Giant

My wife and I recently took a trip to one of our favorite places in all of Texas, or in the country for that matter, Marfa.

This is the place that started it all for us four years ago. We entered this town as lovers, and we left as partners for life. And for that reason, this mysterious town holds a special place in our hearts.

Far West Texas calls our names and we are drawn to answer. Life has its way to putting things in your path to slow the transmission, but like sailors at sea, we heed its siren song. We long for the desert and the peace that comes with it. The heat forces you to slow down, both physically and mentally. It’s like a reboot for your senses and mind. The energy that emits from the town is like bathing in serotonin. Everything is more vibrant, your senses are enhanced, and for all the chaos and confusion that happens outside its walls, you get the feeling that everything will be ok. That feeling has become harder to capture, but we are grateful that we can still find it here.

Inspired by Richard Avedon’s “Into the American West”, I sought out to not just “take” from Marfa, but to learn more about what makes Marfa so special. For me, that meant stepping out of my comfort zone and speaking with, and photographing, complete strangers. But what started as awkward conversations, ends with understanding and friendship. We no longer look at each other as strangers, but as long lost family, finally reunited in the place we were meant to be. In the coming pages you will meet some of that family. Their unique perspectives add to the tapestry of an already elaborate blanket of life.

As much as I would like to believe that this is my love letter to Marfa, it is in fact, its love letter to me. A beacon that I can feel miles away. With Love, From Marfa.