At times, taking in the mere discrepancy of scope, such as the overwhelming grandiosity of the universe, versus the seemingly mundane powerlessness of the individual experience, I find solace in moments.  This is one of them.  And I am enriched, by the idea of moments at all, and how really,  perhaps meaning is not so much about culmination, but perhaps something more specific.  While seemingly transparent, moments are the antithesis of simplicity.  They are complex and transcendent.  They involve a before, and after, a situation, being, a series of circumstances and decisions. The marriage between photograph and nuance.  Moment and experience.  YOU and ME. 

These two people are the most beautiful beings to me. (but this is besides the point)
Savi never wants to miss a thing, earnestly invites new experiences, standing his ground (He's always ready) 
Luna (also ready) trustworthy (though apprehensive), empowered joyfully in her inspired bravery.

Though, I find it important to point out, this photograph is because of the TWO of them.  No one is human by themselves.  Right.

See.  Here.  Is everything (at least in the smallest fraction of the universe).
Be present. Stand your ground.  Be ready. Trust.  Be empowered.  Be joyful.  Be brave.

Ah, metaphors. Whether faced with a sprinkler, or a paramount leap in life, or (YES) eating a spicy taco. 

There it is. 
 

I was at a party in my 20's.  A few of us were outside, near the fire, and a women (I "knew" only because she was my boyfriends roommate, and was super amazing in a million ways) turned to me and said, "Well, Chrissy, it's because you are a dabbler."  At the time, I had NO IDEA if this was, according to her, good or bad.  Making this comment, I had no idea what her intentions were.  This comment coupled  with the fact that she is super great and my boyfriends roommate, I didn't feel so great about being called a "dabbler."  In retrospect, I am pretty sure she didn't mean any offense, since whatever it is that I am, I like it.  Maybe it would just be nice to have a prettier word.  Recently, I have come to realize, it's projects I like.  It's stagnation I don't  like.  I have no interest in mastering anything.  Rather, there is just enough time to throw myself into a few things.  I will always be envious of those who are able to commit to their craft for a lifetime.  I'm okay with that.  At 30 whatever, I have learned this is not for me.  What a liberating feeling- to stop comparing. I have written over 40 folk songs, but I don't really sing well, and don't play an instrument.  But, I love my songs.  That's it.

See, I transitioned to the handmade craft from photography (and photography from teaching).  I am pretty sure I will never stop taking photographs, and looking at thousands of photographs weekly, and I am pretty confident I will never "really" stop teaching either. Though, when totally engrossed in my fine art AND my family business photography, I was very burdened by the concept of originality.  It was very consuming.  I just kept honing in on the wrong things, and ultimately felt my creativity wither, slowly.

Any beginner sewer can make a headband.  Anyone can make what I now make.  But I'm in there somewhere.  This nuance I love. (Perhaps this taps into my love for cover songs).  I don't really care about originality anymore.  It's ok we sound, create,  and look like each other.  That's what connects us, ultimately. 

And, there was also a strong desire to work with my hands again.  OUR HANDS. 

Maybe pet grooming is next! 

What is quite comforting and inspiring about all this, is that I have grown up, while simultaneously fostering and feeding what makes me feel alive.   It's to make.  I love to make things.

This doesn't make me special.  This makes me connected, and part of that something bigger than myself, amorphous and huge.  But it's up to us to fill it with something good.  That's Wyldlu.

hey. so, here is my new site. 

thank you everyone. so much.

...but that I love my mom more than anything.  This is my favorite picture of my parents at our wedding.  She lights up lives, rooms, and dancefloors.  I am forever grateful to her greatest lesson to me: To live in the present.  It is everything you got. I love you mom.  Happy Mother's Day!

I am excited to announce an image from my series, Anyone Could Have Told Me, was selected to exhibit in the main section of the Kiernan Gallery in Lexington, VA.  I am even more excited my work was selected by juror and Portland-based photographer, Blue Mitchell.  To view all pieces exhibited in the show click here.  Wish I could be there! 

GRAYSCALE
THE KIERNAN GALLERY
23B W Washington Street, Lexington, VA 24450
OCTOBER 30-NOVEMBER 30, 2013
OPENING RECEPTION, NOVEMBER 1, 2013

This has always been my favorite picture of my mom. I love you more than ever Mom. I will come over on Sunday bearing gifts, a hug, and fresh coffee.  Then, lets follow that up with some dancing in the kitchen. Happy Mother's Day.  

You are my sunshine
My only sunshine
You make me happy
When the skies are grey
You'll never know dear
How much I love you
So please don't take
My sunshine
Away