CHRISSY MARTINEZ (she/her)

love

freedom

empowerment

integrity

reciprocity

I imagine a world where everyone feels free and connected and all of their needs are met. I want to share the feelings of magic and connectedness that I get when I am out in nature with the world through stories and photos, to share a sense of calming to peoples nervous systems and reminders of the great beautiful wild world that can use more protection and support because our healing is connected to each other.

I am an artist, musician, sober for 14 years & vegetarian since birth. I’ve always had a deep love for animals and being outside near the water is where I feel most connected and free.

I dream/envision because all of our wildlife deserve freedom, food, clean water, a safe place to grow and flourish. 

This is important to me because growing up I always felt like an outsider searching for freedom. Long before I ever had a camera I always felt most at home and connected to myself when I was outdoors or spending time with my dog. When I had the motorcycle accident in 2019 an integral part of my healing has been daily hikes where I get to connect with nature and create photos in the wild.

EVERYDAY PROTECTORS

I will be sharing a story about what inspires me to do the work that I am doing and the importance of the everyday protectors. A little glimpse into the life of Manatee Mike, a life long fisherman who cares for a community of abandoned cats and looks out for the manatee on a daily basis. As well as some of my first experiences with the manatee in Crystal River and the importance of the continued restoration of these waters.

1_20220816-DSC0045800458_Chrissy Martinez_Everyday Protectors.jpeg
2_20220816-DSC0047400474_Everyday Protectors.jpeg
3_20220816-DSC0155901559_Everyday Protectors.jpeg
4_20220816-DSC0083200832_Everyday Protectors.jpeg
5_20221014-20221014-DSC0110701107_Everyday Protectors.jpeg
6_20221014-20221014-DSC0147201472_Everyday Protectors.jpeg
7_20221128-DSC0835808358_Everyday Protectors.jpeg
10_20221014-20221014-DSC0113301133_Everyday Protectors.jpeg
9. 20221128-DSC0847508475_Everyday Protectors.jpeg
8_20221014-20221014-DSC0178801788_Everyday Protectors.jpeg

ON RECLAIM POWER

“This mentorship has been life changing, healing, supportive, like being gently and strongly held by the most brilliant light. I am constantly amazed by the support that I feel when growing through some life long fears to reach dreams that almost seemed unreachable and to feel the support to continue developing projects I have wanted to do forever. Dani is forever part of one of the proudest moments of my life. I had a huge opportunity come up during this mentorship and she was there every step of the way when I reached out and helped me to walk and grow through my fears and guidance on how to face some of the challenges I was unsure of. The group component and dynamic has also been so uplifting to witness and grow with each other. This experience for me has been beyond growing as a photographer and a storyteller it has impacted and continues to impact every aspect of my life in all of the best ways.” -Chrissy

Previous

Mark Valino
Next

Adrienne Lehotsky