SANCTUARY
In June of 2012 my life forever changed, my older brother, Girona Lydell Pye II, passed away in a swimming accident at the Chattahoochee River with friends. It is a grief I have carried with me since. I am still understanding how to process my feelings around it, and working towards representing everything I feel from it. For several years after this incident I was unable to be near a body of water. I am not sure what changed or when, but while I was living in Jacksonville, fl I found myself again at peace at the water. Exploring freely and having a sense of safety. Sanctuary is the representation of my associations with water being my place of escape and grounding.
BAILE
For my senior thesis I have chosen to research and photograph Ballet Folklorico in the Pacific Northwest region. My purpose is to document and showcase the perspective of the dancers; capturing the intimate moments of rehearsals, performances, and the small details that the average spectator may not notice. My intention with this project is to learn more about the customs and culture myself, create a sense of representation for the dancers, instructors, and community that only receive visibility around holidays in America, and introduce a new audience to Ballet Folklorico and inform them of the culture and customs.
