I relocated to Chicago from London, UK in 2015 with my husband, two kids and one dog. I felt displaced and somewhat isolated. Armed with a camera and my dog by my side, I decided the way to meet Chicagoans was to photograph them and ask them their stories. This evolved into “Chicago Lights” – an exhibition celebrating the principles and ideas that link us – such as kindness, love and integrity. I created the show to build bridges between people and highlight our common beliefs. 

Chicago Lights includes a wide-ranging and impressive group of characters who contribute to the diversity and originality of Chicago’s landscape. By the time Chicago Lights opened in November 2018, I had photographed some of the most powerful and interesting people in Chicago including Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Sports legend Israel Idonije, Michelin Star Chef Curtis Duffy, Ex Playboy pinup and Chicago Superstar, Candace Jordan and Lieutenant Governor of Illinois, Juliana Stratton amongst many others. Also included were artists, performers, musicians, bee keepers and integrative doctors – the list was extensive. The show opened at the Zhou B Art Center with an audience of 1,000 people. 

My interviews included topics about love, mothering, body issues, politics, poverty, spirituality and life itself. Sound excerpts can be heard here.