"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle." - Albert Einstein
CURRENT PROJECTS
Naming the Holy
Naming the Holy is a film that will celebrate the rich religious diversity of our state, presenting each religion as an element of beauty and emphasis our connectedness in our individual pursuit of spirituality.
Rhode Island was founded on the principle of religious freedom. Since the days of Roger Williams, our state has been home to an amazing array of religions. While Rhode Island can continue to boast to be the most Catholic state per capita, its religious diversity is alive as ever. Today, one can find robust religious communities of various Protestant faiths such as Episcolean, Quaker, Baptist, and Congregationalist.
While 20th Century immigration help make Catholicism the state’s dominant religion, the 21st Century has brought a new wave of immigration and its religions such as Buddism, Coptic Christianity, and Islam. In addition, Greek Eastern Orthodox Christianity, Unitarianism, among others also play important roles for many of our states residents.
Wakefield Elementary
Pam Santos received a grant from the South Kingstown Educational Foundation to create a book documenting stories of those who attended Wakefield Elementary School in Wakefield, RI. Pam held a series of after-school watercolor classes with currently enrolled students.
The students' art work will serve as the book's illustration. Pam will be continuing to catalogue the written content in the beginning of the year. I will be helping Pam design and print the book. The project is expected to be completed in April 2012.
Saint Catherine's Monastery
Michael Issa, of Agia Ekaterine, is leading a documentary film crew assigned to record the historical and spiritual story of the The Sacred and Imperial Monastery of the God-Trodden Mount of Sinai, more commonly known as the Monastery of Saint Catherine. The project aims to create a documentary film for distribution in the monastery, public and cable television, as well as film-festival screenings.
In December 2011, I traveled to Egypt with Michael to photograph and film the monastery. The project is now entering its second phase of fundraising. A crew is being assembled for an April trip. In addition to my December visit, I will be designing and developing the organization's web site as well as print materials.