We met up with Steven at Palm Springs City Hall. He has a bright openness and vibrant energy. After speaking a little about the project and the power of joy, we went straight into looking for interesting sports to create his jumping photo. I loved this location as the architecture incorporates the palm trees and this open circle to the sky is so unique and interesting. We got lots of fun photos, both here and in front of the building, this one was one of my faves.
Get to know a bit about Steven:
Q: What inspires you to jump for joy?
A: The work that Desert AIDS Project, as a humanitarian organization, does to touch the lives of underserved communities in the Coachella Valley. Working at D.A.P. gives me a clear sense of purpose.
Q: How was your experience doing the jumping photos?
A: I was excited to be part of this project – but surprised by how fun it is to really go for it and JUMP without worrying about looking silly. I need to jump more.
Q: How do you describe the feeling of joy?
A: Joy is the absence of fear and the ability to be totally present in this moment. Joy is gratitude.
Q: What is your greatest passion in life?
A: I love bringing life enhancing people together to create something new. I’ve worked my whole life in either product development or trend forecasting so I’m always asking ‘What’s Next?
Q: How do you feel about being part of a community project that promotes joy?
A: We are living at time in our country when many people are living in fear – so I’m very excited to be part of a project that brings more joy.
Q: If you could do anything in the world, what would it be?
A: Pause more often to appreciate what’s in front me at any given moment. It’s always enough.
Q: What are you working on or creating?
A: We just launched the new Palm Springs Chamber co-work space. A place where good people and great ideas come together. I’m really proud of this project and the new opportunity it’s going to create for the people of Palm Springs.
Q: Mini bio or something special you want to share.
A: I serve as the President of the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce and work as Directory of Community Development at Desert AIDS Project and Revivals Stores. I’m a big believer that Palm Springs works best when we all work together.
Connect with Steven:
Twitter: @steven_henke
Instagram: @trendguy
FB page: /steven.henke
Other links: pschamber.org, revivalsstores.com, desertaidsproject.org
Thank you Steven for taking some time to play and for sharing your joy with us!
—-
Thank you to the Palm Springs Cultural Center inviting me to be your first Artist in residence and bringing the Jump for Joy Photo Project to the Coachella Valley.
If you live in the Coachella Valley and would like more info on the project, or would like to take part, email us: jumpforjoy@psculturalcenter.org
—-
Follow Jump for Joy on:
Instagram: @jumpforjoyphotoproject
Twitter: @jumpforjoyphoto
Facebook: /JumpForJoyPhotoProject
JUMP FOR JOY Photo Project 