A WAKING EYE

I’m reminded of a quote from Dostoyevsky, “Pain and suffering leads to consciousness”. It’s been 3 weeks since I was cut open in 5 different spots on my leg, with 2 holes drilled through my femur and tibia. Every step now requiring intentionality and presence. The things you pay attention to when the body doesn’t function as it should; it really does facilitate a new sense of appreciation and perspective on navigating life. Thank you to everyone who has helped me during this time and reached out, I appreciate you more than you may know. Apparently I’m ahead of the curve and will be running by June, climbing and hiking again by December. Does metal in both of my legs/knees mean I’m a bionic human now? (the leg with longer pins is from a patellar ACL reconstruction about 14 years ago…I’ve always been highly accident prone…ask me about how I almost sliced off my pinky-toe with a license plate). Trying all sorts of new creative pursuits while I recover. For those curious, this isn’t a recorded video, but was created by taking a photo of recent X-ray results printed on white paper, which was then imported into DaVinci Resolve, added various effects and automations, and created a little tune on top; think VHS burning in the desert, ethereal yet unsettling. Because staring at someone’s bones can be a bit unsettling.

The universe has forced me to slow down and heal. These days, despite the reality that the world is no longer what it once was, you are forced to move about existence as though everything is normal, that uncertainty doesn’t permeate the air. But it is in these moments, seeking knowledge and insight leads one to creative endeavors. Moments of curiosity that bring inspiration. It is creativity which quells anxiety. Take these instances in time to find perseverance and new perspectives, to move forward and find solace within yourself and your community. Also, I hate that Instagram can crash on you and delete 30 minutes of work on a draft… #consciousness #musicvideo #creative #awakingeye

@abckitefest was such a lovely experience this year 🪁🌤️. Even the moments of rain were a welcome reprieve from the heat. Amidst everything happening in the world, watching kites dance in the sky brought a tremendous amount of calm. The smiles on everyone’s faces, children laughing, delicious food from the vendors, and the cool breeze carrying clouds over Austin’s skyline really set the tone for Kite Fest 2026. Congratulations to all the trophy winners this year! More long and short form footage coming soon 🎥 #abckitefest #austin #s5iix #videography

May you find comfort in the blackest nights by the candlelight burning infinitely within you. May moments of uncertainty be quelled by the flicker that your flames shed hope unto. Even as the dense fog seemingly smothers all into a void, your light will never cease to burn. And one day, the blackest clouds overhead will part, and you will find yourself radiating anew. #s5ii #austin #photography

How many innocent individuals need to die? How many good hearted humans need to die? How many more of our neighbors need to die before anything changes? And the machine continues churning. Continues consuming. Continues to lie and tells you to go about your day. And you’re expected to continue as if scarlet isn’t staining the streets and sidewalks. History is being repeated and written anew. Dystopian novelists are becoming prophets, but hey you can still get yourself a lil burgy and fries for only $19.99 while children are being stripped away from their parents by government forces. Government forces with a “shoot first, no questions later” mentality. As it stands, the highest lawful government body meant to uphold Justice in this country, has decided that these instances of murder, are not worthy of investigation due to “self defense”. American citizens are now being held responsible for the lack of training that these ICE agents have been given, by receiving a gunshot to the head, and multiple to their bodies. Just because you don’t see it with your own eyes, doesn’t mean it isn’t happening to other living and breathing humans. Just because it’s not happening down your street, doesn’t mean it isn’t happening in America. Many of us have lost our connection to one another as humans. It shows.

A sampling of bites in 2025 #foodismedicine #foodphotos #yeschef #savorymoments #yeswethrewawaytheplasticcuttingboard

Bits o’ 2025 #photography📷 #art #whatisthepoint #sensual

2025 was a difficult year for me creatively. Dissonance, disconnect, and uncertainty abound. And so, at a time when I’m lucky enough finally let out a sigh in a moment of quiet, I find myself wanting to remind us all that despite the pervasive rhetoric of war, destruction, and erasure spewed at us on a daily basis, spending time with creativity can help one persevere amidst the BS. This is a time when art (in every sense of the word) needs to be shared. To remind us all of the humanity that exists around us, when technology and artificial intelligence companies seek to control the narrative of our life. I encourage you to feel empowered spending time at play, even in moments of chaos. This is your reminder to continue sharing your beauty with the world. Thank you to @howdybuilt , @topplingtreeyogi , and @maridad.studio for supporting my vision and art. #s5iix #awakingeye #photooftheday #panasonic #austin

Slow down along with the Earth. Let thoughts flow through you as you meditate on what needs to be transformed. Bring awareness to the things calling out from within oneself.

Met so many wonderful vendors and individuals at LatinFest ATX, put on by @flores.market.atx at @canopyaustin Shoutout to @lamapachitaatx for the delicious Gringa Tamales, @chatoncakes for the delectable Cuban Rum Cake, and @grandpasglizzys for that special corn glizzy 🤤 Absolutely wonderful seeing the beautiful art by @camillesimonelema , @given.luz , and @maridad.studio Enjoy these lovely portraits of some of the vendors at the market this weekend while you dance to Selena 💃 #latinfest #austinart #austintexas #portraitphotography #farmersmarket #mariachi #awakingeye

Tend To The Garden Photograph 2024 It’s bittersweet that this first photo be posted on a day that will pave the road for the future of women’s rights. Today, Americans are not only voting for the next Idiot in Chief, but are also voting for the individual who will decide what happens to future rhetoric/action regarding women’s bodies. Shame, guilt, depression, disappointment, anger, confusion, fear, and/or anxiety are all emotions that a woman in your life (or you as a woman), has experienced because of societal constructs and expectations. These feelings prompted by narratives like, “you have to look like this to be/feel beautiful”, or “you have to do these things to be a real woman”, or “you have to act a specifically curated way to not be a bitch”, or “your body is not your own to govern”. Like flowers, all women have their own unique petals, scents, stalks, root structures, and ecosystems. Each needs their own amount of water, sunshine (or moonlight), soil composition, or structural support. Every flower unique. Every flower essential. So I ask: What can you do to help the flower(s) in your life, bloom? This photo was brought into existence with the help of the radiant flower, @maridad.studio . Her piece titled “Fall Wildflowers” definitely made its way into my subconscious. Come take a look at what else we’ve shot for this series during the EAST AUSTIN STUDIO TOUR 2024. This coming November Sat. 16th and Sun. 17th, I’ll be at @2324atx with the @2324eastcollective , showing my photography and videography, along 30+ other artists. I hope to see you there!! Ps. If you haven’t, please take some time today to get in line and vote for the future of our country. #womensrights #flowers #photooftheday #vote #fallwildflowers #east #austinstudiotour #electionday