ideas. images. thoughts. rants. blog.
perspective.
fallen. broken. dead.
During my visit to Yellowstone National Park, I watched many visitors walk past this tree. No longer standing to its great size, it cast a different image than what it provided for many decades if not centuries.
closer look.
What many viewed as a dead tree, I thought otherwise and decided to take a closer look. Visible to all that would look beyond "the dead tree" was very intricate detail telling the history and life of this tree. 
repurpose.
Like many things in life, it's about the perspective you use to view a situation or thing. Often times, when something is not doing what it has always done, it appears to be useless. I approach it a bit differently when I view it through my photographic eye and heart.
When I stumble upon such a sight, I see that the tree is showing me what it's really about. That its beauty is not just in the towering image that has stood there for so many years, but also in the details and character that lies within, like all things -- at its roots.
When you can shift your perspective and see situations or things in new light, you're able to see a broader purpose. For me, this tree continues to grow. Maybe not in the ground, but as my artistic inspiration and constant reminder that perspective is key, in all things related to my roots -
art & life.
same image. different perspective.
Freedom
The secret of happiness is freedom. The secret of freedom is courage.
Soar as high as you can go. When you get there, soar further.
Photographic Art Murals installed at Gulf Coast Community Services Association
Think Big. Do Big.
As the saying goes, "Everything's bigger in Texas" and when it was time to work with Gulf Coast Community Services Association, that saying rang true. During our conversations with GCCSA's leadership team (as well as designer Amilee Wendt - Wendt Design Group and art consultant, Ana Villaronga-Roman, Tradarte) to determine the artwork for the lobby and auditorium walls, the theme of larger-than-life was key in the images that would be displayed at GCCSA's headquarters. GCCSA was founded in 1965 and is a private, nonprofit organization that exists to strengthen the educational, social and economic well-being of individuals and families as they move towards independence and self-sufficiency. 
From Vision to Reality
Thinking big has never been a problem for me and when it comes to photography, the bigger the image, the better to the viewer. We installed 18 panels between both locations with images encapsulating the programs, people and attitude that GCCSA embodies in all their efforts. From adult education classes to food pantry services to impacting the children at Head Start programs, GCCSA is one busy agency. The words that resonated during our meetings are those that are the roots to all their efforts - EQUIP, EDUCATE and EMPOWER. It's no surprise we added them to the lobby mural with the images reinforcing these three simple, yet strong words.
To see the album of images taken during the installation, click here
A Splash of Fine Art
It was an added treat to have GCCSA select AHEAD from my Antelope Canyon series in the waiting area outside the staff conference room for any guests that may need to wait for a few minutes. I've heard people don't mind waiting for the meetings these days!
Find out more:
Gulf Coast Community Services Association
Tradarte, Ana Villaronga-Roman
Wendt Design Group, Amilee Wendt, ASID, RID
