My family is superstitious. Often times, on hot Merced evenings, we tell ghost stories among each other. For my grandfather, these stories are literal. For me, these stories are reflections of past and present psychological fears.

My grandfather once told me a story about a dream he had. In his dream he saw himself sleeping. It was an ordinary night for a restless sleeper.  He tossed and turned; undoubtedly haunted by his worries, sorrows, and fears. Yet, tonight there was something else haunting him. It lingered in the shadowed corners of the room.  The moons comforting light created deeper darkness. Unholy goose bumps filled his body and his breadth became steam. A shadow began to speak. My grandfather began to pray. They battled for hours; until, my grandfather awoke in a sweaty relief.

After hearing that story, I told my grandfather he was full of shit.

A handful of years passed and one evening I had a similar dream. It was the most horrifying and realistic dream of my lifetime. With this project I created scenes of how “the shadow” will someday reappear.  They are inspired by my creepy apartment and my interpretation of what “the shadow” is. For me it is the absence of God and is unworthy of any form. It lingers in the human mind and feeds on our essence. It exists and it does not exist. It is fluid but solid. It follows me.

After hearing that story, I told my grandfather he was full of shit.

A handful of years passed and one evening I had a similar dream. It was the most horrifying and realistic dream of my lifetime. With this project I created scenes of how “the shadow” will someday reappear.  They are inspired by my creepy apartment and my interpretation of what “the shadow” is. For me it is the absence of God and is unworthy of any form. It lingers in the human mind and feeds on our essence. It exists and it does not exist. It is fluid but solid. It follows me.

These photographs are dedicated to Mrs. DeDe Cox and Paul Villanueva. Individuals that I will forever admire and respect. Thank you for all the unquestionable support regarding my creative endeavors. My love for you is eternal.