ARTIST STATEMENT

My mom gave me a camera for my 5th birthday while we were living in Berlin, Germany. We were getting ready to take a trip around Europe and my mom wanted me to take “some” pictures to save the memories. As a result of this insightful gift, I have continuously carried a camera with me ever since.

Over the years, the number of cameras that I carried in my pack expanded. I traveled around the world and couldn’t imagine missing an image. I have always treasured the images I’ve taken, but up until 2009, I rarely shared these images with others.

On January 21, 2009, I received a phone call from my doctor.  She told me that the biopsy results had come back positive for lymphoma and that I needed to start chemo as soon as possible. Over the next few months, I had to make decisions about what I would do with my life.  I continued to hike, climb and see some of the most beautiful places in the world. 

About 5 years ago, I met Brittany Lunsford Kurz, which was one of the most important events in my professional life.  She is a fantastic production artist and an extremely talented photographer.  We share a creative streak that is necessary to create astrophotography – she is a friend, educator, and wonderful teammate.