Oro Valley Library invites you to an exhibit by local photographer Jordan Handler, on display until January 15, 2024.
Artist Statement:
Photography has always been my way of exploring the world, capturing its vast diversity through the landscapes I encounter on my travels.From rugged coastlines to lush forests, each destination tells a story of its own. Yet, no matter where my journeys take me, I always find myself returning to the quiet, timeless beauty of the desert—my true home.
Passport Home is a photographic series that represents the duality of my creative life: the thrill of discovering new places, and the deep sense of belonging I feel in the desert. This series reflects the contrast between the vibrant, ever-changing scenes I encounter abroad and the subtle, enduring beauty of the desert landscape that welcomes me home.
Through my lens, I capture the textures, light, and colors that make the desert so unique. The harsh sun, the vast open spaces, and the quiet stillness hold a serenity and resilience that I find grounding after the constant motion of travel. I am drawn to the raw, minimal beauty of this environment—the way the golden hues of sand and rock shift with the light, and the way life flourishes in unexpected ways amidst what appears barren.
Passport Home celebrates both the excitement of exploring new horizons and the comfort of returning to a familiar place. Each photograph in this series invites viewers to reflect on their own relationship with home and the landscapes that shape their lives, whether they are places of adventure or solace.
Images courtesy of the artist
