Indefinite Opener

This docu-photo series is a collection of images taken from my personal experience as a commercial salmon fisherwoman in Kodiak, Alaska. Subjects and settings range from boat work documentation to fun days in town exploring nature and hanging with friends. Cameras used in this series are Fuji GA 654, Nikon FM2, Nikon 35ti, GoPro Hero8, and Fujifilm disposable. Film stock includes expired and fresh rolls of 35mm, 120mm, Fujifilm 400, Ektar 100, & Rollei Infrared, & Cinestill.

 

The following text is from an interview conducted by myself speaking with gun violence survivor, Jessica Felder.

On July 2, 2018 in Chesapeake, Virginia Jessica became the surviving victim of gun violence. She described that day as routine until she found herself at a stop sign during her commute to work. She was caught in between a gun fight involving two men that have yet to be identified to this day. The incident involved two cars pulling up to the left and right sides of her vehicle and opening fire while she waited at an intersection’s stop sign, waiting for the right of way. Naturally she ducked for cover in her car but soon after realized something terribly wrong. Jessica has been an open book about her experience, details of that night, and her healing journey on social media. The events on this day changed her life forever. I interviewed Jessica for perspective in efforts to bring attention to gun violence awareness, and the importance of mental toughness in the face of adversity.

“The only justice is an eye for an eye, (pun intended)” Jessica jokingly answered after I asked how she feels knowing the person who shot her is free and unknown to this date. Ironically her mom is an organ donation facilitator who received the call about her critical condition on the day of her accident. Ms. Felder found out how Jessica drove herself to the nearest gas station to be discovered by a few bystanders who then called an ambulance. In recent years there has been an uncovering of injustice that has taken place around us for decades. We are figuring out how to lean on each other, fight together, and use our voices to demand social change. A long overdue shift in understanding our places in the communities we’ve spent our lives working to build sprouts. Experiencing trauma doesn’t have to be necessary in order to discover the courage to acknowledge the constant threat of our safety, our civil liberties. Trauma is not a superpower but a forceful shift in consciousness when it meets those who find themselves squeezed into that trepidation.

In dialogue with Jessica I proceed:

Do you believe in the theory that once a person experiences traumatic events, in return they also gain clarity and life-changing perspective? Did this happen for you after your accident? “Yes, without question what happened has effectively transformed my understanding of the value of life. The incident has influenced my fight against gun violence awareness. I see now It’s about more than gun control and I feel that we need to pay closer attention to safety and prevention. I had time to heal, support from my family, and job. There are many components of the healing process that aren't exclusive to the physical aspect. Yes, medical bills are unrealistic across the board but not all have family to help, insurance, or supportive jobs. How well I was able to recover has everything to do with all of those circumstances. Although I embrace this life-changing perspective I understand why a traumatic event may not have the same optimistic influence on someone else dealing with similar experiences.”

Has the concept of beauty and the way you perceive it shifted for you? “No, I've always believed that your confidence is your beauty. Whose to say what the beauty standard is? I set my own beauty standards.”

We’ve often witnessed crimes being committed but justice not being served for the victims and their families. The thought of it infuriates me, but you’ve managed to deal with this horrid event gracefully. Have you received support from the city or any public agencies? “Throughout my journey to healing I discovered victim’s assistance programs that aid in medical finance relief provided by the city of Chesapeake, Virginia. I cannot express enough how grateful I am to be alive. Once you see how trivial everything else is in life you learn that it’s ok to relax, laugh, and not take things so seriously. I’m emotionally more empathetic for people who don’t have the assistance that I have to deal with accidents like mine or worse.”

Would you consider yourself an advocate for gun control? “At this point today in America if you’re not an advocate for gun control your an injustice.” A breathtaking 289 mass shootings have happened this year in 2019 alone as of September 3 according to insider.com. In Virginia, 18 is the legal age to open carry and firearm without a permit. Our nation has come a long way from having to depend on guns for a means of survival so why haven’t gun laws changed? Jessica stresses, “It’s about more than gun control and we need to pay closer attention to safety and prevention. It’s bigger than gun control.”