Thank you! I’ve been drawn to accordion books for a long time. I have always wanted to make one. I was thrilled that Loose Joints was completely on board with the idea. There is a rhythm and flow that takes place from page to page that really excited me about the format.

I like that there are two ways to read the book. It further complicates the life of the images in the book. There is an intimacy that takes place when turning through the pages of each spread like a traditional photo book. There is a narrative we built on each side of the accordion, like a fever dream that takes us through different scenarios as well as peaceful moments. The book takes the form of an art object that references back to my gallery and museum installations. I found that it was an exciting new way to reinterpret all of this existing imagery giving them second and third lives through these new iterations.

I lost my uncle at a young age due to complications of HIV and his memory was subsequently erased from my family. That was what started my journey making this work. Much of my art have been long term projects. I’ve spent almost a decade exploring themes of loss and longing in relationship to the HIV and AIDS crisis. There have been times where I have to put these images down for a bit and work on other projects because there is a weight that comes with it.

I’ve worked really hard to develop my own visual language over the years. I’m drawn to quiet, meditative moments that have an inherent sadness to them. It’s what inspires me most. I’m always searching for meaning and metaphor in life and art.

I love the inherent contradiction that exists between the original source material and the lens of history which we read these photos through.

The work has multiple meanings beyond the themes of HIV and AIDS. I’m always thinking about how these images can be transformed by time. The way I crop an image can evoke a variation of emotions which is central to my work.

My uncle has been the entry point into the work that I make. When I have felt overwhelmed by the weight of it all I’ve taken breaks to explore other side projects but always find my way back to making these images. It’s all about finding a balance where I can be close to the work but also have distance.

Yes, it was hard not to see the similarities and their stark differences. They both have government inaction in common. It’s been a very somber year filled with great loss. That was weighing heavily on my mind as I worked on making this book.

I was born at the height of the AIDS crisis and grew up in its shadow. I remember the fear of HIV and AIDS, and how it was portrayed on TV and in films. So, my work is informed by that knowledge. I think more younger queer people are becoming interested in our community's history. So the work exists in a time where people are open to receiving it which I’m thankful for.

I do think there has been a lot of great strides in recent years to end the stigma. We also live in a post prep world which has transformed the way queer people can live with a new sense of freedom. There are lots of reasons to be hopeful for the future.