I am fascinated by the diversity of communities + cultures in the US and have documented them in my work. I met Pablo,a young photographer, in NYC in Spring 2022. Pablo grew up within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' community in Texas and his father is 2nd counselor in the Colleyville Stake Presidency. Growing up Buddhist in Japan, I had no knowledge of the LDS Church and I was curious to educate myself. Pablo was willing to introduce me to the community and he agreed to accompany me to TX to visit his family. In Sept 2022, I traveled to Southlake for the first time without any expectations but to learn. Pablo’s father introduced me to great people and allowed me to join the Church services and activities. I began interviewing and photographing Saints - especially the youth. While iPhones abound + social media use is heavy, most of the kids, interviewed about their dreams and goals, stated that they would follow the traditional dictates of LDS- like their parents and grandparents- and create big families post their missions, or graduating from B.Y.U. I have photographed youth for over 2 decades and I enjoy watching them grow to adulthood. I would document these lives throughout their youth for the next several years. I would like to expand this project across the US and internationally [eg the LDS youth in Japan]. Project will end 2027-28, photographing in Medium + Large format. The goal of 100 images, exhibit + book of the journey. Thank you.
