Dead Tired Photograph - Limited Edition of 4

Patricia Fortlage is an award-winning documentary and fine art photographer. From her core belief that if you invest in women and girls, entire communities will be raised, Patricia has focused much of her documentary career working with organizations doing just that. From her powerful piece covering the female-led Othakarhaka Foundation in Southern Malawi to the stereotype breaking, female empowering Wonder, Girl! campaign, to an ongoing project depicting the often life-long after-effects of sexual assault on women, Patricia has promoted female empowerment one project at a time. She began her career by studying a degree in political science and international relations; however, she changed her focus to photography once she realized that change can also be affected through this medium as well. Her contributions in humanitarian aid and documentary photography have taken her to over 60 countries, witnessing extreme poverty, unthinkable disease, violence, and destruction of life. She has also experienced beauty of spirit, resilience, optimism, and a human kindness that knows no boundaries or borders. This beauty has inspired her to relay those stories. Patricia learned a lot during her work as a documentary photographer in developing countries. She learned that no matter where one lives, everyone is doing the very best that they can, and that most welcome support and ideas and collaborations where they can find them. She learned about the generosity of others, those who work fervently and tirelessly combatting disease and poverty in order to improve the lives of others. She learned the value of her work as a photographer amplifying voices and giving further reach to these efforts united by shared visions. She is humbled to have partnered on this treasured work. Patricia also learned that in addition to love, food, and health, art is sustenance. In so many cultures, art is revered… it is savored. It is contentment for the soul, it inspires change, it brings joy. This has led to an alchemy of her own work, transitioning more towards fine art photography and storytelling in recent years. Her work has been published internationally and she has widely exhibited in solo and juried shows across the globe.