4950x 

Project Statement

The vivid tapestry of people who call the Grand Rapids area home is a gift. As a new resident of Grand Rapids, I sought to broaden my community and find a sense of belonging. This project helped me find both. Driven by the feeling of not belonging in a place, the past 10 years of my art was about imagining spaces that could be. As a returning Michigan native I now feel at home and I excitedly turn my lens toward my new community. My goal for this project is to build bridges, both personal and communal, and to connect with others in the recognition of the value each of us brings to this place we call home.

Project Background

The people pictured in this short film were encountered organically while exploring the Grand Rapids area zip codes of 49503-49509. With no time to prepare for a portrait, I captured them as they were, preserving the “realness” of the encounter. The backgrounds and compositions were chosen in the moment and were always within a few steps of where we met. The sounds were all recorded around Grand Rapids. I met amazing people and heard many interesting stories about my new community and its history. The best part of this project was running into one of my new friends where I teach at Grand Rapids Community College; such a beautiful “small world” moment. Grand Rapids is a dynamic city and I am proud to call it home. 

Stats for Nerds 

Filmed with a Fuji GFX 100ii camera in 5.8k (2.35:1), 4:2:2 10-bit, Flog 2c, with vintage Mamiya 645 MF lenses. (35mm f/3.5 & 80mm f/1.9) Edited DaVinci Resolve and presented in high dynamic range (HDR).  

Below are a selection of frame grabs from the film.