Set in the isolated geographical locations of the Hindu Kush Himalaya. Amongst communities most devastated by extreme climate impacts.
Focused on the poorest groups - often women, and girls by default, persons with disabilities, and low caste households.
Strong female-based societies, facing additional hardships alongside the burden of their mounting responsibilities. Rich with ancient knowledge. Best positioned as the most impactful agents of positive change. Role models for sustainability. Earths protectors. With little or no agency.
My work isn't documentary, there is no sympathy in it, it's about art, connection and feeling something. This quote is also our purpose, not just the purpose of 'life' "...To see behind walls, draw closer, to find each other and to feel...".
My relationship with the Hindu Kush Himalaya and it's people is a labour of love, spanning the last eight years.
This journey is intended to be taken slowly. Connecting with communities - capturing stories of mountain life, glimpses of similarities and differences. Insights into indigenous knowledge, customs, wisdom and beliefs takes time, and must be genuine.
The result: a series of double exposed, portraits shot on Tri X 400 film. Inspired by the analogue masters. I'm using a Hassleblad 500CM and shooting outdoors.
Everest legend Kami Rita Sherpa has kindly invited me to his village in Thame, Namche VDC of the Solukhumbu District in Nepal. Kami and I share a passion for human rights. I will start this story there in March 2023.
I don't have a fine art degree, nor am I known in the scene. I'm a people and places focused artist. Completely self taught, and intuitive. I come from a family of public servants - academics, artists, musicians and poets, activists, in social politics and humanitarianism.
The intention of this project is to create social change through visual storytelling. Reflect inspiration that resonates universally. By stiching worlds together.
I'm funding this personal work myself because I feel compelled to use the power of my art to take an active role in building community and giving back.
The creation and contemplation of art are powerful forces for bringing people together. As an artist, I know that art can be powerfully cathartic and healing. I also know that there are people around me with limited access to the arts.
If I can align with other like minded causes in the process and amplify, increase awareness, even better!
I will exhibit portraits from each trip. With the collection of stories forming a book.
Future trips ✨️
The incredible scientist Rinzin Phunjok Lama has invited me to visit his village of Humla, the most isolated place in Nepal. Small huts, open fires, and families living with the animals on mud floors are the norm in this countryside. The common means of transportation are mules which bring required products from the Tibetan border to Simikot.
I will also return to Ladakh to visit Tsewang Namgail, Director of the Snow Leopard Conservancy Trust India. We met last in 2016. This time I will explore the cultural eco tourism approach villagers are taking to protect the Snow Leopard, which in turn can enable them to farm and survive sustainably, in arguably one of the harshest environments on earth.
Watch this space.
