#bareandhatchet

Well, I’m back after having spent two weeks in Africa. It was such an incredible time, but way too short.

I was going with a group that Bare & Hatchet partners with called Venture Corps. Going on this trip really helped me to get a better understanding and grasp on what V.C. is about, who they are helping and what their goals are. In this post, I am going to highlight my experience and what it meant to me to be able to go on this trip. And in the following weeks I will give a more in-depth look at the leaders Venture Corps partners with.

One of the groups that Venture Corps partners with is called Springs of Hope. They are located in Machakos, Kenya and the home is headed up by one of the most beautiful souls you will ever have the privilege of meeting, Mary Musyoka. We spent three days getting to know Mary and the girls in the home. The rest of the time was spent traveling throughout Uganda and getting to know Ronnie Matovu, another of our partners and executive director of Serve for Hope.

Mary is such an incredible woman. Without knowing it, Mary was a catalyst for an enormous change in my life. The first day I met her she mistook my name for “Treasure” instead of Tricia. I corrected her and didn’t think much of it. Then, we got to talking and very simply put, she determined that based on our conversation she was right in having called me Treasure in the first place. She introduced me to everyone as Treasure without a second thought and for the next three days (I should really say the entire two weeks because everything was a learning experience), I was caught in a whirlwind of finding self worth. For the many of you that don’t know, I don’t have parents. I have struggled a lot with finding myself and finding a place that is my own. I had no idea that God was going to send a group of 20 girls ranging from 3-16 to teach me where my place is. The girls started asking me questions slowly over the time we spent with them, and when the topic of parents came up I wasn’t exactly sure how to approach it because they are children and at least here, in the US, my experience has proven that it is taboo to talk about death with children. I felt a nudging in my heart though that it was alright to let them know my parents have passed and immediately these girls started asking more questions- “what about your brothers? sisters? aunts? uncles?... Who takes care of you?” and when all I could do was kind of nervously laugh, the girls just SWARMED me and immediately started doing my hair, holding my hands and just overall comforting and taking care of me. It is an experience I can honestly say I will never forget.

That was how it was for the whole trip. Seeing the culture and experiencing the amount of care each person takes with the other was absolutely mind blowing. More than that, their relationships with God are more than just relationships. It is their way of life- God just is. He is in everything and there is no question about that. I was able to have really deep conversations with a few of the children and young adults that Ronnie cares for and I can actually say there are so few words I can use to accurately describe the reality of the depth at which they all touched my heart. They all have such powerful testimonies, and here that would be the first thing that most Christians would highlight about themselves- but for them, it was so subtle which made them that much more powerful.

I absolutely fell in love with the culture, the people, the language and the hearts of those I got to know while I was there and I cannot wait to return.

Be on the lookout next week as I talk about Ronnie and his NGO, Serve for Hope! I’m so excited to share more of his vision with you all!

Written by: Tricia Kaufman

INTRODUCTION: "We have had the ultimate pleasure to work with Robb to compile quite the portfolio for the models featured on the Bare & Hatchet website. He is so much fun to work with and has this contagious energy that fills a room and leaves everyone in a joyful mood. We are blessed to call Robb a friend and for your sake hope you will someday have that same pleasure." -Tricia Kaufman

1. Where are you from?

Where am I from? Well, I moved a bunch growing up- all within a few hours of Chicago. Currently, I’m putting a pretty dang heavy stake in Wheaton. 

2. How did you get into the photography business?

It’s funny. I got into photography when I was in college, but it wasn’t a story of a kid wanting to “express himself through art” (….not that there’s anything wrong with that…). I had a point and shoot camera that was stolen. So, in my “go big or go home” ways, I bought an SLR thinking it would just be better. At first, no. Not even close. MUCH worse. An SLR just exposes how much you really don’t know. Notice I didn’t point out the photog pu…nevermind. So, I had this SLR in college, and started learning bits and pieces while taking pics of friends for fun. Eventually, when I had stuff online, the college asked me to shoot events and do brochure work. Also, keep in mind I went to a small school with no photography clubs or anything. Just like, 2 or 3 classes. (I got a C- in my Photo I class). Eventually, I saved up for better gear, learned way more, shot my first wedding and was MASSIVELY hooked. After graduating I thought I would have a few fun weddings a year to shoot with a 9-5 job…turns out I was too busy to make an interview for those jobs. So, I just stopped trying and went full time on it. 

3. I heard you just updated your studio- what new features did you add to it?

The studio! Fun stuff!!! I put in some desks and chairs to, first and foremost, feed my extrovert’s appetite. People can meet here, collaborate, hang or anything. Also, I’ll be teaching photography classes there with different levels of experience, categories, a customized speed of learning, etc. The typical chill out space for consultations and studio set-up have remained the same, though. :)

4. Who or what are your favorite subjects?

My favorite subjects are EASILY those who are most real. There isn’t any specific type I learn more towards, but when I know it’s really them, it’s a friggen BREEZE to bring out their personality. Oh, and anyone that likes Cigars and whiskey, cause I know what we’ll do before/after we’re done shooting.

5. What is your second strongest passion outside of photography?

I have to convince myself that I’m passionate about different things per season. If you think that sounds flakey, you’re right. So, let me clarify that you may be confident in your assumptions. I love a good cigar and company. So, until I finally live my personal life dream of having an in-home exhaust fan in my make-believe cigar room, I have to convince myself that cigars are warm weather passions, and whiskey by the fire is a great way to stay warm in cold weather. Oh, and I really like pogs.

6. I’ve also been told you’re kind of a rockstar. When did you start your music career?

Rockstar, you say? You’ve been talking to my mom, haven’t you. In the third grade I started to play the drums and piano; then, I added trombone to the mix. Eventually, after being in a band with my really good friend, who does NOT suck at the guitar, I learned the bass as we had struggled to find someone to record who could play it. Now, I still play the bass but, I eventually added faux guitar. I’m so thankful for that STUPID rule my mom made about practicing each instrument 30 minutes a day. :)

7. If you were a crayon color, which color would you be and why?

100,000% orange. I mean, it could be just about any shade or hue of orange. For any mega, ultra, super nerds, anywhere in the 585 to 620 nanometre scale. It’s my favorite color, and I haven’t really come across anyone who feels bad after seeing some orange appear in their life. Just saying.

8. What do you think of cow tipping?

It’s kind of like how I got into photography. All or nothing. If you’re gonna shove that sucker over, you better be sure you get her to the ground so she doesn’t swing back the other way. And I wish I could speak to this from just “hearing about it.”  All that to say, pro.

9. So, why is your name spelled with two b’s at the end?

I have theories and benefits as to why. Theory: My pops was temporarily stricken with a rough case of stuttering when naming me. And writing it in pen without clarifying was a thing in 1985. So, no take backs.   Benefit: I’m way more google-able. And it’s really just Robb. Birth certificate Robb. Not Robert. Crazy, huh?  Real reason: Parents didn’t want me to be a Junior, as my pop’s name is Robert. So….there.

10. What’s your favorite brand of whiskey?

MMMMMMaker’s Mark. Sure, it’s not the BEST out there, for sure not the worst, but it’s super available in most sane places…and always stocked in the studio.

11. Any last words?

Last words? Well, to any of you who ever take pictures for fun, or professionally, you can never take enough. At the end of the day, it’s better to figure out storage space than wish you had pictures of someone. I say this from experience with a few important people in my life passing recently, and as a reminder to myself to continue taking pictures. 

Check out Robb’s work here: Robb Davidson Photography

INTRODUCTION: "This week I had the privilege of interviewing Chris Baker, a design professor from Taylor University that actually created our Combat Crest shirt and one of our most recent shirt designs for Judah & The Lion. I personally love his style because of how versatile it is. He’s got two designs that I'm really drawn to, one is a dinosaur and the other is taken from The Great Gatsby. He’s hilarious, he loves cheesecake and if you are a college student at Taylor you better try hard to get in his class." -Tricia Kaufman

1. I am obsessed with your dinosaur design- what inspired it?

That was the first print I pulled junior year at Taylor University. It connects very strongly with my favorite children’s book Danny and the Dinosaur. The ideas of childhood and growth seem to find their way into my work more often than not.

2. When did you first realize you had the creative bug?

I grew up in a very creative family and eventually snaked my way into studying art in college. I was just pussy footing around until around the time I made that dinosaur print and had my internship with the guys at United Pixel Workers.  Good thing they slapped me around or I would be living in my parents' basement, digging holes for a living.

3. If you had to choose between having the most beautiful beard in the world or having the feet of a god, which would you choose and why?

A very weird question, but to have anything of a god would be hard to pass up. Also, there are too many other guys that deserve to have the most beautiful beard in the world.

4. I saw on the interwebz that you are originally from Pittsburgh- do you still live there? If not, what do you most miss about it? I can tell you if I lived there, I would make the three hour drive every weekend to get to the Hershey factory- on an unrelated note, I would also be very fat. 

I actually grew up just south of Pittsburgh in a town called Eighty Four, only known for being the home of the nationwide lumberyard, Eighty Four Lumber. As for now, I reside in Upland, Indiana, and I would have to say I miss Gary and Dottie (my mom and dad) the most.

5. What's your favorite program to use when designing?

Illustrator. There is no other way to go for the work I do, and after spending as much time as I do in it, there is no place more comfortable.

6. Halloween is coming up- do you have a costume yet?

I have dressed as Batman every year since I can remember, although there are some pictures of a few elementary school days where it seems I veered. I don’t really see a point in changing anytime soon.

7. What's your favorite type of project to work on?

My favorite things to work on are most definitely branding, spot illustration, and lettering.  I love to constantly try to pin down a style and work through new things. When lettering, every work is a new animal and I enjoy that.

8. Do you have a go-to snack when working? 

I don’t participate in too much snacking, I just like to design with have a cup of coffee on hand.

9. What is bakerstellstories.com? I saw a lot of really neat photography on there!

That’s my brother and sister's gig. He does video work and she takes quite a few pictures. Always great to support family, especially when their work is so good.

10. Any last words?

No.

See more of Chris's work here: chrisbaker.co

Intro and Interview by: Tricia Kaufman

INTRODUCTION: "Alcohol was abundant and Chinese lanterns flooded the swaying trees as the bands were preparing to entertain our earholes. Suddenly, an incredibly upbeat, jazzy form of Gospel music that I had never heard before, hit me. I was witnessing a modern day Sister Act, right in front of my very eyes, but instead of nuns I was looking at a burley, bearded man. This is S. Joel Norman and we recommend you get to know him now." -Tricia Kaufman 

1. Hello, there S. Joel- what does the "s" stand for?

The S. Stands for SuperDuper.

2. Has your hair always been a lion's mane, or did you get a perm? It's a perm, isn't it.

I do have a perm. Because I like to spend money on making my life less manageable.

3. Where did your mama birth and raise you?

I was born and raised in the south suburbs of Chicago and The Region.

4. How would you describe your music?

I would describe my music as gospel-flavored rock and roll.

5. What inspires your music?

I'm inspired by things that stir the very core of our souls -- questions or ordination, meaning in moments, true and passionate and unexplainable love.

6. Do you put all of your albums on vinyl- and, on that topic, how many albums do you have?

Nope. So far Traveling Light is the only album put to vinyl. I have one other official album called "Take it in Stride" which is available on iTunes.

7. How did you find your way into the arts?

I still don't consider myself "in the arts" though I think I understand what you mean. I suppose this is the best way to explain it: it's not because I can't do anything else, it's because I can't do anything else.

8. You have a deeper voice, but how's your falsetto?

My falsetto comes and goes. It depends on how much abuse my pipes are getting at any given time. By now I assume it's permanently damaged.

9. What's your idea of the perfect pizza?

Pizza is such an interesting food. Pizza is kind of like the Beatles of food. I'd say my favorite pizza is thin crust supreme at the moment. Everything you want without the excess.

10. Any last words?

Last words? Yeah. Please destroy my phone.

Interview by: Tricia Kaufman

INTRODUCTION: "I have had the sincere privilege of getting to know Maggie over the last few months, and I can honestly say I'm so glad we have become friends. Anyone that gets the chance to interact with her can count on one of two things, if not both: a very sweet giggle accompanied by a beautiful, never-ending supply of smiles and a slew of questions. She is so genuinely inquisitive and I have met very few people who are as invested in those surrounding them as Maggie. All of these things, and plenty more, contribute to Maggie being a very talented photographer. She works hard for the people she loves, which is pretty much everyone. So, read her interview (which, in my humble opinion, is hilarious) and then check out her website www.maggiefortson.com" -Tricia Kaufman

So, I understand you have a twin, how do I know I'm not actually interviewing her?  

Yes! Another human being is walking around with my face. There is actually no way of knowing for sure if this is me or my twin sister. Trust is going to be a big part of this interview. 

What do you do for a living, how long have you been doing it, and how did you get started?

I am a photog. That is the cool way of saying I am a photographer. Specifically, I specialize in wedding and portrait photography. I first got started in photography 6 years ago. I actually was planning on going into the criminal justice field, but after one ride along, and pathetically crying in the front seat, I decided I did not want to get anymore involved in that career path. I used to be a Tyra Banks fan (I said USED TO, stop judging me), and I would spend some good old college evenings watching America's Next Top Model (okay, judge me for that part). Any who, I really loved the photography aspect of the show. There was a lot of creativity that went into the themed shoots, so it sparked an interest in me right away. I got a camera, a summer job, and photographed as many people as I could when I was not working. After second photographing two weddings, I was thrown into weddings on my own right after. Before I knew it, I was pursuing it as a full time job and created this business! 

You're a fantastic photographer- who takes your selfies?

If I am understanding the term "selfies" correctly, you take them yourself, so me.  #mysterysolved

What do you think of clown fish?

The first thing I think of is the movie "Finding Nemo". I'm a fan of them!

Where is Miss Maggie from?

Good ol' Carol Stream, IL until the age of 9. Then it was Batavia until I moved out on my own. I currently reside in the Wheaton bubble. 

Turn table or Walkman? I'm gonna bet Walkman.

That was wrong to assume. I am a runner, and I really enjoy listening to music while working out. The Turn table just got too heavy to carry with me though! I kid, I kid. The Walkman is what I used for jamming to tunes as a kid, so that! 

What's your favorite TV Show and which character do you most relate with?

The Office. I probably relate the most to, Creed. I think it's because we look the most alike though. 

What are some of your passions outside of photography? (Feel free to share all about your great singing voice)

I have a passion for all things food. When I am not Instagramming, I really enjoy performing my own concerts at my apartment. Audience of one (insert "sticking tongue out emoji", per Maggie)

Any last words?

Hold on, let me Instagram this. 

Interview by: Tricia Kaufman