Artist Statement

I am an artist who has lived in Columbia County for ten years. I am originally from Chicago and New York City, where I split my childhood between my two parents (one lived in each city). As an only child in the 80's, I grew up while in Chicago going out on the town with my two aunts, who were both very fond of the nightlife. Restaurants, shopping, bars, parties and exploring places in the city is how we spent our time together all summer and over the holiday breaks while I was there. As Polish immigrants, they were fascinated by American culture, and I experienced it through their eyes, mostly while they spoke Polish. The photography work that I have been very much focused on for the last six years has been a deep dive into my childhood. I take photos that are somewhat like staged memories, including vintage locations and outfits that my daughter and her friends wear. It is only within the Hudson Valley that I have focused this photography project, and I consider it documentary by nature, as well as art.

Fashion, youth, girlhood, the Hudson Valley, America, lost and found dreams, friendship, isolation, hope and imagination are all threads that stand out in my work and process.