This work explores the identity of black women on a personal and intimate level. I was inspired by the representation of women of color in the media and my passion to create something that challenged the ideals typically associated with black women. Growing up, I was always told that I was aggressive and too assertive. I grew up thinking that I wasn't fulfilling my own identity as a young woman of color if I didn’t present myself as a strong and courageous activist or rebel. However, with time I came to understand that black women do not always have to be strong, overbearing, or assertive characters to still be black women. In response to this, I set out to create a series mixed with portraits and landscape photography, to illustrate the softness, vulnerability, and femininity that encompasses people. It was important to me to stay true to the personality of the model photographed, while still creating a representational narrative of the essence of black femininity.
The inclusion of landscapes in this narrative was imperative to me for several reasons. In a literal sense, nature is constantly changing and growing. As seasons pass nature evolves to take on a different appearance. In relation to the representation of women, I felt the two aligned for obvious reasons. Spiritually, nature has been viewed as a divine entity, one that is idyllic and pure yet still mysterious. All of these qualities I felt were representational of the message I wanted to convey with this work. Women of color are more than just the stereotypes and assumptions they may have grown up hearing. They can be gentle, they can be peaceful, they can have fun, and more importantly, they can just be their authentic selves.