Espíritu: Images From Oaxaca

During this devisive time of tension and opposition, in which waves of dissension over the differences between communities drown their shared similarities, I aspire to illustrate what brings us together as humans, not what separates us. To me all cultures create a longing to belong: to be a part of something bigger than yourself, to find a role within a community, to be a part of a family and to celebrate life's significant moments, no matter their size. How we choose to celebrate these moments - and with whom - defines us and gives our lives meaning no matter where we live. I have been traveling to Oaxaca since 2009. What draws me there is the spirit of the region, the essence of the people living their daily lives and the beauty in the ordinary celebrations that life brings. Through documenting quinceañeras, weddings, carnivals and religious ceremonies on the streets of Oaxaca I hope to capture the passion and meaning of life in Oaxaca. My creative process and the camera I use combine to create photographs that are more emotional documents then traditional narrative ones.