Documentary Productions

My personal non-fiction projects weave together a range of archival materials to revisit, restore, and occasionally reimagine the past. I do this by curating and assembling a blend of found and personal footage, photographs, memorabilia, and ephemera, alongside human recollections into varied mediums of storytelling. In exploring themes of identity, legacy, memory, relationships, and mortality, my process seeks to uncover deeper truths and meanings. Ultimately, however, my fiddling and arranging tends to raise more questions than provide any real answers. And so it goes…

Alchemy for Dreamers

Alchemy For Dreamers (in-production) transverses a daughter’s quest to discover meaning through the sorting, arranging, animating and questioning of her mother’s possessions. © KirstenStudio, LLC.

John Hemmer Archive

The John Hemmer Archive (2017-2025) is a multitiered archiving and testament project consisting of performer oral histories and a digital and physical collection of objects exhibited theatrically, and in gallery museum, and community spaces.

This assembly of elements represent the cultural phenomena of the mid-century nightclub era, and in particular, its impact on New York City. Collection materials and related stories derive from performer experiences and their personal memorabilia which illustrate an under-documented period.

As a singer and performer during the golden age of live entertainment, John Hemmer (1934 - 2017) devoted decades to keeping his community together and preserving the legacy of his fellow artists. John’s commitment and collaborative spirit united many veteran performers over the years to celebrate an epoch in performing arts culture and the individuals who fostered this unique time of nightlife society. Through John's personal archive and story, and that of his colleagues, a time-capsule of a lost Manhattan is revealed.

The act of documenting and reconciling vanishing histories through first-hand accounts unearths vital data which is both broad and individual. Recollections open deeper considerations such as the importance of identity, memory, distinctive and shared legacies. The practice prompts questions about the significance of our past and what role creativity and sense of community play in our vitality as we grow older.

The John Hemmer Collection along with his story and that of his cohort is the basis for the John Hemmer Archive and its History of An Era. The materials are currently being prepared for acquisition and will be available for research to scholars and the general public. It’s dedicated site will continue to post more collection imagery and content and oral histories. To learn more about the archive, its related projects and exhibitions www.johnhemmerarchive.org

Permutations

Permutations (in post-production) is a 4-part anthology documentary series which considers embedded stories behind a given image or text and related ephemera. Each short loose-form narrative aims to investigate transformation and impermanence through obscured micro-histories. Materials originate from both known and orphaned media.

Through research, conjuring and imagination, these fleeting discoveries are revived and reimagined to explore both real and potential personal, social, and political events surrounding them. The stories encourage visitors to reflect on what they leave behind and how their meanings and purposes may be researched and interpreted in the future.