Cycles of Becoming

In the past six months, I have been developing my thesis proposal for my MFA at The Academy of Art University. The process has been a lengthy one, with numerous modifications along the way. Like all significant works, it has evolved in tandem with my artistic growth. I anticipate that once it is approved, it will continue to develop and expand as I delve further into my research. For now, I wanted to offer you a preview of my progress. Please take a moment to read the title, examine the image, and allow it to resonate with you.

Artist Statement:

This photo series is a visual exploration of the passage of time, growth, and transformation, using nature as a metaphor to reflect the universal experience of change. At the center of this journey is my daughter, who serves as both the subject and symbol of "every young woman" navigating the complex terrain of self-discovery, identity, and the quiet power of evolution. Through her, I explore the inherent beauty in the cyclical nature of life—how we all move through phases of darkness and light, struggle and growth, in our pursuit of becoming who we are meant to be.

Nature’s cycles—its seasons of darkness and light, dormancy and bloom—serve as the backdrop for this narrative. As my daughter moves through moments of vulnerability and strength, her story mirrors the eternal shifts of the natural world. In this way, she becomes a symbol not only of her own development, but of the timeless journey every woman undergoes in discovering herself, in shedding old layers, and in emerging into new forms of being.

The series moves deliberately from dark to light, from shadow to clarity, a visual representation of my own inner landscape, of my personal journey as a mother, and of the emotional spectrum I experience alongside her. The darkness represents the uncertainties, the fears, and the moments of introspection that come with watching her grow and change. The light, in contrast, symbolizes the joy, the hope, and the clarity that emerge as we move through challenges, as we embrace the unknown, and as we learn to trust the process of becoming.

Through these images, I aim to highlight the importance of embracing change as a natural part of life. Just as the landscape transforms with each season, we too are constantly evolving. This series is an invitation to reflect on how we can honor and find beauty in the inevitable passage of time, knowing that each phase, each change, holds its own unique wisdom and potential for renewal.

This series is a meditation on the importance of embracing change and trusting the process of transformation. Just as nature moves in cycles, we too evolve, sometimes slowly, sometimes with great force, but always moving toward something greater. The darkness is not an end, but a passage; the light is not a destination, but a return to a deeper understanding of ourselves. In this journey from darkness to light, I hope to capture the profound beauty of resilience, and the quiet power of becoming who we are meant to be.

"Silent as the Storm"

"Echoes of Silence"

"In the Wake of What Was"

"Threads of Time"

"Veil of Silence"

"Lured by the Light"

"The Seeds of Change"

"Turning Toward Tomorrow"

"The Quiet Bloom"

"The Light of Renewal"

"Golden Harvest"

"Between the Seeds of Change"

"A Moment of Bloom"