My journey with photography began with a Pentax K1000 that my father gave me at the age of eighteen. He was a musician for Harry Belafonte and would often say, “We are the songs we sing.” I believe that I am the images I create. I use the visual arts as an instrument for understanding the world I live in, self-reflection and self-expression. My artistic practice is informed by a wide range of influences, from Hendrik Kerstens, Annie Leibovitz to Bruce Jackson, Barbara Kruger, Cara Romero, and filmmaker Chris Smith.

 Because I’m a Tribal member of the Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan Tribe of Chippewas, Native American issues have had a profound impact on my work. Beginning with the Dann Sisters as they fought for their land in 2000. I followed them to DC, photographing them and their legal team. Furthermore, I attended law school for Tribal law and photographed our debate team as we traveled the country, competing against other Native students. This summer I’ll be photographing two Tribal communities in Louisiana.

But back to “Portraits of My Mother” — In my family’s culture taking care of your elders is very important. Accordingly, my mom lives with me, and during COVID, I began taking studio portraits of her, mostly because she almost died from COVID. I felt our time was precious and needed a way to engage. This new body of work, “Portraits of My Mother” explores notions of beauty, ageism and our flawed medical system.