Let Peace & Beauty be reason enough.
I believe that anything we frequently see, and take time to really look at, seeps into us and becomes part of our being ~ like the food we eat and the water we drink. I choose to focus on images that uplift and inspire ~ and bring a sense of peace and beauty to the world. I hope you enjoy these images and that they bring a sense of peace to your home.
I chose this path after something rather significant happened. I had been traveling around the world advocating for access to clean water in places like Malawi, Africa and elsewhere with a film I made called Water First. I loved the topic and issue, and I'm still a passionate advocate. However, I was at a UN Water Conference in Instanbul and saw a group of protesters marching peacefully in front of the conference entrance - and suddenly they were attacked by riot police. I jumped out of my taxi, whipped out my camera, and began photographing the fracas. Suddenly my neck was seized and I was being strangled from behind by riot policeman - while more policemen were standing on my feet and trying to rip my camera and laptop out of my hands. Somehow I held onto my gear, slithered out of my boots and got away - in the winter cold without boots, but Alive. Amazing what a good shot of adrenaline can do.
I was traumatized by the incident and had ptsd for years. Whatever you do, Don't touch my throat! Whew. I commend photographers who do this kind of work, and I bow down to them. But as a mother, I knew this wasn't the path for me. If not for myself, I had to protect the life of my son's mother. I knew I had a choice to make - follow the fight, or follow solutions.
So I chose Peace & Beauty - and I don't say this lightly. I don't mean just capturing a pretty picture in a perfunctory way; I mean doing my best to tune into peace inside and infuse my work with serenity and wonder. It is not just what's on the lens side of the camera, but what's going on inside me. I believe there's a lot of healing to be done - individually and collectively - and I hope to bring this healing to the world through my work. If my images can bring a sense of serenity, tranquility or inspiration to even one person, I believe I've contributed to the world in a meaningful way.
As I strive to capture peace, beauty, and wonder that I see in the world - it only becomes complete when it is shared with others. So thank you for taking the time to view my images, and consider bringing one or more of them home. I hope they bring a little Peace & Beauty to your world.
Love and Light,
Amy Hart
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