Photography has given me a great gift in life. As a photographer I have had the opportunity of combining many of my loves; people, dance, travel, and art. Mix them together and I create memorable visions to be enjoyed for a lifetime. I work in many mediums, black and white, color and alternative processes. I shoot primarily in the photojournalistic method, allowing each image to tell a story. |
I have traveled to Guinea on the West Coast of Africa and have accumulated thousands of images while immersed in the culture there. I love waiting for just the right moment when not only have I blended into the background, but so has my camera. The giggles and smiles I receive as I walk and work among these wonderfully friendly people is heartwarming, and upon my next years arrival I present the photographs as gifts. Much of my work in this last period has been symbolic of the spiritual, physical and emotional growth that has occurred as a result of both my travels and my interaction with the music and dance of this culture. "Essence of Dance", a water-color like series that explores dance, spirit, color and form through the use of long time exposures. "Visions of Guinea" and "Dunia" are photojournalistic explorations of the lifestyles of the musical artists of Guinea. |
The Van Dyke process has really caught my attention because it allows me to photo print on cloth, thus giving both kinesthetic and movement possibilities to my imagery that cannot occur on paper. It is an alternative process where I paint a solution of silver nitrate, ferric ammonium citrate and tartaric acid onto fabric. After allowing it to dry I place an enlarged negative over the fabric and expose it to the sunlight. The result, after rinsing, is this beautiful chocolate brown imagery. The fabric I have chosen is a traditional fabric from Guinea. It has been adorned with cowry shells, which are symbols of good luck and fortune. |
"Babies and Bellies" is an intimate look at pregnancy and birth. Words can only begin to express the feelings of creation, whereas the camera captures the fullness of the vessel that holds life. Hands symbolize so much; family, caring, love, nurturing, connection. It has been a great privilege to be allowed into so many women's lives as their photographer. Working as a Wedding Photographer and Portrait artist for individuals and families is such a joy to me. I feel honored to be allowed so intimately into my clients lives and use my love of people and spontaneous nature to capture the emotions of each special event. Member of Professional Photographers of the Greater Bay
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