Gaia

“Gaia” is a surreal photography series which shows that balance lies not within gender, race, or sexual orientation, but within harnessing the fluidity of all physical and spiritual energies. Four pairs of models embody the elements: fire, earth, air, and water. They represent not only physical beings, but the metaphysical essence of life.

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All photos were captured within the landscape of southern Ohio, at Hocking Hills State Park. The grandeur of the landscape brought inspiration to our perception of the Earth and our ties to her.

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Aleasha Bergman holds a BAA from Central Michigan University with a focus in printmaking and a minor in dance, but now focuses her time on the multidisciplinary arts. Her medium of interest has shifted from canvas to bodies as she creates art with dance and makeup. More of her work can be seen on Instagram @BergmanArtistry.

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Shayla Nikles has spent most of her adult life on the road, travelling and living in differrent states. She currently resides in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Her whimsical outlook had a strong influence on the stylization of this photoshoot. Shayla designed and created all costumes and co-headed makeup design. In addition to working within photoshoots, Shayla spends much of her creative energy painting in her Grand Rapids studio. Follow @shayla.nikles on Instagram for projects to come. 

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