Perennial Breath: A Tapestry of Faces

Perennial Breath: A Tapestry of Faces is a photo project I have been working on since 2014. Since its inception I have photographed nearly 200 people from around the world, connecting a wide spectrum of human experiences.

."May your time in nature lead you to yourself" -Shikoba

Perennial Breath: A Tapestry of Faces is a quilt-knit of people from a number of countries at different times in their lives. In this work each subject is placed side by side, so as to simultaneously convey both their own moments of serenity, as well as their shared humanity. Digital techniques are employed in order to create “moving” still images – each photo animated with a stop action effect, the end result being a collective “breathing” tapestry

(Prototype of quilt-knit: https://vimeo.com/187471892).

(Prototype of single portrait: https://vimeo.com/150682620)

The camera is a unique tool created to document and capture one moment in time. Oftentimes, documentary photography presents snapshots of suffering, pain, or grief. My objective with Perennial Breath: A Tapestry of Faces is to capture one moment: a glimpse of peace and beauty, which unites people of all ages, genders, and ethnic backgrounds. This series is not only portraits of people, but also nature.

Flowers, moss, and leaves create a sanctuary of everlasting life from nature. It is in nature that a true essence of awe is discovored. As much as it is essential for each individual's well- being, nature is not part of us, but more so, we are part of it.

My goal with Perennial Breath: A Tapestry of Faces is to reach 500 people and present this project as an immersive large-scaled installation– a "breathing" garden of faces. Perennial Breath will be a powerful reflection of the universal experience, life, death, and nature being alive.