A glance, your head turns, an immediate judgement is made about someone just because of the way they look. We all do it. Opening September 1, 2007 is the conceptual photographic series "Labeled".  A black and white portrayal of derogatory, judgmental societal terms placed on people that do not expressly define the individual. My mission and intent of this series is to draw attention to the lack of unity and camaraderie that exists in society and relationships due to barriers that we build between each other. These labels not only discourage progress within ourselves and as a society, but enable gateways for anger and violence. Labels are used to ease the apperception of individuals; a cowardly way of excusing our prejudices.  I hope that you will view my portrayal with an open mind, so that judgement may not enter but rather will be pinpointed within yourself. 


    All of the individuals in this series of fotos are people that I know (except for "Bum", who is an actual homeless man in Orlando). They are not professional models who did this for a paid gig. They are "normal" yet extraordinary individuals who wanted to be a part of this project because they saw it's purpose. All of the models can relate to and in some ways own the label they are wearing, however, adamantly agree that the label does not define who they are as a person or the measure of their worth. The subjects were hand painted and photographed, no Photoshop was used in creating the paint on them. During the shooting process my goal was to capture the reality, intensity and hurtfulness of each "label" through the subject's eyes. It was imperative to make sure that the reality of this concept and series was followed through in every detail and it was not unnecessarily contrived. Therefore all of the subjects wore their own clothes (or lack of) and there were no additional hair or make-up provisions.

   
    There is no way for me to take credit for this work with thanking all of the people that helped make this happen. Truth be told, it wouldn't have happened without them. Thank you my family and friends, especially Shawna, Allison, Lindsey, Michael, Kari, Robert and Tony who have dedicated time, money, and much energy into supporting me and encouraging me to go forward with this as well as seeing me through the process. You all have gone above and beyond the call of friendship and love and have given me a place to stand in this world. Thank you to my parents who ingrained within me the creed "do unto others as you would have done to you." I hope I have made you proud. I thank each and every one of the subjects for being a part of this journey with me, you all have been amazing and a true source of inspiration. To the vendors and sponsors, your helpfulness, professionalism and patience with me is much appreciated. Thank you to The GLBCC Center for all your hospitality and allowing me to use your space to create my vision. To Colonial Photo & Hobby, for your wonderful services and beautiful products. You have a loyal customer in me. To Heidi and Lynda at Regent Art and Design: thank you, thank you, thank you! You ladies really saved my neck this time! You are always so great to work with and it is always such a pleasure. To Pom, thank you for all that you have done for me, and for all that you do for the art community and the community in general. You are an amazing and talented woman and I have such great respect for you.