July 2009...

It's been two years since I graduated from The University of Arizona's School of Fine Arts with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Photography. Sounds fancy, right?! So that must mean the reason I haven't updated my blog since then is due to my completely hectic schedule as a fine art photographer: gallery showings, travel, etc. Not so much! I haven't had a gallery showing since I graduated. I've traveled minimally as a photographer but not to pursue those projects that I'm truly passionate about.

I knew that going to school for photography didn't mean I'd have a better chance at landing my dream job nor that people would be handing out high paying jobs for me. The term "starving artist" was a reality I knew I would have to deal with. After graduation I received a management position with my company and knew financially it was the best thing for me at the time given the lack of openings in my field. Two years later, I've moved out of Tucson to Chandler (not a huge move, I know, but a move nonetheless!) still working in management with my company. Perhaps, given these hard economic times, it is not the best time to be getting this "itch" to break out and actively pursue my passion, but these past few months have had me anxious. I'm in a state of struggle, wanting to pursue my passion of social/humanitarian documentary and feel fulfilled. I'm a little stuck because I'm not at a place where I can take that liberty to pursue it. The best move would probably be to start shooting yet I'm not! Stuck again.

So begins that endless cycle to create work that is not only personally fulfilling and meaningful, but also speaks to those who will see it and in the best case, create awareness of the struggles and beauty around us.