PERSONAL PROJECTS
Read MoreWendy Whelan, Associate Artistic Director of New York City Ballet. One of the most acclaimed dancers of her generation, with a 30-year career at NYCB. This was taken in 2018, when Whelan had recently retired from NYCB, and was not yet named Associate Artistic Director. She had been aggressively exploring her artistry, and reinventing herself with new styles of dance, commissions and a documentary. I wanted portray her as honest, vulnerable, yet in control of her next artistic metamorphosis. She was amazing to work with. Eager to contribute, and even allowed me to paint on her face. We used blue makeup that matched the paint on the plexiglass for the effect.
Allen Roskoff, President of the Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club. Legendary gay rights activist, and leader in the LGBT and social justice movements for over five decades. I heard Roskoff speak about his co-authoring the nation's first gay rights bill in the 1970's, with stories on how he and a few others, challenged the laws with remarkable bravery and humor. I wanted to honor him and his accomplishments by having him showered with rainbow confetti.
Ruby, age 12. She was shopping with her mother at a thrift shop and was begging her mother to buy this yellow dress. It was close to my studio, so I offered to buy the dress, if she would allow her daughter to pose for me. I showed her my work, and they excitedly agreed. I trusted my intuition and it worked ou!
Jean Emile, Dancer, Choreographer. This was a collaborative shoot in 2015 to explore Black Lives Matter. We had very little planned, and let our emotions lead us. It one point it was so intense, Jean Emile broke down crying, yet allowed me to continue photographing. I can feel the trust and catharsis when I look at these photos.