I find myself in my words and feel everything through my eyes. I know I see animals and people so clearly through my lens because I first learned to see myself through my self portraits. I haven't done this in a long time because maybe I was afraid to be vulnerable with even myself - because sometimes it can feel like too great a weight to bear. To be truly alive and connected in a world filled with superficial smiles and plastic lives can be painful - but it is the only way I know.

Life is beautiful - in all its ups and downs. I am committed to that.                 

shannon jackson