Pantone's Color of the Year

Pantone’s color of the year:

A Whisper of Tranquility and Peace in a Noisy World:

“A billowy white imbued with serenity, PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer

encourages true relaxation and focus, allowing the mind to wander and creativity to breathe, making room for innovation.”

Lightness of Being #3, fine art photograph 24 x 36 inches

In collaboration with eco-fashion designer Deborah Lindquist

Model: Alohi Vega Alvarado

Lightness of Being #1, fine art photograph 24 x 36 inches

I personally love this return to simplicity. I’m all about bringing the ethereal into the modern world. I believe we need more clarity and calmness more than ever, time to reflect and instill what feels most real and authentic to us. When we listen to the quiet spaces in-between, we can move from a place of stillness, certainty and intention.

Lightness of Being #2, fine art photograph 24 x 36 inches

“The cacophony that surrounds us has become overwhelming, making it harder to hear the voices of our inner selves. A conscious statement of simplification, Cloud Dancer enhances our focus, providing release from the distraction of external influences.”

Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director, Pantone Color Institute

Lightness of Being #4, fine art photograph 24 x 36 inches

Blending elements of fashion couture and aquatic performance, my series Lightness of Being evokes a sense of grace and freedom, transforming the ocean into both canvas and collaborator.

Photographed entirely underwater in Maui, the series weaves light and motion together—where sunbeams and sand meet, each gesture aligns the viewer with the ocean’s transformative energy, returning us to a oneness and belonging to the sea.

I’m delighted to share these new works with you that evoke an essence of Cloud Dancer.

Are you designing your space inspired by Pantone’s color of the year? I’d love to know!

It's been 20 years...

since I spent a summer in Spain which changed my life forever…

At my friends’ apartment in Madrid, 2005

Playa Segundo in Santander, June 2005

Santander has a special place in my heart as I made life-long friendships here, along with my (now)husband. This will be the 20th year anniversary of our meeting!

I was in a study abroad program from Lehman College, CUNY, funded through an AmeriCorps grant, where I studied Spanish at Universidad Menéndez Pelayo (just 5 min walk from the beach) to fulfill credits for my teaching degree.

View from the daily walk from my host family’s home in Santander, 2005

This trip was also a transition from living in New York for many years and a beginning of my return home. Home also in the sense of where my heart was. I decided that instead of teaching, I would dedicate myself back to photography full-time, starting in Spain.

I started documenting a group of homeless immigrants, mostly from Morocco living behind this large church in Madrid. I spent time listening to their stories and observing their way of life. They invited me to eat with them, breaking bread and they would often make a meal out of tomatoes and tins of tuna. They let me in their space and I realized I was in a different kind of living room.

Behind the Iglesia de San Francisco Grande, Photographic collage, 2005

exhibited at Menos Uno gallery, Madrid, January 2006

“Emergence,” Photograph, Maui, December 2021

Fast forward to today as I’m returning back to Spain this month as a recipient of the 24th Julia Margaret Cameron Award for my image “Emergence.” It feels like coming full circle, to be recognized from the place that restarted my photography journey 20 years ago.

It’s particularly meaningful this image was chosen with the Hawaiian green sea turtle–– a symbol that helps us recognize that we are home wherever we go, a reminder to surrender, trust the present and invite the flow into your life. 

When we open our hearts to lead us, we will always be directed to the place we are supposed to be. To learn more about the story behind “Emergence”, click here:

The exhibition reception will be held on July 3rd at Fotonostrum gallery in Barcelona where I’ll be showcasing a collection of twenty of my underwater photographs.

Thank you for taking the time to read about my journey!

What has been 20 years for you? How have you followed your heart and where has it lead you? I’d love to know…

NYC Recap!

Relive the Magic: NYC Memories!

I’m so honored to exhibit at Agora Gallery in February.

My work was selected in the Conceptual category by the 6th Chelsea International Photography Competition.

Harmony I & II, photographic aluminum prints, framed, 24”x 36”

Such an incredible turnout!

The gallery reception was a success! So many came out despite the snow! Including my cousin Wilson Tsang and my bestie Gera De Bona (a fellow alumni from Pratt Institute). This moment captured by her husband Joe.

I’m so grateful to see all the people who attended and the positive feedback received from the show.

Thank you New York, it was magical—until next time!  

Next stop Barcelona this summer… more to come soon!

UNSEEN

After photographing women for over 10 yrs and hearing so many stories, I also thought about stories I possibly haven’t heard, those hidden below the surface.

Recently, a client and friend of mine Lorrine, shared her long-time struggle with depression, past abusive relationships and twice suicide attempts, it moved me to tears. I’ve known Lorrine for over a decade, photographed her multiple times, and saw her as a beautiful, accomplished woman, working at Apple Inc., a vision of success in Silicon Valley.

It made me realize that there’s so much below the surface of someone, no matter how well you know them on the outside.

Lorrine’s story, and countless others, inspired me to dedicate this image "Unseen," to all women and those who’ve suffered emotional and physical abuse, who strive to be seen, heard, and loved. During a time of lockdowns, it’s critical to know that they’re still there and they’re important. Even if they’re unseen, their stories exist.

“Unseen” is a reminder of what may be hidden away in a friend, sister, daughter, or client’s life. Someone who may be suffering silently or alone.

20% of print proceeds from "Unseen" will be donated to Futures Without Violence and National Coalition Against Domestic Violence that help domestic abuse victims toward a path for self-love, healing and independence.

“If we dive deep enough into ourselves, we will find the one thread of universal love that ties all beings together.” 

-Mata Amritanandamayi”

To learn more about Lorrine's personal story and how she transformed her painful past with self-love and spirituality, please visit her website. She has a new memoir coming out in April:

https://www.freeingyourheartforlove.com/
https://www.instagram.com/writingismykismet/

Happy Women’s history month! Let’s make a difference in the lives of women all around us.

#YouAreLove #SupportSurvivors

Thank you so much for your support!

With Aloha,

Kelly