July 20th - 11:55

Title: July 20th - 11:55 Medium: Super-8 film Aspect Ratio: 4:3 Resolution: 2880 x 2160 File Type: H.264 Codec / MP4. Comments: After having breakfast with aunt Lisa we drove north a couple hours to go see her son, my cousin, Cassidy! He was in the middle of work and was able to sneak out before lunch time to make art with us right outside of his building, while his co-workers watched through the one way reflective glass windows. He had to get back to work before his boss got wind of us lingering on the property. We drove four hours for ten seconds to make art that lasts an eternity. There was nothing around but the scorching hot parking lot and the grey mirrored building so I had to act fast and adapt. Which was my favorite part of being under pressure in situations with difficult lighting, locations, or subjects. These are usually the greatest lessons when a breakthrough occur, it's an instinct. So, I took a deep breath and felt the flow of the wind and the focus of my eyes guide me. Aha! I grabbed Cassidy and placed him against the wall next to the windows in the cool shade. I asked him to look up towards God and pray. He came from a religious side of the family so it was natural for him, and he looked good doing it too. I swear, he could've been a male model if he wasn't working for sports teams supporting the kids. We hugged goodbye and promised he would visit us soon in New York. He ran back inside the building and we drove off to go visit Ethan's friend in Cape May. Cassidy is like a brother to me and one of my closest family members since we are only a few years apart. I usually see him once every few years. Every time I see him he becomes more of a handsome man and is always looking like he evolved into next stage of a professional weightlifter. He visits me often in the city to catch a baseball game. When he does we get to spend some quality time cruising the city and I get to show him cool parts of town, as a good cousin should! Family feels different when you include them into an art project. It is like a relic that transcends time and connection. It feels like imbuing love into a crystal to share to the world. The light of someone you cherish their being and life to share with the world. A way of honor through craft and gentle care. Transmitting emotion and empathy of the gratitude to share the same DNA and carry the blood forth into new generations. Family is sacred. And this is my gift to the roots of the tree and leaves that continues to grow past our lives. Proof of the past that existed in time. To see who, and where, at what time. Mindful of the moment created in the present, joyful to look back into the past, caretaking for the future to see and learn.