Creative Chronology

Born in 1964 in Nuremberg, Germany, I was shaped by the city's rich history and the contrasting experiences of beauty and war. My childhood commute past historic sites, along with the legacy of figures like Albrecht Dürer, fostered my artistic sensibilities.

My parents, a tailor and a textile engineer, owned a fashion brand. Growing up in their workshop, I developed a love for textiles and a desire to be a fashion designer. From 15 to 27, I worked in their company, gaining experience in production, sales, and international sourcing.

In 1983, I moved to Munich for a seamstress apprenticeship, followed by an internship at a silk factory in Lyon, France. Encouraged by my parents, I studied design at Istituto di Marangoni in Milan (1985-1987), drawn to its connection to renowned designers. Milan's vibrant creative scene fostered my appreciation for minimal design.

My fashion career was disrupted in 1987 by my parents' company's financial crisis. I worked as an assistant designer in Hamburg but was laid off, then studied pattern making.

In 1988, I became chief designer for a New York company with factories in India and Hong Kong, gaining invaluable international experience. After a year, I returned to Germany and worked as a designer in Munich, but family circumstances led me back to Nuremberg in 1992 to help my parents' business.

I took over the company, married in 1993, and had three children. Balancing work and family became overwhelming, and I stopped working outside the home in 2001.

Inspired by photography, I began exploring the medium, receiving my first serious camera in 2003. In 2004, we moved to Washington, D.C., and I enrolled in the Corcoran College of Art and Design, studying fine art photography.

At the Corcoran, professors like Joe Cameron, Muriel Hasburn, and Andy Grundberg supported my development. Muriel Hasburn's class 'Identity and Place' was particularly influential. I developed a style favoring natural light, intimate moments, and black and white photography. Workshops with Andrea Modica refined my craft.

In 2006, I embarked on a transformative solo trip through Central America, strengthening my passion for photography. Upon returning, I won the Golden Light Award. In 2007, I attended a workshop in Cambodia with VII Agency, the start of many workshops with them.

Following the Corcoran, I continued extensive travel and photography in Latin America (2008-2010), documenting life in Colombia, Bolivia, and Brazil. In 2008, my work was featured in "Fotoviajeros," leading to a solo exhibition at WOLA and inclusion in the Human Rights Archive at Duke University.

In 2009, I began documenting Haiti, returning after the 2010 earthquake. This work was exhibited at the OAS, Duke University, and the Haitian Heritage Museum. I also attended workshops in Chernobyl. In 2010, I documented the aftermath of the Chile earthquake.

Following my divorce in 2013, I documented the US-Mexico border ("The Backpackers"), focusing on deported migrants. This project was exhibited internationally and received awards.

Throughout my career, I attended workshops with Ron Haviv and Anders Petersen, who encouraged me to continue my work. During 2008-2015, I balanced photography with caring for my father, who battled cancer.

In 2014/2015, I transitioned to digital photography and printing. The move to Virginia forced me to give up my darkroom.

My journey has been chaotic but fulfilling. I'm grateful for the support I've received and recognize the importance of documenting stories through photography and incorporating written reflections.