Bienvenido. Mi nombre es Leo y soy artista. This August, I will be moving to Ithaca, New York, for the next two years to pursue a Master of Fine Arts at Cornell University. I am incredibly excited for this opportunity because this program will give me the time, space, and resources to continue developing my creative practice.
To help cover the costs of my move across the country and my time in the MFA program, I am launching a presale of a photobook and a limited edition of prints from one of the first projects I hope to complete during my time at Cornell: Antes de que te olvide (Before I forget you).
This project began in 2015 during my first visit back to my birthplace, Rancho Viejo, Sola de Vega, Oaxaca, Mexico after immigrating to the US in 2004 – a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity made possible through a study abroad program while I was an undergraduate student.
At the time, I returned home determined to photograph the people of my hometown. During that visit, however, I found myself drawn to something else. I intuitively made a series of photographs of the landscapes, plants, paths, and everyday places that surrounded my childhood. I did not fully understand my connection to these images at the time, and for years they remained hidden away on a hard drive.
Then, in 2025—ten years after the trip and shortly before I began the MFA application process—I rediscovered these photographs and saw them from a completely different perspective.
Looking at these images as an older version of myself transformed their meaning. I finally understood that these photographs were my attempt to bring a place with me— the landscapes, plants, paths, and small traces of everyday life that hold memories of my childhood. A place that shaped me, a place that continues to live within me, and a place that I do not know when I will see again, or if I will ever have the chance to return to in the same way.
Because this project is deeply personal, I felt it was the right work to share as I begin this new chapter. I hope these images can become something meaningful to bring into your home while supporting this new stage of my artistic journey.
I am offering a presale of the photobook, as well as limited edition prints from the series. The first batch of the photobook and prints will be produced based on the number of pre-orders received through the end of 2026.
Pre-order funds will help cover production costs while also supporting my transition to Ithaca and my MFA studies. A sliding scale option is available for those who would like to support but need flexibility. Click on each item below to pre-order.
If you would like to support my journey without purchasing a book or print, you can also contribute through Venmo or Zelle:
Venmo: @leo-carmona
Zelle: Leo Carmona — 425-389-8127
Thank you for supporting my work and this next chapter of my journey. Every purchase, contribution, and shared post helps me continue building a life dedicated to making art.
To help cover the costs of my move across the country and my time in the MFA program, I am launching a presale of a photobook and a limited edition of prints from one of the first projects I hope to complete during my time at Cornell: Antes de que te olvide (Before I forget you).
This project began in 2015 during my first visit back to my birthplace, Rancho Viejo, Sola de Vega, Oaxaca, Mexico after immigrating to the US in 2004 – a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity made possible through a study abroad program while I was an undergraduate student.
At the time, I returned home determined to photograph the people of my hometown. During that visit, however, I found myself drawn to something else. I intuitively made a series of photographs of the landscapes, plants, paths, and everyday places that surrounded my childhood. I did not fully understand my connection to these images at the time, and for years they remained hidden away on a hard drive.
Then, in 2025—ten years after the trip and shortly before I began the MFA application process—I rediscovered these photographs and saw them from a completely different perspective.
Looking at these images as an older version of myself transformed their meaning. I finally understood that these photographs were my attempt to bring a place with me— the landscapes, plants, paths, and small traces of everyday life that hold memories of my childhood. A place that shaped me, a place that continues to live within me, and a place that I do not know when I will see again, or if I will ever have the chance to return to in the same way.
Because this project is deeply personal, I felt it was the right work to share as I begin this new chapter. I hope these images can become something meaningful to bring into your home while supporting this new stage of my artistic journey.
I am offering a presale of the photobook, as well as limited edition prints from the series. The first batch of the photobook and prints will be produced based on the number of pre-orders received through the end of 2026.
Pre-order funds will help cover production costs while also supporting my transition to Ithaca and my MFA studies. A sliding scale option is available for those who would like to support but need flexibility. Click on each item below to pre-order.
If you would like to support my journey without purchasing a book or print, you can also contribute through Venmo or Zelle:
Venmo: @leo-carmona
Zelle: Leo Carmona — 425-389-8127
Thank you for supporting my work and this next chapter of my journey. Every purchase, contribution, and shared post helps me continue building a life dedicated to making art.