Artist Statement
I've lived and experienced different parts of the world, amongst diverse people of varying economic conditions and social standing, from East Africa to Saskatchewan, from the Hawaiian Islands to the Island of Sri-Lanka and from Papa New Guinea to New York City. Similar archetypes exist globally, and values and norms change with time.
Despite superficial differences, our underlying universal yearnings are alike; we yearn for acceptance, love, and happiness. However, our reality is confused by a torrent of messages that subliminally invade our subconscious. Is Viagra the answer to happiness? Are women less capable than men? Is poverty due to laziness?
Experience and cultural narrative create our reality. Too often, these self-serving myths are generated by those that wish to influence our behavior. These myths are eventually integrated into our historical legacy, immortalized and reinforced by films, then blindly followed as truth. These invisible forces imprison our minds, limit our potential and legitimize the dehumanizing of others.
However, it's possible to create films that provide a different reality, to break down preconceived notions and to reveal alternate possibilities.
Despite superficial differences, our underlying universal yearnings are alike; we yearn for acceptance, love, and happiness. However, our reality is confused by a torrent of messages that subliminally invade our subconscious. Is Viagra the answer to happiness? Are women less capable than men? Is poverty due to laziness?
Experience and cultural narrative create our reality. Too often, these self-serving myths are generated by those that wish to influence our behavior. These myths are eventually integrated into our historical legacy, immortalized and reinforced by films, then blindly followed as truth. These invisible forces imprison our minds, limit our potential and legitimize the dehumanizing of others.
However, it's possible to create films that provide a different reality, to break down preconceived notions and to reveal alternate possibilities.