My personal photography projects currently include a study of contemporary urban totems: I'm still in the research phase, looking into the literature in visual anthropology and related fields to understand what exactly a totem is and how social groups use them today.

Some definitions I've come across so far:

totem: an object that is a symbol for a group of people

"...The term "totem" is a native North American term which is now applied broadly to a class of material objects (animals, plants) which the members of a community regard with respect, to which they hold themselves to be peculiarly and intimately related, and which becomes the social bond of union between fellow clansmen."

One paper describes totem more broadly, as "a physical or metaphysical being which functions as a collective identity of a certain culturally significant group through the cycle of rituals of adoration and sacrifice."One paper describes totem more broadly, as "a physical or metaphysical being which functions as a collective identity of a certain culturally significant group through the cycle of rituals of adoration and sacrifice." I like the bredth of this definition, and am working towards a deeper understanding of what constitutes an enduring totem in a world overwhelmed by change.

I've moved into photographing live musical performances, and this is quite rewarding, as I'm an avid music fan: I hope to do more of this type of work soon: musicians- please feel free to contact me.

I continue to work on general themes of urban living, seeking to capture moments of human inspiration in the city.