The term griot is most popularly associated with the spoken word. The traditional function of a griot is to keep an oral history of the tribe, village or family, often by entertaining with stories, poems, songs, and dances. I, through my work in photography, would like to expand the idea of the griot to also include images. I want my work to tell life’s stories, therefore I identify with the village griot.

I want to use my photography to keep a visual history of the many “villages” that make up the world we live in. While I naturally identify with my own community, I don’t intend to limit myself. With my camera, I want to capture all types of human beings in their natural habitats. I want my images to shock, awe, and inspire, but I also want them to spark a dialogue that will continue to raise awareness about our sameness and encourage tolerance for our differences.