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.
