I have often heard that passing away is like crossing a bridge into a new life and the rest of us have to stop at that bridge until we are allowed to cross over. We buried a 96 year old aunt last week. She was the type of woman who contemplated all sorts of things and put us to bed at night with all sorts of wonder. We never knew if a UFO or Jesus would land in the back yard in the night. I think she gave me that model to live by. It's a good model.
Renee Akana is a Los Angeles photographer, now living in upstate New York. Renee is a trained fine artist, selling her first painting at age 15. Later, she sought out and learned air brush painting from the streets in LA. When she tired of blowing paint particles out of her nose or looking for new places to store her work, she ventured out with her cousin one day, following him and his camera. Like everyone, she was an instantaneous photographer with her point and shoot until she understood that there was so much more to it. It's a journey that continues to fulfill her desire to make art.
Awards IPA 2021 (International Photography Awards) Honorable Mention Black & White Nature Photography: "Release"
2018 Gallery on Farrier Avenue, Oneida, NY
2015 (March) Featured Photographer, New Landscape Photography
2013 MOPLA Pin Up Show, Robert Berman Gallery, Bergamont Station, Santa Monica, CA
2011 & 2012 International Photography Awards
* IPA 2011 - Honorable Mention - Editorial : Environmental Category
* IPA 2011 - Honorable Mention - People : Lifestyle Category
* IPA 2012 - Honorable Mention - Special : Digitally Enhanced Category
* IPA 2012 - Honorable Mention - Fine Art : Other_FA Category
2012 Pico Artist Coalition
2010 / 2009 5x7 shows, Blue 7 Gallery, Santa Monica, CA
2009 Water Show, Santa Monica College Exhibit, Santa Monica, CA
2008 Exhibit for Pico Blvd / Pico Improvement Organization, Santa Monica, CA
2008 National Geographic Bioblitz, Santa Monica Mountains, CA, contributing photographer
2008 Sierra Club auction contributor
