We Are Still Here
A limited edition series of original photographs, giving you an intimate look into the lives of indigenous warriors from the Brazilian Amazon.
Hi, it’s Antonio, and I’m here to share with you We Are Still Here, a limited edition series of original photographs, giving you an intimate look into the lives of indigenous warriors from the Brazilian Amazon.
We Are Still Here - available now for a limited time - reminds us to prioritize curiosity and compassionate connection with others, and ourselves.
I have always had a knack for showing things in a way that just clicks with people. It all started subtly in 7th-grade photography, with an assignment to capture a photo of something interesting to us. I chose the tortoise in the science room. I remember taking it out of its terrarium, putting it outside, laying in the grass, completely committed to getting the tortoise's perspective, like an ant would see it. And that photograph won an award! At the presentation, the teacher pointed out how I had made a familiar subject feel totally new, helping others see it differently.
Later on, when I got into impact filmmaking, as an art form, that foundational understanding of my communication strengths really took on new meaning. It became clear that my ability to feel into an organization's heart or essence and then craft a concise, emotionally powerful film about it was incredibly valuable. I remember my first mini-documentary about our local community library. The county had cut their funding, so community members started a non-profit to keep it going. I decided to tell their story right when the next public funding election was coming up. The film wasn't just a story; it was this really powerful plea that resonated within the community. It played a huge part in helping the library secure county funds again, literally saving it. Even today, my kids get to enjoy a thriving public library in our community, which is a testament to how much a well-told story can impact things.
In 2019, I observed with fear and anxiety as the Amazon experienced widespread fires, threatening to extinguish an irreplaceable ecosystem. A desperate urgency ignited within me, a primal need to act. However, my online search for solutions yielded a disheartening array of convoluted, polarizing articles that appeared to further division and confusion. It was then that I turned inward, embarking on a meditative journey to connect with the spirit of the Amazon itself.
While unconventional, my intention was to communicate directly with the profound consciousness I believed resided within this ancient forest. Over several months, this unique channel of communication began to manifest. I offered myself as a servant, articulating my skills and desire to assist. This inner dialogue evoked a leap of faith: I arranged a trip to the Amazon, accompanied by a close friend and fellow creative, determined to witness firsthand the devastation and to produce a short film that would inform my local community about the reality of the situation. That initial journey was marked by a series of truly unique and profoundly transformative experiences.
Since that pivotal first expedition, I have dedicated extensive time to the Brazilian Amazon, working to deepen the symbiotic connection between the spirit of the forest and my own heart. My efforts have focused on collaborating closely with indigenous communities, empowering them to narrate their own stories and to convey their invaluable wisdom and life experiences to a global audience. Witnessing, feeling, and truly experiencing their profound appreciation for my time and energy consistently reaffirmed my purpose: to leverage my creative gifts and unique life perspective in service of others.
I was not merely an observer; I became an integral part of their lives, adopted into the community as a fellow warrior, my camera serving as my chosen weapon. My role transcended simply capturing images and documenting their stories. I embarked on a mission to train young indigenous warriors in the art of storytelling, cinematography, and the strategic use of social media to amplify their critical messages to the world. I was incredibly fortunate to have extra equipment, and, with the generous support of partners, we were able to provide cameras, drones, and computers for them to utilize in their important work. This experience demonstrated the far-reaching and impactful potential of my art.
To this day, every artistic expression I undertake is fundamentally viewed as a pathway to serve. For instance, a significant portion of the proceeds from my photography sales is channeled directly to the individuals and communities featured in the images, fostering a direct and tangible benefit. Similarly, with my musical concerts, I actively partner with local music-based charities. These collaborations not only provide their talented students with paid, professional opportunities to perform and gain invaluable experience in the professional music world, but also include direct donations to their organizations and dedicated spaces for them to conduct their own vital fundraising initiatives. Through these endeavors, art transforms from a personal pursuit into a powerful catalyst for positive change and community building.
FAQs
1.What is this offer?
We Are Still Here is a series of six limited edition original photographs, providing an intimate look into the lives of indigenous warriors from the Brazilian Amazon—people I’ve spent a great deal of time with and whose presence has been transformative.
2.What is the theme of this series?
With this series, I’d like to inspire curiosity about other cultures and other ways of life. My hope is that it will help you feel compassionate with others, as well as with yourself, so that you can be your best version and give back to the world.
3.How big are the photographs?
These photographs are 30 inches wide or tall, depending on if the image orientation is landscape or portrait. They are printed on Canson Infinity Rag Photographique Paper.
4.I want to invest in one of these photographs now. How can I do that?
You can do so by clicking on the BOOK A CALL WITH ME button on this page.
5.Can I commission one of your photographs?
Absolutely! I always invite opportunities to capture beautiful images in collaboration with others. BOOK A CALL with me to co create the vision.
6.How do I know which photograph is right for me?
We can discuss that together through a discovery call. You can schedule that with me by clicking the button on this page that says BOOK A CALL WITH ME.
7.What would we cover on our discovery call together?
We will look at why this theme resonates with you, why you feel drawn to it, specifically how it could serve to enhance your daily life now. From there, we can see whether or not one of the images in this series could serve you in that way now or in the future.
8.What if I want to explore this series, talk to you to learn more about it, but am not ready to invest just yet?
That is what the discovery call is about—for us to explore this series. So regardless of whether you think now or later is better for you to actually invest in a We Are Still Here photograph, book your call now so we can dive into this together!
9.What about shipping?
Shipping is provided by Convelio, the most trusted Fine Art shipping company.
10. You’re donating the proceeds of your sales from this We Are Still Here series. Please tell me more about that!
I communicate regularly with the villages and communities represented in the series. I visit them, support when I can and care about them deeply. I will share 20% of proceeds directly with the individuals in the images. I often discuss with the “Cacique” or chief of the community, what the needs are and bring supplies or support to the villages and bring them when I visit. This year I will be visiting in November for the UN Climate Summit, where I will be supporting in many ways.
Proceeds from these artworks will go directly to the villages captured in the images.
This offer is available for limited time!
Due to my various artistic and impact endeavors I only have a limited time to offer this before I present my next offering.
To schedule a call with me, click the button below.
© 2025 Antonio Melendez