With the beginning of the new year in full swing, I figured now would be the best time to set intentions for this year as well update everyone out there on who I am, what I am and where I intend to be.
The Road from the Smithsonian Butte into Zion National Park
This year started on a road trip throughout the southwest. It was my first time there and I day dream to find myself back in its glory. A group of my friends headed out from the Los Angeles area to Moe's Valley, Utah, a bouldering spot that we had heard about for years but never had found the time to go.
An Unknown Climber on Shot Hole V6
Not only were we blown away by the incredible climbing, we found it mostly to ourselves. It was a cold week for the south west, which already had set us off corse of our original plans which was boulder/rock art hunting in the Grand Canyon. It was supposed to be 6 degrees during the day and below zero at night. That was outside the comforts we wanted to do for a "vacation" and found ourselves in Moe's Valley.
Skye shielding her face from the cold wintery breeze on the Smithsonian Butte, Utah
From Moe's Valley, we headed north to Zion. It was my first time in Zion and I was in awe the entire time we were there. There is a certain feeling to that place which was so magical, so grand that it enticed a subtle peace of mind.
Spencer in awe of the frozen waterfalls of Zion National Park
Colin looking off into the deep valleys of Zion National Park
From Zion, we headed to Red Rocks, Nevada to spend the last of our leg of our trip bouldering into the new year. Red Rocks was packed comparatively but found solace back in the canyons that few choose to make the effort of the hike. Prior to our trip, I made the purchase of pocket wizards. This allowed me to remotely fire my flash from anywhere. Freely being able to compose images the way I want to without the limitations of having a line of sight with my flash, I began experimenting with the system. Stumbling around looking for friends, I was on a mission to capture Red Rock bouldering into a single a image and felt I succeeded.
Anthony crushing Book of Nightmares V11
Though our trip was five days and the new year had began, we had to make it back to Los Angeles so that both Colin and I could get ready for our next trips. I was heading to Israel and then to the east coast in less than a week and began to anxious about getting ready emotionally and physically.
I've had a complicated relationship with myself about Israel as a state, my Jewish Identity and how that all relates to the concepts of who I am as a person in modernity. I had felt torn between the problematic nature of hegemonic states representing its people by its actions and how it relates to my inherent connectedness to these places because of my cultural and ethnic heritage.
An Israeli solider's grave at Mt. Herzl, Jerusalem
Alas, I made my birthright trip and was moved in complex ways. But at this junction, I will leave it for next time! So have no fear, I will be back next week with more about my time in Israel, portraits and beyond!
Ps. Here are portraits of the rest of the southwest crew!
Ari
Devlin
Colin
Spencer