In March 2022 I traveled for the IRC to Medyka, Poland where thousands of Ukrainian refugees fled after being displaced by war. While IRC teams conducted needs assessments and opened programs, I spoke with several families about their experiences, needs and hopes as they began their new lives in the EU.
As Afghan evacuees arrived in the United States in late 2021, I produced, shot and edited this short film about Afghan refugee and restaurateur Chef Noori. Working out of his restaurant in Richmond, VA, he has been providing free meals for newly arrived Afghan evacuees. This project was featured on AJ+, a social media publisher owned by Al Jazeera Media Network that focuses on news and current affairs.
If most people were asked to visualize feelings they might conjure images of emojis, written expletives, or body language. I wanted to explore a visual interpretation of emotions using the natural world. I find emotions often feel prickly, sopping wet, cold and immovable or warm and blooming. Using multiple exposure techniques with 4x5 and 35mm film I attempt to recreate these sensations. As each emotion passes through us like a wave, we become a slightly different person, overtaken by a momentary natural force. What do yours feel like?
2021 - After the Taliban retook control of Afghanistan, the International Rescue Committee helped thousands of Afghan evacuees resettle in the United States and Mexico City. I produced, shot and edited several videos and photo stories for the IRC.
Making portraits might be the thing I enjoy the most. These are a collection of portraits I’ve made for work, volunteer jobs or friends.
For World Refugee Day 2021, I produced, shot and edited short films and photos of refugee artists featured in the International Rescue Committee’s “Refugees are Courageous” campaign.
2019 - During the Trump administration, record numbers of asylum-seeking families were crossing the U.S.-Mexico border. I was deployed several times to produce, shoot, edit and strategize distribution of content in order to raise critical funds to support IRC’s work and mobilize audiences to advocate for asylum seekers. Working with celebrities like Mandy Patinkin and Piper Perabo, our team was able to leverage their platforms to reach a wider audience.
