“Monumental Unity”

“Monumental Unity: Frames from the Herndon Climb” delves into the captivating world of the age-old Herndon Climb tradition, embodying resilience and unity. Through emotional photographs, I capture the extraordinary journey of United States Naval Academy plebes (FRESHMEN) as they conquer the challenging ascent of the greased Herndon Monument.

My photographic exploration immortalizes the spirit of the Herndon Climb—an enduring reminder that challenges yield to united purpose. I convey the narrative of camaraderie, resilience, and collaboration’s triumph over adversity, embodied by determined plebes leaving their mark on the United States Naval Academy’s history. These frames encapsulate the unyielding Herndon Climb spirit—a symbol of persistence, unity, and the strong bond among those in service. These photos not only honor tradition but also prompt viewers to reflect on overcoming challenges in their own lives.

Through my lens, I have had the privilege to unveil the captivating story of Serenity, a remarkable soul who embodies the intersection of identities. Serenity, a luminary in the LGBTQ+ community, stands adorned in vibrant drag ensembles, a testament to self-expression and celebration. Beyond the spotlight, Serenity’s valor shines as a dedicated member of the US Army, safeguarding the liberties that enable us to embrace our true selves in a nation of freedom.

The repeal of “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” in 2011 marked a pivotal moment in the journey towards inclusivity. This series of portraits serves as a reminder that at our core, we are all human, deserving of unwavering respect regardless of sexual orientation, gender, race, and beyond. Serenity’s embodiment of this truth magnifies the power of courage and honor, both on the battlefield and in the enchanting realm of drag.

”REVELATIONS” portrays religious symbolism, imagery, and spiritual awakenings in contemporary settings, with a unique focus on children as subjects. Through his artworks, Lloyd emphasizes the interconnectedness of all things and challenges the notion of coincidences as mere mundane occurrences. He invites viewers to recognize these moments as divine alignments, echoing the belief that all aspects of existence are intertwined. Inspired by the verse from Revelation 12:7, Lloyd's work captures the ethereal struggle between Michael, his angels, and the formidable dragon, all seen through the innocent and unassuming lens of childhood.

Crafted in the tumultuous year of 2020, amidst a global pandemic and the confines of a United States quarantine, this series delves into the intricate tapestry of mental health challenges. Guided by his own battles with depression and profound sorrow, Lloyd's photographic ESSAY chronicles his spiritual evolution as the calendar neared its end. Through an embrace of natural sanctuaries and the nostalgic landscapes of his childhood, the series interweaves a performative dimension, an artistic endeavor to fathom the profound traumas that echoed worldwide during the pandemic era. Lloyd's canvases encapsulate not only the turmoil within personal connections but also the isolating grip of desolation, and the arduous journey of coexisting with the weight of depression. Responding through spontaneous, outdoorsy narratives, Lloyd's work mirrors his communion with the external world, echoing the pulse of the human spirit's quest for solace and healing.

The “Falling Roots” series explores the intricate bond shared between humanity and trees. Capturing the essence of this connection, the artworks showcase the majestic Banyan trees found in the landscapes of South Florida. These colossal arboreal beings stand as symbolic embodiments of nature’s grandeur, while the human presence is artfully diminished in comparison. With lifespans spanning centuries, these ancient trees cast humans in the role of fleeting seedlings. “Falling Roots” invites viewers to witness these arboreal titans taking center stage, asserting their dominion over the environment, while humans assume the role of transient observers in a realm that will inevitably transcend their existence.

In the realm of digital portrayal, the veil of authenticity often gives way to curated personas. In direct response to this phenomenon, my series “Guise” delves deep into the personas that emerge through social media, unmasking the characters, alternate selves, and heightened renditions that individuals present. Through meticulous use of props, poses, and composition, I cast shadows over the subjects’ identities. Whether in the digital sphere or the physical realm, the series peels back the layers of self-construction, provoking contemplation on the multifaceted identities we project to the world.

Lloyd’s series “Winged” is a captivating exploration of avian aesthetics, channeling the innate charm and elegance of our feathered counterparts. The abstract narrative threads within this series interweave meteorological intricacies, migratory narratives, and ecological symbiosis, showcasing the depth of Lloyd’s thematic interests. While the enchantment of avian flight remains a central motif, “Winged” strives to unveil the multifaceted motivations propelling such airborne endeavors. The series adeptly sheds light on the intricacies of avian migration, intricately guided by atmospheric cues, often overshadowed by their visual spectacle. A subtle undercurrent in “Winged” underscores the pivotal role these creatures play as catalysts within ecosystems, exemplified by their intricate role in controlling insect populations through dietary habits. Ultimately, “Winged” encapsulates not only the visual poetics of flight but also the nuanced contributions of birds within the larger ecological tapestry.

Lloyd’s narrative acknowledges the vital role that butterflies play within our ecosystem, acting as indispensable conduits for the pollination of a significant portion of Earth’s plant life. Frequent and deliberate, his artistic focus on butterflies serves as a poignant reminder, guiding viewers to recognize the profound consequence of these delicate insects. Lloyd captures the essence of their importance, underlining the reality that the very existence of our planet, as we understand it, hinges on their diminutive yet pivotal presence.

Of particular fascination to Lloyd is the metamorphic journey of the Monarch butterfly, a captivating process that INTRIGUES his artistic curiosity. From the humble origins of a caterpillar to the exquisite emergence of a butterfly, this transformative narrative embodies his artistic exploration. This body of work encapsulates not only the visual enchantment of this evolution but also the profound symbolism it carries, reflecting the universal themes of growth, rebirth, and the interconnectedness of life’s intricate cycles.

By casting light upon these ethereal beings, he invites viewers to reevaluate their relationship with the natural world and recognize the delicate yet monumental role these creatures assume in the grand tapestry of existence.

DAVID's photographic repertoire consistently embraces the allure of landscapes and the horizon's evocative presence. Through the lens of "Beyond the Horizon," Lloyd embarks on a visual JOURNEY delving into the inherent elegance of our surroundings while igniting an inquisitive spirit towards the uncharted realms that stretch ahead.

“Love Thy Neighbor,” a series stemming from 2014, finds its origins in Lloyd’s rollerblading escapades along the streets of Miami’s Overtown neighborhood. In the course of these urban journeys, Lloyd’s spontaneous interactions with the local homeless community kindled a unique connection. The conversations that emerged from these exchanges, rich with insights on existence, stirred a wellspring of inspiration within him. This led Lloyd to channel his encounters into the medium of portraiture, seeking to crystallize the essence of these meaningful dialogues AND HUMANS.

The artist’s lens turns toward the optimistic phenomenon of rainbows emerging after a storm, an expression of hope and positivity. Employing a minimalist perspective, the artist guides our gaze to the wondrous occurrences that grace our earthly existence. With a personal resonance, Lloyd, as a gay man, weaves rainbows, sunsets, and cloud formations into his creative tapestry, a profound tribute to both their inherent beauty and a nod to the challenges he and the LGBTQ+ community have confronted. Nurturing a survival mechanism, the act of daydreaming and “having his head in the clouds” becomes a poignant coping strategy drawn from his experiences of grappling with feelings of exclusion during his formative years as a gay individual. Through these visual motifs, the artist’s work becomes a testament to resilience and an embrace of identity, harmonizing personal history with the universal yearning for belonging and acceptance.