Hello Everyone,
Strange times in 2020… With the pandemic hitting humans all around the world, civilization is adjusting to a “new normal”. I’m not sure how I feel about that phrase. Folks have been staying at home, working from home, being forced to deal with isolation or having to deal with the people they live with on a more immediate basis. On top of that, societal unrest came in the form of a wave of protest. Whether it was for the unjustified murder of George Floyd - which reignited Black Lives Matter movement’s fight against racism, systemic racism, and push for equality - or the protesting of wearing a mask, and having to stay at home, 2020 is one of the most dynamic years in our lifetime. It must be mentioned.
Creatives either became ultra productive or became numb. Maybe it is a combination of both at times. I know it was for me. I’ve been taking things day by day. Only recently have I been reaching out to people to start shooting again outside of my home.
With that, I was able to shoot with Geneva. We met through a Facebook photographers / models group almost two years ago. We were not able to shoot until this year. It’s kind of been this way in 2020, me reaching out to folks I met and who agreed to shoot, but we weren’t able to. Our schedules finally aligned, the timing was right, and a lot of reflection was needed for many people to heal. With this, I’m happy to share Geneva’s stories, her words, and the photos that were created from the shoot.
Geneva:
“My name’s Geneva and I’m from San Diego, CA. I have three things I love and heal me in a deep way: Dancing, playwriting, and acting. Truly. I like the way ideas flow to my brain and I can just make right then and there. Without anyone judging me.”
”Although it wasn’t always that way. For a long time, I didn’t have the confidence to really be myself. I was shy and didn’t want to be out in the world. The thought of it terrified me. I felt like I was less, so why would anyone bother. Not only that but having numerous skin issues (mainly eczema and bad acne) through out my life made it worse. Much, much worse. There was a point where I didn’t want to do anything or go anywhere. Just scratch my face off really.”
”I then started to take care of the issue with herbal medicine and it got better. I applied more of spirituality and a mindful lifestyle in my life. It wasn’t so rigid and orderly. I became a better person, more honest and empathetic towards others. And created more authentic pieces.”
”I'm just being me. A creative who’s never felt like a “Californian” but some rogue on her own spiritual path.”
”And beauty is an internal thing, really. It’s when you know you’re worth and show it as if no one is watching. It’s also allowing yourself to get up when you fall and not judging yourself so much. Not only that but allowing yourself to grow into the person you want to be. Keeping that idea along with my meditation practice has kept me sane throughout my life. I feel like I can live in this body, in this lifetime. Like I can just create without anyone or my ego judging me.”
Alright yall, see you on the next one. Until then, take care. Truly, take care.
~Snap Pilot #17