Painted Love

This portrait was taken in Ethiopia’s Omo Valley during my first journey to document Africa’s Indigenous communities—voices too often unheard but vital to our shared human story.

She stood calmly, her expression warm. Her skin bore ceremonial scars, her face painted with white clay, and wild fruits adorned her hair. In her arms, she held her baby, their cheeks touching gently.

As a traveling mother, I was met with extraordinary kindness by women in remote communities, not just to me, but my children as well. Everywhere we went we were welcomed, fed, and given a place to rest. I am forever grateful for the women across the world who saw not a stranger, but a mother in need, and extended their hands and hearts in kindness.