Personal artistic endeavors allow creatives to express their uninhibited imagination. Photographer Liz Von Hoene recently had the opportunity to come together with multiple like-minded artists, Creative Director Amy Osburn, Sculpture artist Mimi Haddon, among others, to execute a shared vision in what they refer to as a “hashtag passion project”. “We connected on a creative platform of liking the same things, inspiration and liking each other’s work. We had been talking about doing a creative project where I could shoot something for her,” said Liz on working with her personal friend. “Late summer/early fall we started collaborating and bouncing ideas back and forth. Amy came to the table with different concepts, and she really wanted to work with this sculpture artist, Mimi Haddon, who sounded very inspiring. She wanted to do an abstract portrait story in a more urban environment and loved the sculptures for that idea. I pulled up Mimi’s Instagram which started the conversation and it grew from there.”

The result was a pleasant surprise for the group, but admittedly wasn’t entirely unexpected. “Once we had a plan and an idea of where we wanted to start, we left room for the passion,” stated Liz. “You need to leave that door open and let the element of surprise happen so you’re led to something you wouldn’t normally do.” Amy agreed, “There is definitely always a road map but the road map is there to allow room for play.” Allowing room for the creative aspect to occur in an organic way was key in their planning process.

“When you’re embarking on a creative endeavor, when it's a collaboration, everyone needs a voice. This project was one of those rare moments when it all sort of comes together and all the artists feel the same way,” said Amy on the collection of talent. Their project, Wear The Wild R, sets an eerie stage of an urban world filled with vivid neons and different shapes that allow the model, wardrobe and sculpture to intertwine to become one. The artists used different natural elements, shape, light and shadow to elevate their work and create a playground to celebrate their vision. Amy went on to stay, “For me the biggest components that brought the shoot to life were the sculptures and the styling. All of the elements were able to work in tandem - it doesn't always happen that way - for a beautiful piece.”