Tempest Revived

A quiet inward turn following the fury of a tempest.

This image, surfacing for the first time, was taken the morning after Hurricane Hermine ripped through Florida last year. It is from the same series of photographs that are presented with my resurrected poem, Tempest Overcome. 

I was en route to northern Florida from St.Augustine this time last year. I was on the way to shoot with my favorites, Photosensualis, when my car broke down on the side of the highway; right in the path of a hurricane that was barreling ashore. Fortunately, my tow truck driver was kind enough to fudge the mileage a little so that the tow would fit within my allowed 'AAA' mileage. 

Two hours later, the truck driver dropped my car and I off at the mechanics with impeccable timing as they were just battening down the hatches against the storm. I wound up being stranded in Florida for two weeks, but was so fortunate to be in the safe and creative company of my favorite collaborators.

We decided to test the storm, and these images are now symbols of tenacity in the wake of chaos. 

These images and words have served as metaphors by which I am continually expressing loss and healing through recognizing the strength in chaos as transition. 

They are also literally appropriate right now, as so many of these transitions are inherently tied into ruthless acts of nature.

I am relieved to know that the hurricane has spared my friends and loved ones in Florida (Photosensualis being among those). Though, my thoughts and empathy are with those who are experiencing total loss.

Moreover, I am happy to know that the hurricane has lost momentum and will not make landfall in Jersey. I return home in two days, and with my peace of mind, and a little rest, I will revisit my piece on 'the notion of home,'  with even stronger clarity.

I have spent the last few days adventuring in Maui with a good photographer friend. The time here has taken the edge off of the anxiety in anticipating Hurricane Irma. In the following days, I will be featuring imagery from the incredibly powerful experience I had here. 

As usual, expect small features here. Within the next week, these tidbits will feature in completion on the Tumblr blogs. 

Stay tuned.