California Flag

I was cleaning my studio recently and discovered this old flag tucked away in a decaying ziploc bag. I made this flag for a school project in 7th grade — I was a shy, 13 year-old kid living in suburban Toledo, Ohio. I remember that we could choose whatever state flag we wanted to make, but I have no idea why I chose California. I had no real connection to the Golden State. I do remember that the brown terry material for the bear came from an old hand towel that had been in our bathroom.

Years later, my interest in photography would take me westward, starting as a photo intern at Powder Magazine in Dana Point, CA, and from there to another photo gig in Lake Tahoe. In 1998 I landed in San Francisco, which ultimately cemented my love for California. I spent my days working as a photo assistant, traveling all over the state with a fun cast of creative characters. I spent my days off at the SFMOMA, soaking up all of the amazing art and books, surfing at Ocean Beach, skiing in the Sierra, and wondering why I hadn’t found this magical place sooner.

California pushed me out of my comfort zone in so many ways. It stretched me and taught me so much about who I am and what I love, and for that I will always be grateful. This flag is now on the wall of my studio not just as a reminder of the endearingly ragtag quality that some handmade things have, but also as a reminder of where I’ve been, what I’ve done, and who I’ve become.