Black Lives Matter

This is a continuing portrait series that I began in 2020 during the George Floyd Riots when I was living in Portland Oregon. I have chosen to make portraits of women and men of color who have been unjustly killed at the hands of the police, and/or racist vigilantes. Each portrait has a unifying background that includes various trinkets to help emphasize the human qualities of the person. I have outlined each portrait with mirror, so when lit, it gives a shimmering corona.

Breonna Taylor 20.5"w x 24"h 2020 In high school, she was an honor roll student who enjoyed math. Her teachers described her as a natural leader that showed compassion towards others.

Breonna Taylor 20.5"w x 24"h 2020 In high school, she was an honor roll student who enjoyed math. Her teachers described her as a natural leader that showed compassion towards others.

Sandra Bland 14"w x 28"h 2020 Became active in the church at age 10 and began playing the trombone. She earned a marching band scholarship to Prairie View A&M University.

Sandra Bland 14"w x 28"h 2020 Became active in the church at age 10 and began playing the trombone. She earned a marching band scholarship to Prairie View A&M University.

Ahmaud Arbery 20"w x 24"h 2020 He was a former high school football player who lived with his mother. He liked to work out to stay fit.

Ahmaud Arbery 20"w x 24"h 2020 He was a former high school football player who lived with his mother. He liked to work out to stay fit.

Atatiana Jefferson 18.5"w x 26"h 2024 She was a pre-medical graduate of Xavier University of Louisiana. She took care of her mother and eight year old nephew.

Atatiana Jefferson 18.5"w x 26"h 2024 She was a pre-medical graduate of Xavier University of Louisiana. She took care of her mother and eight year old nephew.

Rayshard Brooks 21"w x 24"h 2020 Married for eight years and was a father of three daughters and a stepson.

Rayshard Brooks 21"w x 24"h 2020 Married for eight years and was a father of three daughters and a stepson.

George Floyd 21"w x 18"h 2020 Father of five, and grandfather of two. He played college football and basketball, was a hip-hop artist, and was known in the community as the "gentle giant".

George Floyd 21"w x 18"h 2020 Father of five, and grandfather of two. He played college football and basketball, was a hip-hop artist, and was known in the community as the "gentle giant".

Elijah McClain 20"w x 30"h 2020 A massage therapist who taught himself the violin and played for stray cats. He believed the music helped soothe them.

Elijah McClain 20"w x 30"h 2020 A massage therapist who taught himself the violin and played for stray cats. He believed the music helped soothe them.

Eric Garner 17"w x 21"h 2024 He worked as a mechanic, a bouncer, and horticulturist for the New York Department of Parks and Recreation. He was married to his childhood sweetheart and was known as a peacemaker in his community.

Eric Garner 17"w x 21"h 2024 He worked as a mechanic, a bouncer, and horticulturist for the New York Department of Parks and Recreation. He was married to his childhood sweetheart and was known as a peacemaker in his community.

Kendra James 22"w x 25"h 2020 Young mother of two children.

Kendra James 22"w x 25"h 2020 Young mother of two children.

Trayvon Martin 17"w x 22"h 2024 He washed cars, babysat, and cut grass to earn his own money. When he was nine, he pulled his injured father out of a burning apartment, saving his life.

Trayvon Martin 17"w x 22"h 2024 He washed cars, babysat, and cut grass to earn his own money. When he was nine, he pulled his injured father out of a burning apartment, saving his life.