Kustom Car Culture: The photographs of Martha Berriman
Story by Michael Sarnacki • Photos by Martha Berriman

Of course cars and Detroit are synonymous. So it is of no surprise that when we were planning a festival of photography in Detroit some thought was given to an exhibition or two that would revolve around the automobile. During the planning process a number of ideas in this vein were talked about, but it seemed we never could find the right mix of project and photographs. Or the right person to coordinate such an effort.

Part of the problem probably stemmed from the fact that if one were to attempt an exhibition about cars in Detroit, it better be well thought out and it better be good! So a really significant idea that we could practically do as a group was never realized.

Martha Berriman has been an active part of Detroit Focus for many years. She has been to most of the gatherings where ideas have been discussed and has been there to help in their implementation. I believe we met in 1984 at Oakwood Hospital in Dearborn when I was the hospital’s Director of Photography. With a little urging she came to work at the hospital as an assistant photographer. Since that time we have become close friends. Story continues...
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