Blossoming: noun; promising or healthy development

The forecast is here - climate change means more severe and frequent winter storms. While the Pacific Northwest is no stranger to ice storms and strong winds, the sweeping storm in January 2024 blew down at least 675 trees (mostly conifers), blocked roads, destroyed homes, took a few lives, and left 150,000 households without power. 

One of those trees that fell was in the backyard of my friend Adam Kuby. What once stood over 100 feet tall, an incense cedar tree that had seen over 100 winters here near Mt. Tabor, now fallen crushing his backyard cottage and narrowly missing destroying his home. Upon seeing the beautiful fallen cedar, I felt inspired to create in a moment with Malia Jensen. A few days later, Blossom Drearie, Malia, and I schemed up a photoshoot before the tree was cut and cleared.

The size, smell, and feeling of this cedar was mesmerizing and we used the opportunity to honor the tree while also reclaiming femininity in a princess archetypes meets own darker fantasy way. To me the experience shares something soft and delicate while also hard and romantic. Blossom Drearie, a trans Filipina model/drag goddess, created the gown out of a thrifted Korean silk comforter, honoring the original big tufted heart design, in 2021. Despite initial feelings about wanting to keep the dress clean, we creatively sabotaged parts of it to document the beauty in the breakdown. She says, "the experience made me emotional and proud, disney princess but also renaissance girl.” 

Dress/MUA/Model - Blossom Drearie 

Photographer - Evan Benally Atwood

Assistance - Malia Jensen