Freedom to Fly
Facing a struggling economy, a rising climate crisis and quickly diminishing reproductive rights, women in the US are facing the greatest challenge to autonomy in decades. The women I photographed in “Freedom to Fly” are combatting these restraints. They’ve found the freedom to fly, using what they have: skateboards.
After I moved back to New York City after years away, I discovered a thriving all-female and non-binary skate culture. Through my research, I met Oriauna, a 21-year old Canadian visual artist and skateboarder. She brought me into her world and introduced me to five other women who in turn invited me to skating events where I more women who agreed to participate in my photo series. On their own time, they volunteered to be photographed, for which I am grateful. These young women are facing down the inequities in the world with resilience, openness and adventure. Their sisterhood gives me hope.