My childhood was very fun. It’s something I definitely look back on often.
It’s these childhood memories that I carry with me throughout every aspect of life. I smile when thinking back to the time I first visited Berlin at 7 years old, learning about its history and experiencing a different culture. Or the time we went to Disney World, and my mother slapped Piglet’s ass. How could I forget a moment like that? My crazy, creative, open-minded parents are the reason I am who I am. I grew up mostly embarrassed by the things they would do, and that helped me subconsciously learn that the world may judge, but what’s most important is how you feel in the world.
This concept is something they took into their art. When I found my passion for filmmaking and photography, they made sure to show me the ropes, but explained these are simply tools that I may use in whichever way I want. To create whatever I want.
My mom’s art has provoked many, and one can truly see just how much she loves to experiment when creating photographs or editing them. My father’s scripts and commercials are just really fucking funny. He strives, every day, in everything he does, even if it’s just an instagram post, to be as original as possible. He hates being predictable.
I’ve always been able to share my art with them – from the first thought and throughout the entire process, until I reached a point of satisfaction with my work. They provide a safe space for us to debate, challenge, and speak honestly about what we create. Their support is not only “Good job!” or “That’s beautiful!” but also a conversation, in which I learn more about how I want my audience to feel when viewing my work.
Throughout my childhood, my parents and I would make short films together. I was a bit of an inventor between the ages of 6 and 10, and we would often create videos of me explaining my new inventions. In elementary school we made a short film about littlest pet shops adventuring down to the kitchen for juice, and another about a snowman we built that would swear at us in french. In middle school we made a music video to Thrift Shop by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis. There are so many different types of videos to make, and I challenged myself to try out all of them.
In terms of photography, I would bring my camera everywhere. My mom and I would frequently stop at places to snap some pics and then continue on with whatever it was we were doing. My interest in cinematography really sprouted from this – not film. By college, I began to really merge the two together and sharpen my skills.
My films and other work would not be the same if it weren’t for my parents’ talents and willingness to help me create my work and guide me over the years.