Chat us through the process of how you created your piece:
For me, the process of the project came naturally we decided to shoot it at sunrise on a beach, I usually go with my brother. I decided to shoot this piece on multiple cameras focusing on my medium format. There is something about the process of analog photography that really makes you think about everything within your frame. I took photos of a women I adore, Amber, and had my boyfriend, Tom, assisting and videoing at the same time. It was a comfortable place where I felt happy there, shooting with good people and loving what we were doing.
How did the manifesto influence your ideas for the piece?
Lead with love, I love what I do and how I feel when I do it. Beauty is yours to define. I find beauty in friendship, light and doing something I’m passionate about among other things. Don’t be ashamed of your feelings, I’m a very emotional person, most of what I do and how I photograph is stemmed from how I feel and how I love so to be ashamed of my feelings would be stopping the way I enjoy living.
Why did the Power Project resonate with you?
This power project resonates with me because it’s such a beautiful brief where I was asked to do what I love and to empower others by doing so. I love the idea and the act of women inspiring other women, a collaborative piece were women are celebrated.
Empowerment to me means trying to live happily in your own skin and mind.
How did you find the confidence to express yourself through your art?
For me confidence takes time and positive talk. To have the confidence to express myself through photography was something that came naturally. I don’t do this to impress others or to gain validation, I’m doing it because it makes me feel happy and I’m passionate about it, it’s an escape, a series of moments where I can focus on the people and the environment around me, in a pin point way.
Why do you think it is important to share and express yourself through your art?
Photography has helped me in so many ways. It made me feel I have a place when I felt like I didn’t belong. It makes other people happy and hopefully inspires others to look closely at those and the world around them. It gives me connection and an outlet where I can feel genuinely great.
What does empowerment mean to you?
Empowerment for me can come in many different forms I feel empowered when I take photos, it gives me purpose and connects me with people in my environment. Empowerment to me means trying to live happily in your own skin and mind. Being grounded is empowering, showing kindness and compassion to others is empowering. Connecting with people and this world is empowering. Doing what inspires you and pursuing your passions is empowering. Being sensitive and emotional is empowering. Empathy is empowering. Giving is empowering. Telling someone they are doing a great job is empowering. Telling yourself that you are doing a great job is empowering. There is so many ways to feel empowered, but for me it is through connection and passion.
Who inspires you?
The people who inspire me are the people I love, the ones who are kind and generous. I’m also inspired by people who speak up, who question and follow their passions.
What is the best piece of advice you can offer to other women?
I’ve received a lot of good advice, especially from those who I love. One of my favourites is that you can learn more about yourself by listening to another person, it’s all about how you react to events that occur, how you share and find connection, that’s for me anyway. Also, stop and look around is a very helpful piece of advice. The best piece of advice I can offer women at this point of my life is to be kind to one another, show compassion and empathy, as humans we all have our stories, and all suffer in some way, so be kind to yourself and be kind to others. Ask questions and truly listen, be curious and try to learn more about the people around you. Search for a connection and acknowledge it. Try every day to love a little bit more of yourself.
If you were able to change one thing in the world what would it be?
If I had the chance to change one thing in the world, I feel like it’s a lot of responsibility, all I can do is be kind to myself and to others. Think of people and ultimately look after the beautiful planet while continuing to make change, which I feel is for the better.
