We met at a roadside gas station and walked to an open area with trails, trees, brush and all kinds of strange debre (like a random TV with a rock smashed into the screen). My immediate impression of Lena was her beautiful, warm and joyful presence and I knew right away we would have a lot of fun together. I love this photo of her as it captures her elegance and grace.
Get to know a little more about Lena:
Q: What inspires you to jump for joy?
A: The idea that I am free to live my authentic life inspires me to jump for joy!
Q: How was your experience doing the jumping photos?
A: I was a little nervous before, but once I met Eyoälha, I felt her beautiful, open energy and was as light as air. I began dancing when I was 11, but it was always my regret that I didn’t pursue ballet. Thank you Eyoälha for allowing my inner ballerina come out!
Q: How do you describe the feeling of joy?
A: When I was younger, I knew I was on the path to a beautiful life with the unconditional love and constant support of my beautiful mama, Nancy Collins. However, as I have finished transitioning, I have experienced an internal happiness and joy I never thought was possible. I feel like the luckiest girl in the world!
Q: What is your greatest passion in life?
A: My greatest passion in life is being creative and moving people with my art and quirky sense of humor. Putting a smile on someone’s face or a little sparkle in their day selfishly brings me happiness.
Q: How do you feel about being part of a community project that promotes joy?
A: I think it is a beautiful idea to promote joy because we are living in a pretty joyless moment as far as the political climate in this country. Remembering our joy and sharing it with others is such a positive way to promote the idea of getting through this difficult time together.
Q: If you could do anything in the world, what would it be?
A: If I could help further the rights and medical care of transgender people in the world, that would be amazing.
Q: What are you working on or creating?
A: I am working on my next series of mixed media paintings featuring dolls in human situations combining my artwork with my short film production company ‘A Miniseries’.
Q: Mini bio or something special you want to share.
A: As a person in the world I have been fortunate enough to follow my passion of being a creative person and become the woman of my dreams. I really hope that I can and have inspired people in the smallest way to live their dreams…
Instagram: @eye_of_lena
FB page: /shadesoflena
Other links: www.ingramartist.com / www.aminiseries.com / www.thelunchladies.org
JUMP FOR JOY Photo Project 