As a local New Orleanian and proud Uptowner, it's hard to not be surrounded by art from a young age. Photography, and art in general, has always been in my blood. My father and aunt were photographers, and several other members of my family are various writers, actors, musicians, and painters.
I graduated from Tulane University with a dual degree in Film and Digital Media Production, and worked in the film industry throughout college and a few years after graduating. I quickly grew disillusioned with the industry, so I decided to take a year break and focus on other things. That year turned into 3, but I continued to freelance during that time as both a photographer and videographer.
During that time, I was able to travel the world, and lived in the Middle East for some time. There, my inspiration really took off, and I realized my strength as an artist was in travel photography. I love experiencing new people and cultures and then bringing those experiences back with me via my photographs. I can expose people to other parts of the world they may not have the opportunity to experience for themselves. What's art, if not that?
Questions & Answers
Describe your art in three words.
Striking. Passionate. Bold.
Describe yourself in one word.
Independent.
What do you love the most about creating art in New Orleans? What particular part of your immediate environment, in your neighborhood specifically influences your work?
Despite growing up in such an art filled city like New Orleans, I have a hard time finding inspiration in it. I think part of that is just what we see every day ends up becoming mundane to us. So that's why my inspiration flourishes when I travel. I do love the art-centric culture that New Orleans cultivates and the fact that there's such a community of artists built up here.
Describe your creative process. Are there any rituals or rites of passage you exercise before you begin a new piece?
I think photography is different from other mediums because there is less of that "ritual" than say, a painter, might have. My process is fairly simple: walk around with my camera and view the world through my lens. The trick is waiting for that opportune moment and capturing it with a click of the shutter. Since photography invariably interacts with the world with a much greater degree than other visual art forms, there's almost more luck involved in creating the art form.
Where do you draw inspiration?
Simply put, inspiration comes to me when I see new things.
Who are your artistic influences or gurus?
Since I do a lot of landscape photography, Ansel Adams is a classic favorite of mine. My aunt is a journalistic photographer, but her hobby is underwater photography, which is a very unique niche that I've always enjoyed as well!
In New Orleans, art and music go hand in hand. What type of music, band or song lyric best describes your work?
Leonard Cohen has been a favorite of mine since my mother played me "The Future" when I was 13 years old. I don't think anyone else can capture the beauty and tragedy of the world quite like him. A photograph may be worth a thousand words, but he has that and then some which he utilizes to create a lasting image.
Where can we find you when you are not creating art?
Either laying on the beach, playing with my two cats, drinking tea, or taking an afternoon nap.
What is your favorite time of day/day of the week/month of the year?
I'm a night owl through and through. Despite that, I find a certain awe in the time just before sunrise. I think because so often I'm not awake then, because it's so quiet, and because dawn can almost mimic dusk, I find a certain peacefulness to that time of day.
What is something people don’t know about you? A fun fact.
Like Ally Sheedy in "The Breakfast Club," I can do a variety of tasks with just my toes alone!
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Where You Can Find My Work
All works listed online are available to be viewed at Where Y’Art Gallery by appointment.
New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation Gallery
Occasionally at the Magazine Street Art Market, Freret Street Art Market, and St. Roch Art Market
My Shipping Policies
If local, we can arrange a pick up/drop off.
I ship flat rate USPS, depending on the size of piece medium (i.e., flat print, 3x board, etc). All items will be protected by foam layers. I guarantee to ship your items 5-7 days after receiving the order. This time frame allows for the printing process. Please allow up to 15 business days to receive your items. I will send a confirmation email when shipping has been sent out.
Signature confirmation and insurance can be added at an additional cost if requested; I recommend it for orders over $100.
For international shipping prices, rush orders or commissions, login in and send me a private message through the messaging tool on my profile page.