VOICES
An ongoing project documenting grassroots social and political movements in varying cities around the United States starting from 2016.
Identities of those photographed concealed for privacy purposes.
Election Abroad
A mini-series based on experiences as an expat and how to remain engaged during the US election, from abroad.
The series will end when the 2020 US presidential election is completed.
9/30/2020
Self-portrait made between 3 - 4:00am CET while watching the first presidential debate.
What does a presidential election year look like for an expat who happened to photograph 4 years of grassroots movements around the US?
It is a question I have been trying to find the answer to the day I found out I would be moving during a historic election year. For four years, I have been closely following the current administration and documenting the many grassroots movements across the US who are fighting this administration in order to keep human and environmental rights for the country.
10/6/2020
Self-portrait made while trying to ensure my vote will count and not be questioned due to error.
How many times did you read and re-read your mail-in-ballot? Do you live in a state that basically requires you to have a degree in origami to make you envelope? Are you anxious that somehow you messed it up ad your vote will not count? Are you in a state with blatant voter suppression? How are we this incapable of creating a system for voting that caters to the people? Most importantly, have you made your plan on how you will vote?
10/23/2020
Self-portrait made during the last presidential debate between 3 - 4:00am CET.
People ask, “Who are you voting for?”
I prefer to ask, “What are you voting for?”
Is it,
Ending systemic racism? Access to affordable healthcare? Humane immigration policies? Reducing carbon emissions? Equal access to education? Women’s rights to reproductive healthcare? Indigenous rights? LGBTQ+ rights? Protecting public lands? Voting rights? Fair Taxation? Economic growth? The list can go on and on.
Most importantly, have you educated yourself around what you are voting for? It is now easier than ever to look up the issues that matter most to you, and how the local and national candidates plan to act, or if they even have a plan…
Research. Make your educated vote. Look at more than one media outlet. Go to the local and national candidate websites. Look at grassroots organizations. Look at post-debate fact checks. VOTE.
The Three Stages of Election Night
11/4/2020
Self-portraits made during the first election night as results started to come in.
Stage One -
Pour wine
Remind self that the outcome will not be known as quickly as typical election years
Stage 2 -
Lost in memories of the grassroots movements who have not stopped fighting for human, civil, and environmental rights over the past four years. Remembering the inspirational youth and messages of change. Wondering if every vote will be counted?
Stage 3 -
Self doubt
Did I do enough? Was my voice loud enough? Was my message clear, or did it fall on deaf ears? Did I create enough meaningful conversations?