The Earth and Moon Inside Her: Artist Statement

The Earth and Moon Inside Her

Ever since my first encounter with death at a young age I have been quite horrified at the concept of its inevitability. Loss in general has become something I have sought shelter from. Though I know this is natural, and cannot be avoided, I feel panic when I contemplate the thought. This must be changed.

This is a cathartic work primarily for me, the artist. Through the process of creating however, I have found the potential for impact goes far beyond myself. There is a whole world of people out there who, even with religion, cannot talk about death or even move on from it when it happens. If existence went without endings though, how would anyone have the urgency to try, care, or even love?

Facing my fears in this manner, allows me to explore the pain of personal loss without sinking into despair. As challenging as it may be, this project will be able to speak to many individuals. Especially those who can relate to the feelings of anxiety surrounding the topic of death and loss. I aim to inspire them to take the same journey of enlightenment as I am now. The Earth and Moon Inside Her is a combined video and still photography project that will mark a transformational period in my life and, hopefully, does the same for many more.

Let It Go: Behind The Scenes

I'm soooo behind on posting these! Thanks a lot health and busy schedule...But yes! I've finally got the pictures up from this shoot I did with the lovely Miko Tollefson. And thanks so much Ivan for Hair and MUA!  You both were fantastic <3

Let It Go: The Story

Through this imagery I want to remark on this era and its infatuation with getting offended at EVERYTHING. Too many people nowadays, including myself at times, get offended or angry at the most petty of things more so now than I have ever experienced before. Whether it be about what other peoples’ actions are or irrational judgements passed to us personally, it becomes all out war the instant something negative is perceived about ourselves or the things we value. I want to tell people through the use of music and my imagery that we need to let go of such unnecessary hostilities. We need to realize that though we are each different, we are also the same; we feel the same sensations, experience the same things, and live the same sort of lives that have been lived since the beginning of humanity. Allow a little bit of enlightenment to shine once in a while and release the hatred.

I Am Human: Alive And In The Moment (Part Two)

It was a long time coming for this project thanks to life and its never ending obstacles; But I am extremely happy to be able to say my two part photo series is finally complete! Thank you Conner for helping me out and being so patient out there. Who needs assistants right? x-D

Hungry Humans - The Story

I have noticed in recent times that we as a culture have taken on certain bad habits. These habits are not exactly new, but we are performing them at a scale to which I have never witnessed before. These habits I am speaking of are denial and outrage. We deny so strongly the things that make us human like vices, desires, and etc. yet we feel entitled to become outraged when seeing them in our daily lives. As if we are all innocent and once one crack shows Humpty Dumpty comes tumbling down. There is something clearly wrong with this picture and I feel the need to set us straight.   

The scenes I have depicted would otherwise be ordinary however, there is something amiss in each. I wanted to show the most common things we hunger for in life that could also be the catalyst that we look for to separate ourselves from one another. If we do not stop these habits now, I fear where they will lead us. No more anger or denial; we are flawed and it is beautiful.

It's Good To Be Back!

Yes, it feels so good to be back! Many aren't aware that I was going through health issues for over a year and a half not knowing what was going on. If you know me I try not to make a big deal out of things about myself and I just retreated into MIA status to fight my problems quietly. It was definitely tough but finally though, I was able to get an answer. One less organ later (my gallbladder) and I've made a 180° change for the better. Now, ready to get back to life with a new start I've decided to try for something big for myself. I've Applied to go back for my Masters degree and now I play the waiting game...

Wish me luck!

Des :)

I Am Human: Alive And In The Moment - The Story

I often find myself feeling overwhelmed by society today and get to the point where I want to forget about it all and go live on a deserted island somewhere. But then, of course, reality comes knocking and I have to face the fact that it will never be this easy. So, instead of spiraling into a deep depression over it, I have decided to remind myself and others that even if we can't have our deserted island, we can still have a moment; any moment that is all our own.

The focus was more on witnessing a human, a woman specifically for part one of this shoot, with absolutely nothing but themselves and nature around as it was when our species began. I wanted to show that we can find peace and happiness without the bells and whistles we've come to relentlessly rely on. In playing with my feelings of frustration I aim to explore what it really means to be me, us, human, alive and in the moment.

I Am Human: Alive And In The Moment - Behind The Scenes

Just a little something I had to share from behind the scenes. I'm not afraid to get down and dirty for my photo shoots!

Thanks to Kellie for this shot :)