offering origins
Essence is the embodiment of personal power
expressed through creativity.
Creative expression has been an integral part of my own self-discovery; and one that has evolved into a lived practice.
This involves letting go of my inner critic and embracing the parts of myself that I typically make less time for.
These are the parts that love playing, experimenting, imagining, and creating.
I fondly refer to this entwinement of parts as my “Essence.”
I’ve been documenting my Essence through self-portraiture since I was a kid.
It gives me an outside insight of myself - how my distinctive way of being manifests in the world, along with my inner perception of self.
This practice eventually inspired an offering to redefine beauty by appreciating our collective individuality - not just recognizing our differences, but honoring them.
the photoshine experience
A photoshine is a custom tailored photoshoot designed around each person’s unique Essence.
We purposely highlight the parts of you that want to be seen - whatever it is that makes you shine.
Some choose to share their images, while others choose to hold them sacred for themselves.
You are invited to choose what serves you best - whatever feels most empowering to you.
2022 Being Your Beauty exhibition
Being Your Beauty is an ongoing documentary photo project that features Embody Your Essence Photoshines and conversations about what it means to come out, be out, and be proud.
Non-profit Queer Connect funded this work through a grant from The Collaborative, an organization that enhances healthy communities by supporting substance free youth.
Being Your Beauty was on exhibition at The Left Bank gallery in North Bennington until 6/23/22.
