The Space Between People I The Space Between People is an ever-evolving portfolio installment that I plan on carrying with me for the rest of my career. Through spending time genuinely connecting with one another, I am honored to play the role of the observer, and to capture what drives us apart, but more importantly, what brings us together. This series was inspired by a poem by Tracy K. Smith called “Life on Mars,” first stanza of which reads: “Tina says what if dark matter is like the space between people When what holds them together isn’t exactly love, and I think That sounds right – how strong the pull can be, as if something That knows better won’t let you drift apart so easily, and how Small and heavy you feel, stuck there spinning in place.” Reading this both inspired me and broke my heart, as in 2022 I learned what that dark matter feels like. The space between so many of my own people became distant and cold and otherworldly; and a part of me decided that the space was not worth trudging through anymore. Instead, I decided to leave that space open, which is a risk in and of itself. Venturing into the dark matter and deciding to sit there with the lights off, spinning in place as I waited for whatever was coming to fill it. In doing so, I learned that I did not have to treat the space like a bomb shelter, but rather a sanctuary. I learned you can fill the space between people with whatever you decide. So, I left my space open. Open for joy, open for new adventure, I physically and metaphorically opened all the windows and let light flood into it. Here is the first installment of this project, from the day I let go of my own dark matter. It was one of the most influential days of my life. This is the day I decided I was beautiful. This is the day I learned that people can meet your dark matter and love you so deeply because of it. I learned the space between people is filled with whatever you decide to place there. There is so much power in deciding the space between people is good. And mine will always remain good. — shot on portra 400 film at Ally’s home in Solingen, Germany