We all have demons inside of us that are confronted by the people, places and
things around us. These things seem ordinary in their existence as we walk down
the street, turn down an alley or even look out our window. I drive in my car for
hours every day wondering if people see the same things I do or the bigger question
really is, are they aware of it? That seems to be the question in our generation. We
are all much more aware, but what does that amount to? I was looking at a mural
the other day like I look at most art, like I look at life, and there was something
about fear, pain, heartache, something beautiful too, even something strong. Every
sense was touched. Does it mean that we do anything about it? Or do we just let it
hang over us. Are we affected? I asked myself that question for many years and
started taking pictures. I decided that I am at odds with middle class convention,
but I am also at odds with the demented artist syndrome. I was listening.
I would like to think life is about balance, but not in the way people think- we are
vehicles doing a little defensive driving.
My life, many times, has been about chaos, now it is just about living, breathing, and
walking down the street with intention. The intention in my photography is to take
you down the street with me, turn down some alleys and cross a few dimensions
into prevailing economic and social conditions that heighten our awareness. Can
we pay attention to what is ordinary and boring in contrast with the exceptional and
perfect and realize on a deeper level that it all matters? If it does, than maybe the
ugliness, the pain and the suffering that we all go through will seem valid too. As
affected as we are by everything outside of us, the passion for life as human beings
has to bring about a change on the inside of us.
This show is dedicated to my mom, who taught me to see things beyond the surface
and to know people just as they are, no different than myself. Though I miss her
dearly, she gives me the strength and character to be who I am today. She always
said she wanted to be in the darkroom with me when I finished it: she is with me in
spirit and in peace.
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