Greetings from Miami! The heat is delicious, and the learning never stops.
I came here to study neurolinguistic programming to achieve two goals: improving my communication skills and learning how to coach people toward the success they desire.
So we’ve established I like words. And people. (And dogs).
I’m fascinated by how effective communication can change people’s thoughts. How those thoughts can reshape beliefs. How beliefs can transform mindsets. And how, ultimately, the right question—asked at the right time, in a safe space—can instantly change your life.
Which brings me to yesterday.
When a short, broad-shouldered security guard threatened to escort me off a Florida beach unless I covered my torso while sunbathing. For someone who loves banter, I was left… speechless.
This is what I’m thinking.
Does my belief in what freedom means entitle me to act as I please, even if it makes others uncomfortable? Does someone else’s comfort take precedence over mine because I’m the one thinking extra-ordinarily in this context?
If getting offended is a choice made by the offendee, not the offender, am I choosing to be offended by this man’s unquestioned execution of his job? Could I have just gone to another beach where nudity isn’t frowned upon? (I did.) But should I have to?
Two versions of the same practice.
In August 2024, I attended a hot vinyasa yoga class. A very hot one. (As in, 105°F-very!!) I also chose to take my top off because I was too hot, the sports bra felt too tight, and five other men (including a hottie whom I blame for making the room too steamy with his hotness) were practising with their torsos exposed as well.
Someone complained. I got an email. I replied. I got a refund. End of story.
Fast-forward to only a few weeks ago, in November, when I was doing vinyasa on a naturally hot and humid wooden terrace in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica.
Yes, I took my top off again—this time for market research.
Instead of judgment, my teacher complimented me. She said she wished she could be so free but didn’t dare show her breasts. We talked about my upcoming exhibition, T0PL3$$ AMERICA (more on that shortly). I promised I’d ride topless across the village on my scooter in her honour.
Two days later, I did. Just to see how it felt.
I felt liberated.
Empowered.
Ok, a little nervous.
(Also, after crossing a rain-filled pothole, the hoodie I was sitting on slipped off and dragged through the mud for half a mile. Blissfully unaware, of course.)
Anyway. Where were we? Oh, yes—liberated, empowered, free like a bird.
All of this prelude to say…
Come to my first solo photography show on December 9th, 6-9 PM, at All St Gallery in Manhattan, New York!
It’s called T0PL3$$ AMERICA. It’s about normalizing natural nudity in the mundane—but also so much more than that.
Promoting it online has been challenging since even the censored word T0PL3$$ gets flagged (for cryin’ out loud!). Clearly, this topic hits a nerve.
The exhibition runs until December 14th for those who can’t make the opening.
But, if you do stop by…
You’ll see seven brave, empowered women immortalized on 30x30-inch canvases. Each portrays a mundane act such as walking the dog (Orange Grace), taking the subway (Violet Confidence), or working out (Blue Perseverance)…all while topless.
Seven total. One for each colour of the rainbow, each representing a virtue I admire in them.
Yes, my Costa Rica yoga teacher is included. She overcame her insecurities and, just five minutes before I left for the airport (in the rain!), allowed me the privilege of photographing her. I named it Red Courage.
The culminating piece, Women Who Run with Wolves, features a topless book club that will quite literally brighten the room. But I won’t spoil it too much.
What else can you expect?
Besides 13 pairs of tities, tities, tities (yes, that’s my most viral Instagram reel—102k views and counting), I’ll also be exhibiting:
A human-size self-portrait cut into pieces called Body Parts.
Two smaller self-portraits: Strength and Softness.
These pieces, which I shot in Costa Rica, portray the raw truth of my rewilding journey. They reflect radical self-acceptance of a body I spent two decades judging and rejecting—only to finally start loving unconditionally after my separation.
Taking, printing, pricing, and preparing these works (including the flyer image) has been a powerful experience.
If you don’t care about the free drinks, the DJ’s bangin’ tunes, or even the many-a-beautiful-boobies on display, at least come on December 9th to enjoy the art ;-)
An art of rebellion.
This exhibition is my way of raising my hand and asking questions.
It’s also a way to gather you all, friends and strangers alike, days before I turn 30 years young and celebrate what a beautifully chaotic year it’s been.
It’s been an outlet for my inner child to play with colours and experiment with printing formats at will.
Mega thank yous to all the models who trusted me by posing before the lens. Thank you Eden and Ciaran at All St Gallery for being so trusting, supportive and caring from day dot. Shoutout to Brian at Color Resource Center for his patience and admirable dedication to the craft.
And to all of you who RSVP’d on Partiful, I love you.
I’ll leave you with this.
Why is women’s toplessness seen as threatening, sexual, silly, or shameful?
Why does nakedness affect people so deeply?
Through my lens, I’m not just highlighting double standards around nudity—I’m asking you to imagine a world where such exposure is neither radical nor remarkable.
But if you think it’s rude, offensive, appalling, or disgusting… don’t stay quiet. SPEAK UP! Blow up the comments section and let me know on every platform.
And for the love of dog…tag me!
🖤
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