Briefly About Me

                                                                             
I was born into a family of creative hearts. My dear grandmother, of whom I spent much time  with in  my younger years, taught me the art of sewing and making crafts. I watched my grandfather design and build his homes, sheds, and crafty patio decks. And my father, who is an instinctual reniassance man, introduced me to the art of oil painting landscapes after his work days when I was age 15.

I began my photography with a little point and shoot that held 110 film back when I was in the 7th grade. I enjoyed the how photographs allowed for events and stories to be more creatively shared with friends and family. And there was happiness to give someone a picture of a moment in time in which they existed.

This led me to study photography in art school at the University of Colorado in Boulder. There, I practiced the craft of making studio art, which was a nice contrast to the photography I made in more natural environments.  Studio work became a place were I could really imagine idyllic charactors of my subjects and make them come live as if they were a theater production. 

Recently, I have been traveling around the globe visiting family and friends, discovering new places. However, in my opinion, I feel that photography comes from the places closest to you. Most of my imagery begins with the desire to capture, like holding breath underwater,  the sensual characteristics of people and places that have inspired me along the way. *The Act of Artistic is in Us All.* And one thing is certain, in front or behind the camera, there are so many opportunities to express Thyself for the embracement of light and and internal strength. 

Currently, I am studying for a Masters degree in Global Leadership at Hawaii Pacific University. This path is a natural contrast and compliment to living an artistic life.  I have always been interested in human movements and periods of conscious leaps and bounds. I hope to integrate the concepts of "gobal citizen" into my next tide of work. Until then, enjoy.   

Elif~