a three dimensional person who is at once sexy and vulnerable, inspired and hurt, powerful and weak, liberated and subjugated, envied and scorned. Seeing Gail's photography is not to look at these women as they are seen though the lustful eyes of their clients, but to see them through the compassionate eyes of their family and friends. Gail's photography offers a rare sight of a common subject. The sex business needs her eyes to be their voice."
heicktopiertz.com says:"She is a free spirit and deserve to have all my respect for keeping her head up. She has always been nice to me and I stand beside her."
Tabike says:"Beautiful girls and great political discussions, I can't ask for more.
Gail's flickr account is one of the best things you can find around here.
Everytime you watch one of her pictures a little Yahoo kitten dies. ;P"
aquadiver says:"Gail is a fresh voice who grabs you by the balls and makes you look at our hypocrisies, lies and self-destructive behavior. The fact that her unflinching views, both pictorial and verbal, disturb the suits at Yahoo! is a testament to the truths she shares. Keep it up, Gail. Never let them shut you up."
Just enjoying says:"Being new to the world of phography I like to explore, there are many many sites with nude photos,girls showing it all, but when you've seen one,you've seen it all,there all out there selling there beauty,anyone can shoot a photo and anyone can pose nude, BUT I found true art here at Flickr, Your photos my friend are exiting beautiful and inviting, after viewing through your work I am left numb and agape by the beauty, thank you for sharing with me your art,,,,"
Peter"
Zorro - BEA says:"Gail was the only person to write a nice testimonial on my Flickr page and since she had to start her page over again, I wanted to write a new one.
Her pictures of the women are both beautiful and well done as well as the "comments" she makes with each one. Most of the time I agree with her point of view but not always. This is what makes her Flickr page unique!
Keep up the good work Gail!"
mydiverdown says:"Gail is a breath of fresh air in this world of political correctness,she sees what's happening and doesn't care whose toes she steps on to let us know what the hell is really going on.Huzzah Gail keep up the good work and keep showing those fine ladies. xoxoxo Harpo"
MMMMichelle says:"Gail is one of the sweetest people you will find on flickr and one of the most gracious. professionally, her nude pics juxtaposed with the latest headlines are genius. make her a contact...and let yourself be physically and mentally stimulated! the proof is in the power of the lens and the words. love ya' Gail!!!xoxox"
et tu boote' says:"her photos will snatch you out of your seat, beat you till you smile and leave you wanting more! profound! compelling! WOW!! my HERO!!"
EastTennesseeDude says:"Gail makes everyone thing about important issues while at the same time showing some of the interesting people she has photographed over the years. Thanks for answering my photography questions too!"
Hot_For_Hot_Girls says:"we have tons of things to learn from her, i think Gail knows what freedom means!"
tbhfws45 says:"Love your pictures, love your politics! Does this mean I can masturbate with a clean consciense? ;-)"
d_nurv~unsafe says:"i won’t make the mistake of writing this directly into the testifile for gail to approve...no… i’m saving this as a Word doc...that way i’ll be able to reload it when gail gets shuts down next...
as darkness closes in... gail continues to shine...speaking out for the basic rights, freedoms and the dignity that we have all begun to take for granted...
from my own experience ...the set backs that we suffer in life inevitably turn out to be blessings in disguise...
and gail will find a way to reinvent, streamline, become more articulate and more dangerous to those who would have her silenced..
if you are looking honest insights into current events, want to express yourself openly without fear of reprisal, or believe that sex trade workers around the globe need a partner and champion like gail to help them get the respect they deserve..
then you’ve come to the right place,,,
shine on gail...i don’t think we know yet how much we really need you...at the risk of sounding horribly melodramatic…the time is nigh for you to don your moses garb and lead the children out of egypt....
note to system…the red sea with open wide but even more suddenly it will engulf you…"
DJ MsDD says:"Gail Orenstein is a true original. In the sexually visual language of in-your-face she writes the most entertaining political satire I know of today. The visible may be boobs & butts, but the mesage conveyed thereby is a political one. And it isn't cute. To the Thomas Nast of our generation I say "bravo," you totally rock. AND I comprehend and agree with your mesage about the blatancy, the cynicism, and the shamelessness of our politics today!"
TonivS says:"After reading your profile I can feel your pain and frustration. If that happened to me, I'm not sure I would be able to come back to flickr. I would see flickr as a person I onced love and was lost forever. I would miss her dearly and mourn her, but my heart would be broken. I wouldn't have the strength to go back and start all over.
So I admire your strength and your ability to pick yourself
up and start again..... RESPECT!""
HandsOff says:""I've seen porn, and I've seen news. But this is the first time I've seen the two combined. I can see why Flickr is afraid!""
*Gabisa Motonia says:"Gail Orenstein is the great photographer, her photostream is phenomenal and it is different with the others, if you've visit this site you will agree that it is the most interesting photostream on Flickr"
`Pacdog says:"Gail's a true freedom fighter and a good friend. She keeps it real and for that she gets censored by the Flickr Gods that be? Boooo on Flickr!!! You go Gail!!!"
Olga Gerrard says:"First - I hate it that I CAN believe they shut you down. Double standards prevail in this "democracy".
Second - I'm so impressed by how galvanized the community has been in getting your testimonials and photos back up. There's a lot to be said for that.
Third - your photos rock. And, they speak to a greater issue, well beyond the scope of purely the images themselves...
Looking forward,
x Olga"
noozguy143 says:"Gail's images are both erotic and personable. She brings her vast experience as a photojournalist to the table for a true sense of spontaniety in her pictures. But I enjoy the social debate on her site (almost) as much as I appreciate her work. The comments are typically intelligent, often thought provoking, and occasionally downright hilarious. Glad you're back."
corydalus says:"Gail is one of my favorite people on Flickr. Her sexy photos coupled with political and social commentary are always thought-provoking."
3dGorillaBob says:"Gail is my favorite girlie photographer on Flickr. She brings a nice feeling of intimacy to her portraits, while not skimping on the erotic content, a rare combo. Her regular photojournalism is insightful stuff, too. I'm glad to have discovered her work."
Kier42 says:""You have the right to free speech, as long as you're not dumb enough to actually try it!"
--The Clash, "Know Your Rights"
Gail does amazing work, both her smut and her "normal" photo journalism shots are some of the best I've seen. She is a great photographer and a great addition to the Flickr community... I hope they don't try to ban her again!"
whiteoakart says:"Gail has the amazing and rare ability to capture the soul of her subjects in the intimacy of a digital image or photograph. She is a true photojournalist and always inspiring. While much attention has been paid to her latest images of "working women" and the controversy surrounding them, I am equally in awe of her photos of protesters, child labourers, and the working poor in India. When you have the chance, browse through all her photos for a tour through humanity's troubled soul."
prestopati says:"Gail and I don't have much in common. She's quite liberal and I'm more conservative. She's young, I'm old. She's very outgoing, I'm more withdrawn. But what we have in common is a search for the truth. Gail has inspired many people with her unique juxtaposition of beautiful naked women and political stories. She's an artist, but as we all know, an artist must suffer for her art.
She has suffered through this arbitrary decision of Flckr (Yahoo). While I defend the right of the site to do whatever it wants because it owns and operates the site, therefore should have what they consider control, I encourage people to point out that Gail's art actually BRINGS customers to this site, providing profits for them. Gail herself, by buying pro accounts for students, provides revenue to the site, so the action is quite arbitrary and confusing.
And if the China thing is the reason for this decision, I encourage others to point out that China is one of the most oppressive regimes in the world, despite the attempts to portray the country as a democratic superpower. Need we remind people that China is still RED China, Communist dictatorship where citizens are NOT FREE! Russia has descended to the same level.
GO GAIL!"
paul_powell47 says:"Gail is an amazing artist! That doesn't only mean in her great
photography but in her insight to the world around her.
Seeing and speaking about life whether in words, photos,
paintings etc is what an artist does!!
Gail is an Artist Supreme and deserves all the respect and
courtesy that intells.
Pull together and support Gail, we are all on the perils road
that ends in silence for All!!
PEACE Gail!!"
SilvisRivers says:"
Gails work is frenetically and wonderfully creative and combines social comment whilst at the same time showing us for who we are . We ARE pornographic and distorted and will distort others because we are a neurotic relational mess . Killing and and creating twisted polices whilst cavorting like romans watching the gladiators on TV and drooling over the tapestries of sexual superficialities is us for sure. I really do defend the right of a photot artist to shock us and show us for the cerebal toilet-tribe we are ..
It is wrong of Flickr not too see Gail's terrific value as a photo-journalising-artist shoving back at us the mirror .
I did post this poem below for Gail's work and others . I am very sad and sorry if comments, argument and work has been lost without warning. That is apalling . Flickr might have given her a chance to extract what she wanted from it at the very least ..
Station Ghost Poem
July 2006 .
(Gail's Picture at Vukovar)
Shadows in the crusts
And memories in the breezes
And the echo bullet gusts
Pock my face
Eyes
With shrapnel's disgrace
Ears
Dangling
No fingers
No trace
Lick the brick
With my breath
Panicking with death's
Hunger for me
In my imagination
Hug me mother brick
Protect me
My last breath
My station .."
judo_dad1953 says:"Not only are we getting great photos from Gail; she is educating us at the same time! Keep up the great work Gail!"
d200 dug No censorship! says:"So much for freedom of speech and thought on the internet.
Gail supplies a wondrous mix of boobs and brains and gives a forum to discuss the news.
I would have thought she would be a valuable member of any online community.
Keep snapping and rapping Gail"
Dan Sumption says:"What I said last time. Gail is amazing, a Flickr demi-god, both in her photography and in the debate that she sparks off. Long may she remain so."
hornedoug says:"Gail's combination of pulchritude, politics, and humour on her site show an old cycnic like me that the human race is and isnt quite as bad as we think. It is as bad as that in that the stuff she documents happens, but it's not as bad as that in that there are people around who care.
Keep it up, Gail"
makunia says:""while looking through your photos, I see a lot of different kind of lifes, different sides of life and different styles of life and this is whole world...."
You are wonderful photographer and friend!
Be happy!"
En Syn says:"OK Gail Thanks for the heads up >^_^<
I'm gonna quote "Stranger in a Strange Land" -
"Apparently the pratfall is the peak of all humor. It's not a pretty picture of the human race, Mike."
"Oh, but it is!"
"Huh?"
"I had thought-I had been told-that a 'funny' thing is a thing of a goodness. It isn't. Not ever is it funny to the person it happens to. Like that sheriff without his pants. The goodness is in the laughing itself. I grok it is a bravery . . . and a sharing . . . against pain and sorrow and defeat."
"But- Mike, it is not a goodness to laugh at people."
"No. But I was not laughing at the little monkey. I was laughing at u& People. And I suddenly knew that I was people and could not stop laughing." He paused. "This is hard to explain, because you have never lived as a Martian, for all that I've told you about it. On Mars there is never anything to laugh at. All the things that are funny to us humans either physically cannot happen on Mars or are not permitted to happen- sweetheart, what you call 'freedom' doesn't exist on Mars; everything is planned by the Old Ones-or the things that do happen on Mars which we laugh at here on Earth aren't funny because there is no wrongness about them. Death, for example."
"Death isn't funny."
"Then why are there so many jokes about death? Jill, with us-us humans-death is so sad that we must laugh at it. All those religions- they contradict each other on every other point but every one of them is filled with ways to help people be brave enough to laugh even though they know they are dying." He stopped and Jill could feel that he had ahuost gone into his trance state. "Jill? Is it possible that I was searching them the wrong way? Could it be that every one of all those religions is true?"
"Huh? How could that possibly be? Mike, if one of them is true, then the others are wrong. Logic."
"So? Point to the shortest direction around the universe. It doesn't matter which way you point, it's the shortest ... and you're pointing right back at yourself."
"Well, what does that prove? You taught me the true answer, Mike. 'Thou art God.'" - R.A.H.
I am also doing my small part to create a better reality in spite of Powers That Be."
Mos_ says:"Gail is a most controversial and provocative photographer I know, that's why I think she one of the most deep and thinking photographers. it's not the beauty she seeks, but the ugly REAL truth that we all try to hide and rather not talk about - wars, famine, depression, ignorance, brutality, hypocrisy, abuse. she shoots it and put them on top, and even though this is not nice to look it, it is still there and we can't afford to look away from it."
Blue Cubic Electron Syncrony says:"what it comes down to with Grail ...
is the quest
the quest for the Holy Grail
lol yes im a knight on a quest
to prove this tragique fate is..
incompleat without a happy ending
uk.blog.360.yahoo...?
uk.video.yahoo.co..."
CharlieBrown8989 says:"Gail
An avocator of Human rights especially women rights & implant.
She do, she shoots; she write straight from her innerself.
She have her own unique style & character, she also like to help people to become a paid member of flickr.
I may not agreed with some of her views at time.
However, I salute her for her contributions & kindness as well as defence the rights of individual on the net.
I appreciate your everything.
You are great!!"
! ! Bushido Bryan ! ! says:"Gail has amazing passion and photography! You just check her work out!"
F. Swift says:"Censorship regards no one as equal, as Gail's ordeal clearly shows. And then it strikes when a word is too flagrant, and too rarely when an idea is too damaging. Gail's words need to be read, reread, and reread again. Her pictures tell of more than the eye can see. While pictures may be the scapegoat once again, Miss O's commentary on all things political may be the actual reason she was booted. I didn't see the last picture she uploaded, and even though they were often provocative, those fLIcks were never enough to warrant bootation. CHEERS TO GAIL, ONE OF FLICKRS ALL TIME FINEST."
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