After being an active listener of The Candid Frame for quite some time, I was given the opportunity to come onto the show and be interviewed. This journey is not light but it’s full circle moments like this that reassure me that everything is going as it should. Thank you Ibarionex for having me! This episode is available on multiple platforms to listen. Click here to tune in!
"Missouri Photo Workshop" Feature - Article by Raquel Natalicchio
Marie Mawby, 39, tends to her family’s mental and emotional well-being while finding healing from the persistent silent racism her family experiences by uncovering and preserving the deeply-rooted history of the women in her family, tracing back over six generations in Excelsior Springs, Missouri.
Got the opportunity to be part of this years Missouri Photo Workshop @mophotoworkshop . Incredibly thankful to Marie Mawby, her family and every single person of the MPW team who was a part of making this experience so memorable. My heart is full.
CLICK HERE to view the full article!
WOMEN IN PHOTO #2 - Panel Discussion
Honored to have been able to bring these incredible female photographers together to talk about being a woman in the photography industry.
ALL Women Photography Panel Discussion - In conversation with Vanessa Charlot, Olivia Harris, Alexis Hunley, Zaydee Sanchez, Maria De Jesus.
Produced & Moderated by Raquel Natalicchio
Black History Month - CSUN Exhibition
In honor of Black History Month, California State University, Northridge is hosting an online exhibit and I’ve been given th eopportunity to show my photos from this past year!
BHM Digital Exhibition: Confronting a Pandemic Within a Pandemic provides a glimpse into the events that unfolded in the summer of 2020 after the murder of George Floyd, as viewed through the lenses of various photographers. I am extremely honored to be a part of this, To visit the exhibit click the button below!
WOMEN IN PHOTO #1 - Panel Discussion
A description of what WOMEN IN PHOTO is about and what it means to you. What kind of impact do you wan this to leave on people?"
An all Women Photography Panel. In conversation with Patience Zalanga, Enkrypt, Zaydee, Jesse Mireles w/ Special Guest: Michelle Groskopf
Produced & Moderated by Raquel Natalicchio
Hosted by @thesestreetsmag
"Photography Daily" Podcast Feature
Honored to be invited on to this incredible podcast, we spoke about —. Please make sure to check out other episodes that may interest you, Photography Daily has featured some great people.
CLICK HERE to listen to episode #178 featuring Raquel Natalicchio!
"Objective Journalism" Video - Hosted by Raquel Natalicchio & These Streets Magazine
Last Monday I moderated a talk about ‘Objective Journalism’ alongside some of my favorite photographers, Kemal Cilengir and Christian Monterrosa. If you missed the live stream, here is the recording! Stay tuned for more talks and workshops on These Streets Magazine social platforms.
In conversation with Christian Monterrosa / @chrismaphotography - @NPPA West Regional Chai
Moderated by Kemal Cilengir / @streetwisela + Raquel Natalicchio / @rockmyworldrocky
Produced by: Raquel Natalicchio // @rockmyworldrocky
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These Streets Gallery •Out Of The Frame •
When I think back to just last Monday, standing in one of the alleys of These Streets Gallery, I once again realized that dreams do come true.
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A few years ago I set out to free my art and paste up my photography in the streets, free for anyone and everyone who would stop to look. It was so incredibly liberating and yet something was missing.
Community.
I dreamt of a day in which alleys would be turned into galleries filled with all the amazing photographers that the streets of LA has raised and inspired.
With that I set out to find my photographic community and sure enough I did.
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These Streets Magazine ( @thesestreetsmag ) and so many other photographers welcomed me and my passionate ideas with open arms.
It was an absolute honor to work alongside such dedicated and talented photographers in creating “Out of the Frame”.
“Out of the Frame" is a collaborative project that aims to motivate people to explore Los Angeles by visiting each of the 5 alleyway galleries, while also peering into all the layers that have made up this year through the photographic work of over 20 photographers. This unique approach to gallery viewing is not only reflective of the times, but also a way to encourage empathy, education, curiosity and community.
Thank you to each and every photographer who shared their work, the team that spent countless hours putting this together + pasting this up and especially to everyone who came out to explore these alley galleries.
We LOVE you LA!
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For more info on this project and to see all the photographers work follow @thesestreetsgallery Walls 1,4+5 are still up! Catch them before their gone!
American Photography Open FInalist!
Honored to have been selected as a finalist amongst many talented photographers for this years American Photography Open. This photo was taken during one of the counter protests in Tujunga, CA
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As a storyteller I believe in the power of image and story as having the ability to not only inspire but also expand our awareness. Images allow us to dive into all the layers of our world and gain a greater understanding of our environment and each other. More often than not the main stream media does not and cannot report on everything that happens on the ground. The men and women who are independently documenting this movement across the United States are on the frontlines every day. Almost all have been tear gassed, shot at by non lethal weapons, jailed and physically assaulted by both police and Trump supporters alike. What many don’t see is that we are capturing images that keep police accountable, ensure that protesters are protected with evidence if assaulted and showing what is happening outside of main stream platforms. As Walter Williams wrote in the journalist creed “ that all connected with it are, to the full measure of their responsibility, trustees for the public; that acceptance of a lesser service than the public service is betrayal of this trust." We are here to document and ensure that the people are witness to and future generations remember these events in their truth.
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CLICK HERE to see all the incredible finalists and more details.
Know Your Rights : A workshop for Press Photographers
Honored to have produced a workshop alongside Legal Observer Diana Barbadillo for local LA Photographers, journalists and press. We focused our attention on “Knowing Your Rights” to ensure we all feel safe and confident when out on the front line documenting. A special thank you to our host These Streets Magazine.
Below you will find a link to recorded session and a link to an article summarizing your rights!
UNITY. TOGHETER WE STAND
So proud to be a part of this collective and honored to have the opportunity to create inspiring art alongside such strong and empowering women!
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UNITY. TOGHETER WE STAND
The message is on the street!!
WOM Collective In collaboration with the BUILDHOLLYWOOD family of JACK, JACK ARTS and DIABOLICAL for their #YourSpaceOrMine project.
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Collaboration piece:
Photo in artwork by Raquel Natalicchio
Illustration @real_lours
Art direction @elnoart @carleendesozer
Imagine: Visions of Hope
Very happy to have been selected ( selected image below ) for Imagine: Visions of Hope online gallery! This project is creating a visual catalog of human resilience, determination, and perseverance – a reminder of our collective ability to overcome even the most dire challenges.
This project is a collaboration between the Iris Photo Collective and Focus on the Story.
View the full gallery of amazing work HERE!
Portrait of America!
I am so excited to share that I will be in the show " Portrait of America" curated by Fabrik Media in Los Angeles this week !
“Portrait of America aims to reflect on the unique history and diversity of our country through portraits of the people who live and work here – the people who define who we are and where we are going.”
I am honored to have been selected as a Silver Winner amongst so many incredibly talented photographers! To see the winning portraits follow THIS LINK !
Close the Camps: Stronger Together
On July 12, 2019 thousands of people took to the streets nationwide as part of a national call to action to close the refugee and migrant concentration camps. Leaders expressed the need to not only continue to share with the public the inhumane treatment of adults and children in the camps, but to also focus efforts on coming together, taking action and creating solutions.
Words and Photographs by Raquel Natalicchio , San Ysidro, CA - TIjuana, MX - July, 12 2019
Thousands of people take to the streets in San Ysidro, CA as part of a national call to action to close the concentration camps.
San Ysidro, CA stands as the last district within the San Diego County before reaching the Mexican Border and was also the host of the largest rally and march in the National call to action to Close the Concentration Camps. This was organized by the Coalition to Close the Concentration Camps in conjunction with Lights for Liberty, both organizations a growing network of rights groups, social justice activists and organizations, and concerned individuals who have come together to demand the closure of the migrant and refugee concentration camps.
The rally began by acknowledging being on Kumeyaay traditional territory and thanking the Kumeyaay Nation for welcoming this event to their sacred land. A blessing and welcoming ceremony was led by Kumeyaay elders, bird singers and a danza Azteca group, shining a light on the unity and strength of the spirit of native people that comes from keeping their traditional ceremonies alive.
Kumeyaay elder Stan Rodriguez stood up to talk to the thousands gathered, saying:
“When we treat people with respect, we build love and respect for others, for ourselves. What were doing here today, is not to teach tolerance. Tolerance is not what we’re looking for. You can tolerate a mosquito bite or the weather. Im talking about celebration of diversity. Of all of us. To truly come together and love each other.”
Elder Stan alongside other elders and members of the Kumeyaay Nation stood at the forefront of the march to the Mexican border in which thousands followed. Streets were shut down for miles while people joined in from the streets and cars honked in solidarity.
The march ended at the Mexican border crossing with a vigil led by Lights for Liberty to voice demands for justice and to tell the stories of those impacted by the detention centers . Speakers went on to urge the necessity to get involved, take action through all avenues. From supporting organizations that offer supplies, sponsorship and legal aid to migrants and refugees, to demanding policy reform around immigration and border patrol.
So what can you do now? How do you get involved?
There are several organizations working tirelessly in several avenues in support of migrants and refugees. One such example is an organization ran by Bertha “Birdie” Gutierrez called- Bridge of Love Across the Border-
Bertha, known as “Birdie” is the incredible force that organizes sending supplies across the Mexican border to shelters and eateries hosting thousands of refugees and migrants. Her organization is fueled by donations and volunteers from people nationwide. I followed a generous donation from the Los Angeles LGBT Center across the border to Tijuana. Marine Corp. Veteran Jamal Johnson, came down from Philadelphia to support those affected by the crisis at our border by volunteering to drive supplies across the border to a shelter in Tijuana, MX. Comedor Contra Viento y Marea was the destination for those supplies and is one of the few eateries that provides two free meals a day, supplies like toiletries and clothes and a medical tent that opens once a day for check ups.
“My parents taught me that we need to take care of each other. It doesn’t matter who it is. It’s a way of life for us.”
Migrants and refugees spend time volunteering in these shelters and eateries, many of them families. Alexis is a young man of 19 that fled an extremely violent Honduras to the US seeking refuge. He was detained and spent 4 months being transferred around through several detention centers, many of which he said he was put in “Hieleras” meaning “ Ice box” . Hieleras are notorious for extreme over crowding and inhumanely cold conditions. Alex explained he had nothing but one blanket for his duration of his detention. No showers. No water, other than the toilet bowls and maybe sinks if they worked. When getting into the details of the conditions, Alex became emotional and asked if he could not talk about that part. Alex’s trauma was very clear but nonetheless he came back to Tijuana, waiting for an opportunity to receive asylum. Alex spends his time volunteering at the shelters and eateries, and loves playing soccer with his friends.
It is important that we recognize that ‘migrants’ and ‘refugees’ are first and foremost HUMANS, People. People like you and me with families, hobbies, loves, passions, joys, pains, fears and all the things that connect us in being human. Building compassion will inspire action.
Below is a list of organizations that you can get started with to be involved. Please consider supporting by donating time or resources. Change will take all of us because we are Stronger Together! #CloseTheCamps
AFSC San Diego
Armadillos Búsqueda y Rescate
Border Angels
Detainee Allies
ipay Kumeyaay Nation of Santa Ysabel
National Brown Berets de Aztlán
Raíces Sin Fronteras
San Diego Border Dreamers
San Diego Indivisible
United Against Police Terror - San Diego Copwatch
Vyal One X RNP
Made a quick video cruising in East Los Angeles with artist Vyal One in his beautiful 76 Monte Carlo. To beautiful days in Sunny LA ! #RNPExplores
East LA cruisin with VYAL One in his 76 Monte Carlo Video: Raquel Natalicchio Photography - @RockMyworldRocky - www.raquelnatalicchio.com Music: Organ Mantra by The Myrrors
Black Light King Graffiti Video " Underworld" !
Made a video of DTLA graffiti artist Black Light King while he added black light paint to one of his recent murals inspired by artist Alex Gray and Band ‘Tool’. It was an adventure watching the night and mural come alive.
Art: Black Light King
Video: Raquel Natalicchio Photography (RNP)
Music: Sebastian Rivera + Randy Garcia
Mural: Black Light King - @Blacklightking - www.blacklightking.com Video: Raquel Natalicchio Photography - @Rockmyworldrocky - www.raquelnatalicchio.com Music: @MrSebs + @_Randym
Featured in PELEA!
So excited and honored to be featured in PELEA’s latest article. PELEA is a digital platform dedicated to telling stories about artists, athletes and people who fight for what they believe in. In this article I talk about what it has been like as a woman to become a photographer, journalist and teaching artist.
"Los Ángeles tiene algo que inspira. Las personas vienen aquí para alcanzar sus sueños, así que es una ciudad en la que pasa cualquier cosa”.
Translated: “ Los Angeles has something that inspires. People come here to make their dreams come true, so its a place where anything can and does happen. “
📷 CLICK HERE to read the full article! 📷
Road Trip nation goes to Ingram State Tech College
Its been a week since the last day of my second tour with @roadtripnation and as I reflect on this journey I am overflowing with gratitude from the growth, opportunities and magic I’ve experienced. Today one of the roadies asked me what is the moment that has stood out the most from my tours, and I can whole heartedly say that it was doing an event in Alabama at Ingram State Tech College that also happened to be a Prison.
Although in the beginning there were thoughts racing through my mind like “What can I possible say to someone who’s been in prison for years that can be inspiring and motivating? How do I relate to inmates raging in age from 20-60? “ But as soon as I stepped into the college building, I felt like I was in a “free world” ( as they call everything that’s outside of the prison) college. Staff referred to each individual as a student, I never heard the term inmate.
As the students poured in and the presentation went on, they were all engaged, respectful and most of all willing to open up to us and their peers. I realized this might have been the first time for a lot of them that someone was asking them, what do you love to do? How do you think you can get to that? And more importantly encouraging them to drop the disempowering noise and go for it! This may have been a moment for many in which it was just about them, as humans, not inmates. I felt the sense of pride and emotion that came over those who chose to stand up, say their name instead of their inmate number and share what their true passions and goals were. I made a connection between the high school students we had been visiting and the inmates, they all heard noise, they all had passions, and they all wanted to follow their dreams. That’s what we were their to do, tell them that no matter where you are in life, you can make that happen, you just have to believe in yourself and go for it.
They later on gave us a tour of their workshops, from welding and carpentry to upholstery and electrical, each jumping at the opportunity to geek out with us and show us what they are learning and what they had created. Before we left, two students ran up to us, one handing us a fish made of scrap metal that he welded himself, and the other a bag full of pillows that they had made in the upholstery class for us to take with us. Their sincere gratitude, excitement and genuine inspiration filled me with joy, compassion and hope in humanity.
The mission of this college is to inspire, nurture and empower the resilient human spirit of inmates by providing immediate and lasting solutions, one trade and one student at a time. Every student I met not only expressed their hope for their future but that of the world. Eliminating the prejudice that is carried about people who have been incarcerated and empowering these communities, no matter their circumstances, is vital to evolving human kind with compassion for a better world to be tangible in our lifetime. 💪🏼💗
On The Road Again with Road Trip Nation!
This week I started my second road trip with @roadtripnation and I couldn’t be more excited. I’m so proud to be a part of a team with a mission to inspire students and people around the world to define their own road in life and to pursue what they love. This time we will be on the road for two months driving down the east coast starting in Rhode Island - Boston - NYC - Philadelphia - Washington DC - Tennessee - New Orleans & Texas. Stay posted on my instagram @Rockmyworldrocky for adventure pix & stories.
Live Interview with Mindful Models!
Here is the full live interview with Mindful Models from their Soul Talk Series!
Mindful Models is a social movement that promotes emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual wellbeing in the modeling industry.
VISION - We envision an empowered, inspired and joyful world made up of creative individuals committed to building a sustainable future for humanity.
MISSION - To bring mindfulness into the fashion, modeling and entertainment industries and create a community that is nurturing and supportive.
To learn more about Mindful Models, CLICK HERE!