This Sacred Feeling

Step into a vibrant visual journey celebrating the enduring spirit of craftsmanship, where tradition and artistry come to life through skilled hands and time-honored techniques. This initial selection showcases crafts and craftspeople whose work reflects the rich heritage of practices passed down through generations—from the rhythmic weaving of textiles and the careful tanning of hides to the precision of marble carving and the vibrant colors of maypole dancing. Each image tells a story of cultural memory, resilience, and the human connection to craft.

The following collection of images captures the vibrant expression of cultural, religious, and spiritual traditions as they unfold in public spaces; where community and identity come alive through celebration. From the colorful masks and dramatic reenactments of El Carnaval de Puebla to the solemn processions of pre-Lenten rituals and the exuberant energy of East Asian parades and Carnaval celebrations, each scene reflects a unique blend of history, faith, and festivity. These gatherings transform streets into stages, inviting both participants and spectators to connect with shared heritage, express devotion, and celebrate the rich tapestry of human belief and creativity.

The following series of images explores the quiet, intimate world of personal rituals—those everyday acts that bring rhythm, meaning, and comfort to our lives. Whether it’s a weekly card game among friends, the solitude of a ritual dressing room, or the poetic offering of the “Prayer of the Seahorse” in Japan, these moments reflect the deep connection between routine and identity. From breastfeeding and daily walks to the simple pleasures of smoking, or shopping, each ritual—humble or profound—reveals how personal practices shape our sense of self, provide continuity, and create space for reflection, connection, and care.

Personal celebrations are powerful markers of life’s milestones, blending joy, tradition, and human connection in meaningful ways. This collection captures intimate moments where individuals and communities come together to honor achievements, transitions, and shared experiences—from weddings adorned with cultural symbols like henna to casual potlucks, birthdays, and graduations. Some scenes are steeped in heritage, others purely personal, but all reflect the deep need to commemorate and connect. These images highlight how celebration—whether grand or modest—becomes a ritual in itself, affirming identity, belonging, and the significance of everyday joy.

These photographs reflect the tender and complex rituals surrounding grief, loss, remembrance, and rebirth—universal experiences expressed through deeply personal and cultural rituals and traditions. From quiet moments of mourning and the creation of memorials to communal acts of remembrance and symbolic gestures of renewal, each image reveals how we honor those we've lost and find ways to carry their memory forward. These rituals offer space for healing and continuity, reminding us that even in sorrow, there is connection, meaning, and the enduring possibility of renewal.

Water flows through tradition, ritual, and celebration as both a sacred element and a source of joy, renewal, and connection. In these images, we see water’s many roles—from the Balinese ceremony invoking protection and harmony with nature, to the muddy exuberance of the Nyepi Mebuug-buugan ritual, where purification and play collide. Surfing captures the intimate dance between human and ocean, while the spirited water fights of Songkran mark the Thai New Year with cleansing, laughter, and community. Whether used for blessing, healing, or revelry, water becomes a powerful symbol of life in motion—connecting body, spirit, and tradition across cultures.

Bustling with energy, creativity, and purpose, street fairs, holidays, and demonstrations transform public spaces into arenas of expression, identity, and celebration. These images capture the joyful chaos of events like Mardi Gras and St. Patrick’s Day, the patriotic fervor of the 4th of July, and the bold self-expression seen at San Francisco’s Folsom Street Fair and Hot Jesus Contest. From the polished chrome of low-riders cruising through neighborhoods to the community spirit of the Solano Stroll art fair, each gathering reflects a unique blend of tradition, spectacle, and social commentary. Together, they reveal how streets become stages for culture in motion—where joy, resistance, pride, and play converge.