Portland Girl Spotlight: Eva Moss
(photos by Shelby Brakken Photography)
Hello beauties,
I first met Eva at a ladies block party earlier this year in the Woodlawn neighborhood. She has since been to The Portland Girl and plans to help us film some killer video to grow “sugar awareness”! Eva always brightens my day with her big smile and her fiery red hair. She has such a cool background and after reading this interview, I realized that I didn’t even know the half of it!
Tell us a little bit about yourself
From zero to seven years old I grew up on a commune in rural Massachusetts. My idea of a good time was playing king of the hill with my brothers on a big pile of dirt. At seven I moved to the “big city” (population: 1902).
Being the middle child and only girl, I developed my own unique mix of tomboy and femininity. Now, I like to get dressed up for a fancy night on the town, but I equally like playing sports and getting dirty in the garden.
What kind of a "Portland Girl" are you?
When I arrived in Portland, my whole body felt like it had been thirsty for years and was finally being quenched. I think the rain, the pace, the priorities, and the way nature is so fully integrated into life here, makes humans and plants happy alike. So, what kind of Portland Girl am I? I guess I’m one who has finally found her home.
What is your biggest outlet for your creative expression?
I am extremely lucky that my job is also my creative outlet. I am a filmmaker, so whatever wild and beautiful things my imagination can come up with, I can (try to) create.
The thing I most love about my job is what it can do for and to others. For ten years I worked on social issue documentaries for public television. Now I direct short films and micro-documentaries for small businesses and nonprofits. The power of films lie in how they can bring people together by revealing our essential natures. When the work is successful, it is beyond gratifying.
What 1 food and 1 beverage could you not live without?
I’ve always been a huge pickle fan. I recently made them for the first time - cucumbers, carrots, cauliflower, and beet pickles - and I don’t think I’m exaggerating when I say my life will never be the same.
I also don’t think I could ever live without tea. I like pretty much every kind out there. Something about the ritual of making and drinking hot tea throughout the day keeps me calm and happy.
What is your favorite part of living in Portland, OR?
The long, warm summer nights are a dream. And the constant buzz of activities and people taking advantage of them. I love trying new things, and every summer night in Portland is a new adventure. But I also love curling up in front of the fire on a cold, rainy night with a hot chocolate (extra marshmallows) and a movie or a board game.
What is your current self-care routine, and why is it important to you?
I think the best thing I do for myself is get enough sleep every night. This has a snowball effect on everything else in my life.I also love getting body work done--facials, acupuncture, you name it--but to be completely honest, I don’t think I do these enough. It’s funny how we think of these things as special treats, reserved for birthdays or holiday presents. My goal of my later thirties is to figure out how to regularly prioritize quiet moments of relaxation and reflection, so I can feel revitalized and ready for the busy world.Learn more about Eva and her work here.
