People Photography: Self or Others
Many photographs contain people; for some artists, they are an essential part of the work they create.
This class gave us the opportunity to turn the camera onto ourselves or onto others. I took the route of photographing other people since I intend to photograph them throughout my career. This class taught me how to direct people, curate the environment, and control what information people receive when they view an image.
For my final, I focused on parerga, which are the extra details, framing elements, or decorative flourishes that enhance the primary subject without being the main focus.
Ateliers: Unsung Feminine Artisans
The studio of an artist is a sacred space where they can be most vulnerable, exploring and refining their craft. This space is the environment where their skills are honed, through many trials and attempts to perfect their craft. Some of their greatest works will be made here, but it is also the space where their biggest failures will transpire. This place serves as a therapeutic space, noncommittal and nonjudgmental, regardless of their emotional state. The environment is configured to their particular needs and interests. Through their craft, it becomes a space of grounding, bringing zen to the artist. Becoming a reflection of them: who and what are important to them, what their medium(s) are, and what inspires the work they create. These spaces provide the intimacy and clarity that is needed for the work to begin unfolding.
Each artist featured in this project shares two commonalities: their femininity and how their space empowers them to create their best possible work. Regardless of their medium or craft, each of these artisans uses their atelier to support the work they are committed to producing. Although these artists are not yet recognized nationally or internationally, their energy is not wasted. The intention of this project is to draw awareness to these unsung artisans. Exhibiting the uniqueness of each space while simultaneously illuminating the nature and characteristics of each woman. Each artist graciously allowed us to enter her sanctum, where we could examine the intricate details of her space and learn more about the subjects and their artistry.
