The Witches Among Us

The Witches Among Us I have always been drawn to people who you might label quirky or odd, or in some cases, radical nonconformists. I think what attracts me to these people is their courage. They are not afraid to be themselves despite the risk of being ostracized. When I stumbled upon a local coven of witches, I was intrigued. What does it mean to be a witch? How does one know they are a witch? Do they cast spells? In my project “The Witches Among us,” I offer a glimpse into a community of women who historically have been feared, vilified, and hunted. Even today, the word “witch” brings to mind a series of tired Hollywood clichés: sexually available yet psychologically mysterious; threatening and haggish but irresistibly seductive; a believer in mystic nonsense, yet a shrewd devil-worshipper. In the course of researching this project, I was invited to take part in ceremonies and sacred dances. I was introduced to a sophisticated and diverse group of women who shared personal experiences of heartache, trauma, love, and magic. These stories and sacred ceremonies deeply influenced the making of this series. These women are all around us. They are our teachers, lawyers, healers, friends, and neighbors. Through a series of portraits and stories, I strive to demystify and humanize the modern witch whose focus is on community, nature, spiritual enlightenment, and self-growth.