Artist Statements

IN MY ROOM

 In my room contains various layers of information relating to the artist, subject, and a mutual exchange between the two. The photographic work seeks to explore the psyche of complex individuals. Each girl, while physically existing in the natural world, also thrives in another realm, an insular dream state, with her gaze turned inward. The portraits exist as both fictional and autobiographical creations (growing up in an all female household in the Midwest). Relating to the temporary situation of childhood, I am fascinated by individuals’ imagination and intensity of experience. Visually exploring the young girls’ stances and embellished environments, the audience enters into a private world of vulnerability, isolation, imagination and memory.

 THE WOMEN OF REYKJAVIK, ICELAND (working title only)

 Prior to my journey to Reykjavik, I began research and was inspired by Iceland’s position as the global leader of gender equality. Continuing my investigation of women’s rights, I sought to create photographic portraits of local women and began approaching individuals as I explored the city.  Initial conversations evolved from brief introductions to the engagement with a brilliant group of independent, creative, and strong females from diverse backgrounds.

 Inspired by the expansiveness of the physical elements of the island, my creative practice extended to the collecting of vintage landscape postcards and photographs of Icelandic immigrants. The collages and photographs I create are suggestive of the unique relationships between the physicality of the land and the inhabitants of the island.

 As the artwork continues to grow and evolve, it speaks of the women of Reykjavik, a distinctive collective of females pushing boundaries and challenging societal norms on a daily basis. 

 SALARYMAN

 Highly intrigued with perceived identity, gender, and cultural phenomenons, I enter into the process of creating a photograph on both a conscious and subconscious level.

Salaryman explores the Japanese salaryman in Tokyo.  Visiting businesses and posting Craig’s List ads (Female American Photographer Seeks Volunteers for Salaryman Project), I sought to learn more about the subculture and circumstance of the businessman in contemporary Japanese society.  Intrigued by the systematic community of white-collar males, as well as the collective society, I created a series of portraits observing visual attire, gesture, and presentation.