UNICORNS in the RAD

As an artist and photographer, I cherish the moments that allow me to infuse my work with a piece of myself and connect with those drawn to it. Recently, a chance encounter with a beautiful black family outside my studio brought me an unexpected and much-needed source of joy.

At that moment, I was reminded of the wise words of Joseph Pearson, who encouraged me to "be myself" and to put my whole self into my work. It was a feeling that came naturally as I stepped outside for some sunlight and noticed the family passing by.

As fate would have it, I had just decided to display a piece of art that I typically keep hidden, featuring Biggie Smalls. Despite the potential for different interpretations by different cultures, I felt a strong urge to share it with this family.

And as luck would have it, the family turned the corner and noticed the piece and their pure joy and excitement were exactly what my soul needed in that moment. It was a meaningful connection that I crave and one that reminded me of the power of art to bridge gaps and bring people together. I told them how I saw them and put the piece out there and we all laughed at how timing and fate work well together.

So, to the universe, I say thank you for sending the Unicorns of the RAD my way. Their visit was truly magical and much needed, and I am grateful for the reminder always to be myself and to put my whole self into my work.

This is Na'ama~

 Fierce and courageous in life. I have the privilege to learn and grow with Na'ama in my studio and in beautiful settings around these sacred lands. She reminds me of an ancient queen in her youth. She is full of fire and the sun covers its eyes to gaze apon her. I can sense all the strong women and courageous warriors that have come before her when theragraphy* is happening. 

She radiates love and passion. When we first started hanging out it was because our energy knew each other before we said a word. I am so thankful for her and I look forward to seeing where she will go. Na'ama is off to NY soon to do what I have already seen she will do~She will travel the world many times over.

She was born in Goa, India. Her father, Alon, is Moroccan Israeli and her mother's name is Pamela, she is American. 

Na'ama is a citizenship of Israel and the US.

I'm thankful she trusts me and we can create anything we set out to create. 

Let the beauty of what you love be what you do.

Rumi
 

Misting of Light

Untouched. Nude series*

 I love keeping it simple.

 A classic accessory for a woman is nothing~

I love transformations in a session! It’s such an integral part of what I do.

Simple = simply gorgeous.

The lines on her feet. Some of my favorite lines on a woman.

 I’ve been loving this lighting set-up lately! It’s gorgeous and super easy to do.

I wanted to create moody, flattering, dramatic and I think we accomplished that.

Lucca has the most infectious enthusiasm. About whatever she happens to be doing at the moment. She’s good energy all the time. 

Thank You Lucca for allowing me to take your portrait. Many Blessings to you!

Na'ama

“Some people walk in the rain, others just get wet”

— ROGER MILLER

"Splish Slpash Splatter!" she said "I want to play in the rain." So we did~ In one of the final days in August we got to play! It's always nice to meet new people with such a bright outlook on life. I met this 'muse in training' some years ago. It was at a old friend's house. She was in 6th grade if I remember correctly. Sweet little child had grown into a fine intelligent being!

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Another session in theragraphy!

MAD MAX TRIBUTE SHOOT

“What are the roots that clutch, what branches grow
Out of this stony rubbish? Son of man,
You cannot say, or guess, for you know only
A heap of broken images, where the sun beats,
And the dead tree gives no shelter, the cricket no relief,
And the dry stone no sound of water. Only
There is shadow under this red rock,
(Come in under the shadow of this red rock),
And I will show you something different from either
Your shadow at morning striding behind you
Or your shadow at evening rising to meet you;
I will show you fear in a handful of dust.”

— T. S. Eliot

Finding myself running into the fantasy of this story as a child was easy for me! Mesmerizing!

 The scene was something I have never imagined. Wheels turned like the gears on some of those classic cars brawling around and bashing each other in fire and death! I loved it! 

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“Remember: no matter where you go, there you are.”

— PIG KILLER

I was entertained of the idea of a lost world. MAD MAX was the first time I saw the world for what it could be. How close to that reality are we? Scary how it is all so plausible and destined. Not for me in my head. I choose to see a thriving and surpassing land for those we leave behind. Using fossil fuels as if they just appeared. Sometimes living on this earth feels foreign. Alas, it is not the enchanted green utopia that I dreamt of.  MAD MAX was so out there it just felt natural to put myself into that creation.

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So I can not help the urge, the force that is in me to create. It's mostly what the engine runs on. So when I tell my friends the idea, they come together! So powerful the force. My right hand Tracie Mackenzie Simpson, my wife, my rock, My Love! She is able to tell me what I am thinking when I think in colors and textures. She is my Art Google! Amy L. Neill (OX+CO), Co-Creative Director and second eye of this shoot. Thankful for the direction and input on this shoot. I do not doubt your words! Danielle Miller was stylist and provided the wardrobe by Royal Peasantry. Your works are always different and so flattering to the female form! Thank you for bringing Sophie and Gyan to the set to help me see the vision!  Bailey Townley was the model for this shoot! This was our first shoot...No, It will not be the last! Amy Day Dougherty was the Lead hairstylist and owner of Nebula Beauty Lab, I have worked with Amy before and her OUT IF THIS WORLD Daughter Veda! PHENOMS Folks!!! They are so fun to be around with them just being themselves. When you say,"Go!" They Get it!. Eric France second camera. I love Eric's works! The man goes dark and it looks good! So it was a no brainer to have him along with me on this shoot.  Koa is the boy in mud. He came through like a champ! This was he's first shoot and he was slightly nervous! Sir!, You are a rockstar!!! Michelle Ford provided some of the head pieces.  Want to see beauty. Check out her works! Olympia LeHota thank you being such a gracious and gorgeous model!  Jonathan Higgins was videographer for this shoot. So professional it makes no sense! Thank you for capturing this Amazing Day in my back yard! You are one talented MF!  Yes Folks, All of it was shot in my backyard. You look at it and you don't really see anything special...but I did. An Idea became reality really quick and I'm so THANKFUL for all of you that helped me execute this idea with the timing it needed! 

Micah Mackenzie-Creative Director/Director of Photography

Tracie Mackenzie Simpson-Producer/Assisting Director/Set design

Amy L. Neill-Co Creative Director/OX+CO/@oxandco/#oxandco

Danielle Miller-Wardrobe/Model/Stylist    

Amy Day Dougherty- Hair

Eric France-Second Camera

Michelle Ford-Head Pieces

Bailey Townley-Model

Olympia LeHota-Model

Johnathan  Higgins- Videographer 

Veda,Koa, Sophie,Gyan - Children Models

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Damn. I love Australia!

PLEASE LEAVE COMMENTS! I'd like to know what you think :)