Emily Hiestand is a visual artist and writer whose works often explore justice, authenticity, and the wealth of so-called ordinary life. Her photographs are in many private collections, and have appeared in a wide variety of publications, including exhibits, newsletters, and magazines. In the spring of 1996, she spent several days on assignment photographing and interviewing in the Roxbury neighborhood of Boston.
On this assignment for Orion Magazine’s special “Nature and Justice” issue, Hiestand walked the neighborhood streets and parks, and was welcomed into homes, offices, and stores of this multicultural neighborhood. There she met with citizens and activists involved in the Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative, a grassroots community organization focused on environmental justice, economic redevelopment, and community renewal. The resulting photographs include those shown here, which are details of some of the splendid murals, tiles, sculptures, and other artworks that grace the area. Ms. Hiestand has donated the use of these photos for Antioch University New England’s Advocacy for Social Justice and Sustainability webpages.
Hiestand’s books are Green the Witch Hazel Wood; The Very Rich Hours: Travels to Belize, the Everglades, the Orkney Islands, and Greece; and Angela The Upside Down Girl & Other Domestic Travels. Her honors include: the National Poetry Series Award; the American Poster award from Print Magazine; Women in Design International Award; The Nation/Discovery prize; the Whiting Writers’ Award, and The Pushcart Prize. Hiestand’s essay, “Hymn,” a tribute to an urban black church, first appeared in The Atlantic Monthly, and received the National Magazine Award for Essays & Criticism.
