During my childhood, I moved away from the creative arts and into the world of sports and games. I stayed on the East coast for college, and after graduation, still dissatisfied with the fast-paced, materialistic way of life, I took a road trip West to explore a new region—one that I always knew would eventually be home. I brought with me my father’s old Canon manual camera—the one he used to capture special moments with his family, that were later shared in epic, but wonderful, slide shows. I think the sense of adventure with this cross-country journey rekindled my childhood interest in photography. After a month on the road, I stumbled into the little town of Moab (I always wondered what was in Utah!), and thusly into unimagined beauty, recreational fun, and wonderfully open and progressive people. I felt so inspired, I stopped driving and have been here since—almost six years—and have been on an introspective exploration since my arrival.

I believe that every experience shapes who we are at each moment, and several experiences in Moab have particularly influenced me, while developing my photographic interest. My brief stint as a photographer/film developer taught me many crucial skills. As a wilderness therapy field guide, I strengthened my connection to Nature, spending many nights and days outdoors. And my personal interests of running rivers, running trails, and climbing rocks have certainly been lessons along my introspective journey. But most importantly, my explorations of this incredible landscape and my travels abroad have provided me the space and insight to appreciate the intricacies of life. I am most inspired by the often overlooked, by life’s contrasts, and by the bright and colorful. I believe these are demonstrated in my photography… and I hope that you enjoy it. Thank you for your interest.

Kirsten Leigh Bolt