The Local’s Project

When I relocated to Utah, I began noticing the small but powerful gestures of kindness that shaped my sense of belonging- a smile, a brief conversation, or an unexpected openness. These gestures were rare, genuine, and deeply human. Wanting to preserve them, I asked to take quick cell phone photographs of the individuals who offered them, capturing not only their image but also the essence of the encounter.

From these fleeting snapshots, I created nearly forty portraits in oil on paper and plywood. Painted quickly the works reflect the spontaneity and intimacy of each exchange. The series is both a tribute and a love letter to those who unknowingly helped me feel seen and less like a stranger.

Ultimately, The Locals Project is about more than documenting kindness—it is about honoring connection, recognizing the humanity in others, and discovering how the search for belonging can evolve into an act of self-kindness.