Artist Statement
I have always been drawn to the unfamiliar, in which I often found an exquisite, mysterious beauty. It was calling me, as if throwing me a challenge, the challenge of making sense of that which puzzles, astonishes and triggers awe, but at times also provokes anger, fear and mistrust. I wanted to explore the unknown and slowly tame it until it became a part of me.
Diversity is what makes the world interesting, and experiencing this diversity, along with life's hardships, enables us to grow. It forces us to question, to reflect and to change. But above all, it may force us to question ourselves, our existence. There are as many ways to see the world as there are people, thus we run the risk of losing essential perspective, wisdom and perhaps even solutions, whenever a culture is assimilated or destroyed.
I have always been deeply interested in the many different ways in which people can find meaning in their lives, their eyes being the lens through which they see the world, reflecting their way of life. The way they express themselves, their art, architecture, clothing and literature - so much can be said without uttering a single word. My images are the reflection of what catches my eyes, the moments they want to capture forever.
I love photographing humanity, and especially children for which I have unconditional love. Their purity, candour and innocence, but also their ability to adapt to life's most difficult conditions, has the power to move me more than anything. I am particularly drawn to symmetry, details, harmonious lines, textures, patterns, high contrasts and saturated colours.
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I take pictures with reverence for my subjects and because I want my images to be authentic, to tell a story, their story. I take the time to learn about them, to make them feel at ease, as my goal is to try and create an intimate connection between the subject and the viewer. It is a truly magnificent experience to be invited into another’s private world, and through this invitation to have access to their history and their lives. Alfred Morese said once: “Photography is more than art, it is knowledge.” I am hoping to use my camera as a means to educate viewers about the world and its people, to document lives, to capture the simple passage of time. Each moment is unique and filled with meaning.
Through my work, I wish to enhance my viewers' awareness of the beauty, the diversity and yes, even the hardships of the many interlocking cultures that populate our planet. My aim is to engage them in a visual journey, one that will inspire them to seek knowledge and understanding, as well as foster feelings of compassion, love and kindness for the all the peoples of this world, including themselves! We are, together, all a part of this world. We are all one.
Namaste!
