I was contacted by an Art curator earlier this week and invited to participate in an upcoming exhibit titled "Happiness." The exhibit explores questions such as; What makes one truly happy? Where does one look for happiness? Is it associated with material gratification for some or does lie deeper within personal values for others?
This topic really had me thinking about what is truly at the root of my inspiration behind my photography & art, where do my own values lie and what are my own sources of happiness?
These are fully loaded questions. So, to help me narrow it down a bit, I came up with three questions that I then asked myself. My questions & answers are below.
1. What are 5 of your core personal values? (Core values are guiding principles of your life that help you determine your behavior, words and actions)
Commitment, Empathy, Vitality, Adventure, Sincerity & Vision!
2. What makes you genuinely happy? (Closely aligned with core values)
Art, beauty, warmth, the ocean, beach and tropical climates, being outdoors and in nature - especially El Yunque Rainforest, culture, community and a sense of connectivity and belonging, travel, exploration, expressing, children and of course, CREATING!
3. If money were no object, how would you live your life differently?
I would leave New York, head to Puerto Rico and build an art studio & home nestled somewhere high up in El Yunque.
Question number three, resonated with me the most. I realized this is an aspiration I've had since childhood; making it that much more authentic.
Taking the time to answer these questions helped me better understand why I choose to photograph and paint the images I do. I'm strongly influenced by the environment I'm in. There's a deep connectivity I have to the island. Puerto Rico has so much natural beauty, a rich, multifaceted history and of course, cultura. So, naturally, I feel almost always compelled to capture and celebrate it visually.
Now, it's your turn. I'm excited to know what truly makes you happy?
E-mail me HERE and share your answers or just reply to this e-mail. I'd love to hear from you!
