Despite being physically restrained, I am thankfully able to spend a few hours each day being creative – in one way or another. Creativity has become a lifeline, offering me a sense of purpose and connection to the world around me, even when my physical freedom is temporarily limited.

Right now, I’m focused on two new photography books that have been consuming most of the pain-free energy I have. The first is themed around Malmö, the city where I’ve lived off and on for 25 years. It’s in its final stages, with the layouts and design nearly completed, and I’m optimistic it will be ready for print sometime before Christmas. This project has been a wonderful way to highlight the unique character of Malmö through my lens.

The second book is about Los Angeles, a city that continues to hold a special place in my heart. It explores a wide range of neighborhoods and iconic spots that have inspired or resonated with me emotionally over the years, including Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA), Silverlake, Hollywood, West Hollywood (WeHo), Santa Monica, and Venice. I’m almost finished with the image selection process, which, while rewarding, can often feel like a meticulous and repetitive task.

Whenever I need a break from curating images, I’ll shift my attention to writing and editing the book’s introduction or come up with ideas for the cover art. Figuring out how to visually represent an entire book about a city filled with so many contradictions, so much energy, and layers of history is no easy task.

A few years ago, I photographed a Mid-Century Modern house in the Hollywood Hills. Its clean lines and stunning views epitomize the architectural beauty of the era. At the moment, I’m awaiting publishing permission from the property’s owners to include the image in the book.

The above image was computer-generated using a series of prompts. Even so, it captures a vibe remarkably similar to the atmosphere of the Mid-Century Modern house I mentioned earlier. To me, the illustration with its sweeping views and iconic design evokes the uniqueness that is the Hollywood Hills.