“To take photographs means to recognize - simultaneously and within a fraction of a second - both the fact itself and the rigorous organization of visually perceived forms that give it meaning. It is putting one’s head, one’s eye, and one’s heart on the same axis.”
When I was a child, I channeled my energy by hiking through the woods of Bear Mountain Park at my mother’s side. The fresh air rushed against my face, as the wind picked up and swirled through the trees. Being surrounded by nature was always calming and beautiful, and stirred my curiosity for exploration. Like a magnifying glass, I carefully examined the ground looking for artifacts to carry home. From bugs, to nuts, to leaves, I collected souvenirs that helped me perpetuate my experience. A mealy Osage orange or a rigidly beautiful, crispy maple leaf were tangible representations of the beauty I saw in nature.
As I grew older, artistic expression evolved into a creative outlet that allowed me to capture and express the magnificence of the world. Travel abroad has provided me with indelible images of history, redefined my definition of beauty, and deepened my appreciation for culture, diversity, and the richness of society.
I am learning the value of clearly articulating my point of view through artistic expression. As Cartier-Bresson said, photography is the combination of the head, the eyes, and the heart coming together to capture something beautiful, meaningful, and interesting. Like collecting bugs, nuts, and leaves, art has become my way to translate the raw beauty of the world into tangible form to share with others.