The journey of my self-portraits began with a dramatic shift—from the bustling streets of Beverly Hills to the quiet, sprawling landscapes of Bobcaygeon. The transition brought with it a stark contrast, trading the constant noise and distractions of city life for the stillness of a small town. It was here, in isolation, that I turned the camera on myself. At first, it was out of necessity—there was no one else to shoot. The solitude and unfamiliar environment pushed me to become both the photographer and the subject, forcing me to look inward and use photography not just as a medium, but as a mirror.

As the world went into lockdown due to COVID-19, the limitations became even more pronounced. The option to photograph others disappeared entirely, and self-portraiture transformed from a creative outlet into a path for self-discovery. What began as a way to pass time grew into an intimate exploration of identity. The camera captured more than just a person in isolation—it documented my unfolding relationship with solitude and the natural world around me. I wasn’t just taking pictures; I was capturing the evolution of my inner life.

Nudity became a significant part of this journey, symbolizing a return to my most natural, unfiltered state. Being nude was not just a visual choice but a way to embrace rawness and authenticity. It allowed me to shed societal expectations and reveal my true self. In this simplicity, I found freedom—a freedom mirrored in my transition to a minimalist lifestyle. My previous life had been cluttered with things and endless distractions. Letting go of those objects mirrored the simplicity I embraced in my art, allowing space for the quiet details, the fleeting moments, and the vulnerability of being unshielded by material possessions.

Revisiting places from my past, like Mexico, became a powerful contrast between who I was and who I had become. What were once busy, tourist-filled locations took on new meaning, resonating with the stillness I had come to value. These return visits allowed me to document my transformation, using self-portraiture as a conversation between my past and present selves.

I stopped collecting things and began collecting moments. I would take photos not for others, not to share or curate an online image, but to simply capture experiences for myself. Many of these images remain untouched, unedited, and unshared, existing as raw reminders of my journey. It is a quiet rebellion in a world driven by validation and visibility. For me, these moments are my most valuable possessions—imperfect, sacred, and deeply personal. They are souvenirs from a path of growth and self-discovery, each one a testament to the freedom I found in letting go.

The art of detachment became the art of connection: love all, attach to nothing, connect to everything. It’s about embracing the beauty around me without clinging to it, finding freedom in letting go, and realizing that true connection comes not from possession, but from presence.