I lost my home and art studio in the Eaton Fire. Shortly after, with a donated large format camera, I returned to the ashes and made a self-portrait. That image helped me begin to process what had happened—and it gave me a way to reconnect with my practice.

I offered to make tintypes for others in my community who had also lost their homes, and the response was immediate. Since then, I’ve created over 100 portraits in the burn zone—photographing individuals, families, and neighbors in the remains of their homes.

This project has become a form of service, healing, and remembrance. The tintype process, with its slowness and care, invites people to be fully present. Each image becomes a way to say: I was here. I endured. I am still standing.

I’m currently working toward a book and exhibition to honor this body of work and the people within it.