Collection: Fun in the Sun Costa Rica Collection (2026)

This collection was created during a trip to Costa Rica in 2026, when I needed a little light. 

Back home in Minneapolis, things felt heavy. Immigration raids and shootings involving federal agents had shaken the community and left many people scared and heartbroken. In January 2026, multiple ICE-related shootings in Minneapolis including the deaths of two local residents sparked protests and deep pain across the city. A best friend from high school wife passed and a bestie was diagnosed with two types cancer. January was a lot despite being in the most beautiful place. 

While I was away photographing these vintage NKOTB dolls splashing around in the sun, the contrast was impossible to ignore. Back home, people were hurting. Down here, there was light, color, water, and laughter. Creating, especially with my children always bring me joy.

These images became a small act of joy.

A reminder that even when the world feels chaotic, we can still make space for play, nostalgia, and sunshine.

This series is about holding both things at once:
the heaviness of the moment and the stubborn choice to keep creating whatever you need to when nothing feels okay.

Sometimes art isn’t meant to fix things.
Sometimes it’s just meant to remind us to breathe.

And sometimes… it’s boy band dolls floating in a pool under the Costa Rican sun.