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I discovered photography at age fourteen, when I received my first real camera, a trusty Pentax K1000. My education includes French, Italian, and art at the University of Colorado; art history and architecture in Italy; and painting and photography at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. I graduated in January, 1995 with a photography major from Columbia College Chicago. My education in fine art strongly influences my photographs.
I have been photographing people since I first picked up my camera. Portraits were especially interesting to me because I could get to know my subjects as I was taking their pictures. Great portraits by photographers whose work I admire tell me something about their subject. It could be an imperfection. It could be in their body language. A feeling might be evident. To capture this on film is a beautiful thing for me. I like to see unexpected things unfold as I make photographs.
I have spent the past year intensely working on two bodies of fine art photography-Close to Home and Au Musee. Close to Home is about symbolism in daily acts of parenthood. It grew out of a need to explore the reflection I see in my children, and questioning myself as a mother. It is my self portrait. Au Musee deals directly with kids, art, and what happens when young children explore museums. The images range from whimsical to serene to ironic. This body of work will be taking me to many different cities in the future. Being able to create work like this is imperative for me.
My two children, Miles (9) and Evie (7), have not only been phenomenal subjects for my work, but they have given me infinite joy. My extended family has Thai, Korean, Indian, Swedish, and German roots with religions including Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism, and Christianity.
I have a known weakness for shoes. Other loves of mine include homemade ice cream, Paris, travel, photography and children's books, the people in Omaha, my Leica, loud music, and skiing. (I have left out so much.)
I am currently serving my fifth year on Board of Directors at the Omaha Children's Museum.