Artist Statement:

We live in a world filled with constant explosions of strong opinions, biases, fears, and energy. In this chaos, nothing feels entirely safe. We are tightly packed, surrounded by unpredictable explosions erupting in every direction.

In this series, I capture shifting bursts of color, light, and energy. All of these images are shot handheld, dancing in rhythm with the evolution of the rapidly changing forms. I was taught by award-winning pyrotechnicians to build my own professional-class shells. Knowing the chemistry, physics, and complex structure of the shells, as well as the rhythm of the fireworks, has given me an intuition that informs every image I create. Each image records an event that cannot be repeated and shows how fragile beauty and belief can be.

The colors in the firework images are intentionally inverted, like a film camera’s color negatives. Vibrant hues transform into soft pastels, and once-familiar shapes become something else. The images carry the essence of Rorschach tests, which were designed to reveal subconscious thoughts and emotions.

By using color negatives, I also play on the idea of “negative.” Negatives can shift perception and turn positives into negatives and vice versa. This color inversion encourages one to pause and question what is seen. When printed large, these images immerse viewers in the abstractions. They create a feeling of contemplation and transcendence. As we look deeper, we may find that our thoughts evolve. This visual shift invites dialogue with others about their own perceptions.

Do these color-negative images of fleeting explosions serve as a Rorschach test for our times?

What memories, music, or stories flood back into your mind?

What feelings and impressions emerge while exploring them?