Viva la revolucion

Not since the Tiananmen Square the protests in 1989 have I been so floored by mass uprisings of people. Today's revolutions in Egypt and Tunisia have inspired a new wave across the Arab world that is writing history. Inspired by the same, my friends at Collaboraction Theater have dedicated their annual debauched throw-down, Carnaval to recognize our past and current change agents. Let Them Eat Cake is this year's theme for the March 19 event at Double Door.


A variation of this image I made is being used to promote the event in
wild postings and on the web.

Before designing this image, a long conversation ensued among myself and the event's designers about the nature of revolution. We asked, who are revolting today and how might contemporary Americans identify with current events in the context of a party invitation? The phrases "Let them eat cake" is commonly misattributed to the 18th century queen of France, Marie Antoinette but so commonly so that we chose to visualize a character from France circa 1790, but with a fiery little spin.

Mindfulness and The Oprah Magazine

When magazines seem to be getting thinner with fewer original photographs, O, The Oprah Magazine is a model for great editorial imagery and content. O, published by Hearst in New York collaborates with great photographers, and is fun to shoot for. I've worked with their talented photo editors a number of times and each assignment has been a day of learning and freedom.


Cheri Maples and her dog at a favorite place for meditation near her
home in Madison, Wisconsin.

A few months back, before all this snow I spent the day in Madison, WI with Cheri Maples, a ex-policewoman turned Buddhist monk and teacher. She founded the Center for Mindfulness & Justice and a follower of Buddihst monk and activist, Thich Nhat author of Being Peace. Cheri now teaches criminal justice personnel mindfulness techniques to better perform in their jobs.


Cover of February, 2011 O Magazine.
Photo: Ruven Afanador



Full version of the published portrait of Cheri Maples

Now weeks later, the same location is lovely as before and blanketed with snow.


This photo: Maureen Brady

Photo editor: Olivia Barr
Make up: Lindsey Williams
Assistant: Derick Smith