THE EVOLUTION OF CLAIR

"Today is my 25th birthday," Clair exclaimed at our last photo session. I said, "It cannot be. That would mean we have been working together for over five years!"

The Evolution of Clair has been a well-documented series in my work.

The story of "Clair" has been an inspiration since I discovered her shortly after she arrived in Basalt. She uprooted from her home in a one-stop-sign town in Western Virginia to follow the love of her life to Colorado. She was painfully shy. Yet, I was so drawn to her wispy stature and fairy-like presence that I asked her to model.

However, it was her transformation when she connected to the camera, that was astounding. I actually, without thinking, said, "WHO ARE YOU?" in disbelief of what I saw. She engaged so poignantly with the camera fearlessly and with a kind of direct confidence that did not seem congruent with her usual demeanor. Then she answered my question with a channeled voice," I AM CLAIR!."

It was chilling.

She is genuinely her namesake. Full of clarity and light.

Over the years, Clair has become my muse. In addition, she is my collaborator on costuming, working her magic with a piece of fabric to produce a flowing garment throughout my images. Finally, she is the hairstylist, as she tosses her hair into elaborate creations, sometimes creating headdresses and fairy wings out of twigs and flowers. Over the years, we have bonded in our work together. I am so honored to share her presence and spirit in the images we create together. I will always be grateful to Clair, who has blossomed into a beautiful woman.

She continually surprises me with her strength and diligence that she uses to create her own enlightened life.