This is Richmond is a web-based interview series showcasing unique individuals who have used their talents and personal backgrounds to help shape Richmond, VA.
Watch the trailer below and watch the full videos at thisisrva.com.
Episode 1: AJAY BREWER
Ajay Brewer is the owner if Brewers Cafe, Brewers Waffles, and The Well art gallery. After quitting his job as stockbroker, he took a risk opening up his first business, Brewers Cafe. Now he lives his life pursuing happiness and living large with his spirited son, Parker.
Episode 2: LACETTE CROSS
Lacette Cross is the pastor at Restoration Fellowship RVA. After finding herself in a relationship with a woman, she had to come to terms with how her sexuality and faith can co-exist. She is now the only black, queer, female pastor in Richmond and uses her story to preach on the intersection of race, faith, and sexuality. She is a member of the Richmond Area Sexuality Network and helped start Black Pride RVA.
Episode 3: KIMBERLY WALL
Kimberly Wall is the owner at Black Rabbit Tattoo. After working in several male-dominated tattoo parlors, Kim decided to start an all female staffed shop. Kim’s unique aesthetic, love of anime culture, and welcoming atmosphere bring in thousands of people each year to Black Rabbit.
Episode 4: NILS WESTERGARD
Nils is a professional artist, amateur philosopher, and friend of Paco, his parrotlet. With around twenty murals, Nils is the most featured artist in RVA. His paintings are often portraits that radiate complex yet ambiguous emotion. The way he incorporates the dripping nature of paint has become a signature in a lot of his murals. Nils is a free thinker and doesn’t shy away from his doubts, concerns for the future, and his progress as an artist.
Episode 5: SARMISTHA TALUKDAR
Sarmistha Talukdar is a cancer researcher, sound artist, and an activist. After studying biology in Calcutta, her research led her to the Massey Cancer Research Center where she focuses on methods to target and eradicate cancer stem cells. Sarmistha is also a sound artist, performing under the stage name, Tavishi. Her work often focuses on her interest in botany by generating sounds from specific data sequences of plants. As an activist, Sarmistha is constantly searching for ways that her specific skillset can improve the community. She is currently focused on the idea of healing and how that topic seeps into all facets of her life.