My Path to the Camera

I trained first as a veterinarian and scientist. Along the way my work with the camera became serious during regular international travel, which led to partnerships with global development NGOs in India, Uganda, Myanmar, Kenya, Guatemala, and Ethiopia. This access allowed me to build an artistic practice while being part of the important work of building strong international communities. I also create short films for NGOs and recently completed my first short documentary Yo Soy Mariachero.

New work is underway: a long-term project beginning in Guatemala, a return to Japan as its own body of work, and time in Bangladesh this coming December. My focus are cultural practices that form communities of identity. Cultural identity and norms also create barriers, which are real but not fixed. Listening and respecting these practices makes the barriers more porous, but doesn't admit the full kaleidoscope of what defines a people.

My photographic practice requires patient waiting for the pose to fade and the performance to end, for the moment when what's underneath becomes briefly visible.