Art has become my way of understanding history. Through immersion in the accounts and art of artists before me and through the recreation of frames from those stories, I have learned from the past. Ansel Adams, while known for his magnificent landscapes, in 1943 and 1944 documented the life of Japanese-Americans being held in Manzanar War Relocation Center through photographs and a book titled, “Born Free and Equal: The Story of Loyal Japanese-Americans.” While it is not well-known among Adams’ work, he said this about it:

“…from a social point of view that’s the most important thing I’ve done or can do, as far as I know.”

Through my own recreation of Adams work I hope to bring back into the light the characters in a magnificent story of perseverance under unjust circumstances.

“We want the documentary picture of the people and their homeland—a picture that will show the soul of the people.”

-Edward S Curtis

Ever changing, the unique expression of everyday existence shared among peoples and places, culture is a fascinating element of the world. Among cultures, the ways of those native to America, are especially intriguing. American photographer Edward Curtis was able to document these cultures during the early 1900’s, at a time when native culture was being further pushed out by the advancements of the 20th century. His photos are the inspiration of this work, by which I explore and experience a turning point of Native American culture, through the recreation of Curtis’ photos in cardboard.

Our home is a part of all of us. For me, I am lucky enough to have lived on Vashon, and in a broader sense Washington state my whole life. This has had its impact on me, and as a high school graduate with change in the future, I reflect on the place I call home, its incredible beauty, and what it means to me.

This is Home,

I feel the water,

I breath the mountain air,

I know the people,

I leave my mark.

People will tell you that to be creative you have to think outside the box, instead I ask you, what can you do with the box?