I wanted to write a little bit about this series I started. The idea for it came last year before the pandemic or the culmination of years of racial injustice erupted into the protests across the country. After the country changed I wondered if the series was worth doing, I had only just started the first portrait and I seriously considered scrapping the whole thing and waiting to pick it back up later. But ultimately I decided that maybe honoring these bright spirits was something positive I could put into the world right now.
The series started as a way for me to honor the women in my life who I know personally that I felt were contributing to the world in both large and small ways through their gifts of wisdom, grace, warmth, and gratitude. I wasn’t sure of exactly everyone but I knew I wanted to focus on women who I saw as healers, protectors of the most vulnerable, and nurturers. I think a lot of women underestimate the positive effect that even their smallest actions can have on the environment around them and I wanted to honor that effect by attempting to truly see them and the gifts they bring to the universe. It’s been really fulfilling for me to try to look at these women in my life and attempt to see deeper, to see not just the obvious gifts they bear but also the real warmth of their spirits.
These two are still in progress. First is Sarah, who’s depth of healing energy seems without end. She heals in an obvious way by making sustainable body care and practicing energy work, but her presence in and of itself feels like a healing energy for any emotional grievances I’m carrying. I don’t think I’m the only person that would say that. She heals, protects, and fights fiercely for the earth in a way that inspires you to follow her quiet yet searing passion.
Next is Evie. On the surface it’s obvious, she’s vegan, she helps rehabilitate animals, she has an amazing garden, she’s a ceramic artist. But in her garden she nurtures every animal she encounters, from the smallest insect to the city dwelling opossum. She is a fierce protector in the most gentle and most full of grace manner, of animals great and small but also of people.
Both of these woman embody the kind of powerful gifts that will change our society into an equitable and just place to live. They are full of compassion, empathy, wisdom, acceptance, and love.
I am fortunate to know enough women like them to make a series of portraits honoring them. This series will probably take me a few years but I am excited to share them as they come.