I'm an artist/creator & I speak through my imagery. Through a chain of events, I was moved to create these images to speak my voice about the injustice that is happening around our country. This photoshoot was based around the hashtag #stopasianhate. These 3 models, Melani, Marissa & Chelsea, all have backstories about discrimination, racism & violence. My goal was not to ask any 3 “Asian” models to be part of this shoot, I wanted it to have meaning behind the words of the girls holding the signs. These are strong young ladies who have the heart to help me speak out for this senseless violence that is plaguing our cities.
WE ARE NOT A VIRUS
I’ve lived in Hawaii all my life, a melting pot of diverse multicultural people, but it's not to say that racism does not exist here in the land of Aloha. I have had my share of being in a community where I did not feel welcome or have heard stories from close friends of racism & discrimination.
I cannot for the life of me understand WHY someone would feel that it is the fault of an entire race that has cause a world pandemic?!?
Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity…Martin Luther King, Jr.
RACISM
DISCRIMINATION
VIOLENCE
Melani, Marissa & Chelsea are models that I photographed in the past & who I am honored to call friends now! Like all shoots, we had our fair share of problems, like the paper not catching on fire, so I had to add it in post. The constant change of ambient light & cars driving in & out of the alley. I did want to keep the atmosphere light & yes it was a fun shoot with everyone. I also asked 2 of my good friends Brandon & Tien, to help assist me with the setup & lighting, could’’t have done it without them!
Thank you so Melani, Marissa, Chelsea, Brandon & Tien, you guys are DA BEST!!!
Learn, grow…repeat!
Aloha a hui hou my friends!
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