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any cultures believe that hair is a sacred expression of our individual and cultural identity, often celebrated with ceremonial braiding, coloring and ornamentation. And so it is no accident that one of the first acts to have taken place during cultural genocides throughout history has been to cut the long braids, locks and beards of native people. Still happening today, the result is a literal severing of the bonds of family, tradition, culture and/or religion, pride and community.

Likewise, it is no coincidence that one of our most powerful forms of individual, societal and political protests throughout history has been to grow ones hair longer (or shorter) than is deemed gender appropriate, die it in the colors of the rainbow, shape it into spikes, and cover it with extravagant extensions and wigs. Not to mention cutting designs into buzz-cut hair and sculpting facial hair. Flowing hair — as seen and felt while driving a convertible, motorcycle or bicycle — is often described as the embodiment of freedom itself.

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alon Expert’s co-owners Kelly and Jenn couldn’t decide what to put in their storefront after a recent expansion and renovation that featured mostly gunmetal gray hardware and rustic hardwood. Customers were being welcomed by a blank 8-foot-wide floor-to-ceiling wall upon entering the front door. I suggested a light painting. And I suggested they create the art with their essence, their movements, energy and intention. Every time someone new comes in and experiences the visual impact of the imagery, it allows them to tell the story of its making, which then allows them to tell their origin story and how it influenced the art making process.