My story starts from the time I was in college in Oakland, California. I was sent on an assignment to photograph Peter Mugubane, a well known South African photojournalist, at the University of California, Berkeley campus, where Peter had his exhibition. Peter said to me with a serious face "photography is not a short cut." I didn't pay attention then because I was anxious and tense about getting his images. He looked me in the eye and said, "Give yourself a project and stay committed to it." He left me wondering.. Ha!!! Give myself a project???

I have come to realize Peter's words. No one would give me a project unless I have something to show.

Exactly a week after graduation I left for Eritrea, Africa for a photographic pilgrimage with six of my cameras and around five hundred rolls of film, mostly slide and black and white film. I stayed in Eritrea for seven months documenting everyday life, human conditions and places. I took a lot of pictures capturing their social, political and cultural perspectives on life. What can I say it was a great experience!