I've started a new personal project this week, something that's been sitting in my heart for a long time now. I've always wanted to celebrate Nish people and culture through a series of portraits.
Despite our obvious hardships both socially and politically, we're comprised of many beautiful and diverse nations. Within those nations are many vibrant souls - all carrying their own strengths, values and beliefs. People we look up to. People we admire. People we honour. Whether it's your brother, your aunt, your friend or your neighbour, we all look to someone who inspires us to be better human beings.
Over the next couple of years I'll be photographing as many people as I can.
My goal is to get the series into galleries and eventually published into a book. In the meantime, some of the images will be published in Sagatay-Wasaya Airways in-flight magazine published by Wawatay News.
Stye Quequish is a young hip hop artist residing in Sioux Lookout. He's also a powwow dancer. I first met Stye for a magazine shoot. He struck me as someone I wanted to photograph again. He has a strong quiet presence and although only in his early 20s, he knows who he is and what he wants to contribute to life. He impressed me as one of those youth who not only raps a positive message but who also lives his life in the same manner.
He was a pleasure to work with, not only did he get up incredibly early - our first shoot started at 7 am, but he also suggested a late afternoon time to give me some choices.
Beautiful shots!
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