Back in 2022, I took time off work to go explore the US. That time was filled with a lot of new experiences like working a sheep farm in mountains of Washington, exploring the mountain west, but more importantly, completing bird surveys out in Leola SD for The Nature Conservancy. Little did I know at the time, but that decision would fundamentally change the direction of my life. When I returned back to Chicago I couldn’t help but feel a draw to the place that felt most special to me, South Dakota. I ended up moving out to Watertown SD in the winter 2024 and I’m so tangled up with the land now that I don’t know if I’ll ever leave. South Dakota has given a lot to me. It’s been my spiritual center and I feel bonded to this place in a way that’s hard to express. I hope to share parts of what makes it so special with y’all through my photography and other artistic pursuits.