“The Ecology of Healing” began in May 2023, exploring the relationship between trauma, healing, and portraiture. I think portraits are one of the strongest forms of photographs, as you can look at the person in the image right in the eyes and feel like somehow you know their story. Being in the landscapes, between trees in the forest, and along the river reduces my anxiety and gives me a sense of calm in a chaotic world. Talking to a friend about the healing power of nature, I realized we are all healing in one form or another. In finding similar stories of healing, a deeper connection between my subjects and me was formed. We all found being outside, in nature, to be comforting, liberating, and healing. With a collaboration between these beautiful humans, I have developed this series exploring our universal need for nature to feel a part of something bigger and older than us. Through this journey of photographing them, I aim to create something visually soothing and healing.

Cyanotype is the earliest form of printing photographs without a camera. I gathered all the people who worked with me to create this series, behind the scenes and in front of the camera to make this artwork. The color blue reminds me of water, of the ocean, my favorite place. The work is a way to show my appreciation for my community of artist friends for helping me. It is a document, a trace of each of them. It will always remind me of this important time in my life and my gratitude for the people who helped me.