Thursday, January 22, 2009
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Self-Belief
So I had the idea to wrap up my model Anna Blachut in clear cellophane after she agreed to provide me with a nude back to shoot. I didn't have a clear idea on what I would draw or write on the cellophane but the idea of using the human body as a canvas struck me as something interesting to explore.
My main inspiration to pursue this project comes from Gaia Weise's work. I came across this series while I was browsing artwork from summer program alumni at the San Francisco Art Institute. I think that using someone's back as a canvas definitely added depth to the image as the appreciator is now looking at two canvases (photo paper, back.)
I'm not talented in drawing so I decided that the outcome of the art on the cellophane would be better if I wrote words on it.
I feel that insecurity is a very big issue for a lot of teenagers, especially in high school. It's a time when people discover and experiment with their identities, a transition between childhood and adulthood, and it's messy! A lot of people go through phases in their life where they fit perfectly into a "niche" or a label that's already been created, most of the time because it's easier to assume an identity that's already been given to you. I saw an episode on One Tree Hill a while ago called "A Picture of You." The character of Brooke Davis used a projector to project words that other people have used to define her in a condescending manner.
The photos
Location: My apartment bathroom
I decided to write derogatory labels on the cellophane which is wrapped tightly around my model's torso. This represents how she is trapped within the image her peers have created for her and is unable to attain a healthy self-image until she breaks free. I later added the words "Don't let your self drown" in eye liner to add emphasis to my message, and added the element of water (bathtub) to further express the metaphor.
I love the pose in the picture. I think that it's beautiful in its vulnerability which is shown by her shoulders being slightly slouched, her head bowed and the hand that is covering her head.
This is one of the earlier shots (before I wrote the phrase in eyeliner.)
I got this shot by standing on a stool.
My friend Adam Thibodeaux edited the following image:
I think it expresses the horror aspect of this issue very well and is quite an attention-grabbing image.
Music can make a huge impact on the outcome of work, as it sets the tone and vibe.
Playlist:
Another Way to Die - Alicia Keys and Jack White
Closer - Kings of Leon
Hell is Around the Corner - Tricky
Post-project evaluation:
I think that this project was a success as I am content with the shots and I believe that my message comes across well in the photographs. However, I think that if I had more knowledge on how to use editing programs such as Photoshop, some of the images could be more effective.
Let Go
Worries, burdens and insecurities: they are a little bit like balloons. They are disconnected from the being and yet they are always hovering nearby. They trail and stalk you. They can tie you down from conquering the world. But you have the power to undo yourself, to let go. So free yourself. Today.
Inspiration
My main inspiration came from the soundtrack of Garden State. I was introduced to an artist called Frou Frou by this movie and the song "Let Go" became the soundtrack to this project.
"drink up, baby down
mmm, are you in or are you out
leave your things behind
'cause it's all going off without you
excuse me, too busy you're writing your tragedy
these mishaps
you bubble wrap
when you've no idea what you're like
so let go, jump in
oh well, whatcha waiting for
it's alright
'cause there's beauty in a breakdown
so let go, just get in
oh, it's so amazing here
it's alright
'cause there's beauty in the breakdown
it gains the more it gives
and then it rises with the fall
so hand me that remote
can't you see that all that stuff's a slideshow
such boundless pleasure
so we've no time for later now
you can't await your own arrival
you've 20 seconds to comply
so let go, just jump in
oh well, whatcha waiting for
it's alright
'cause there's beauty in a breakdown
so let go, just get in
oh, it's so amazing here
it's alright
'cause there's beauty in the breakdown"
These lyrics remind me that once in a while, everyone lets go of their emotions, worries, past and regrets - and they just break down. It's human and it's natural. I think that in a breakdown, people accept what they are feeling and are therefore no longer in denial and letting go of their repressed fear resulting in the ability to move on. The words "boundless pleasure" remind me of the sky, and there is pleasure from the relief of letting go.
Frou Frou
Garden State screenshot
"I came here with a load and it feels so much lighter since I met you." - Green Eyes/Coldplay
The photos
Location: Sarawan Ville, Thailand
The entanglement of the balloons represents the complexity of the mind and the links between worries. These links may fuel and exacerbate problems or provide sudden relief.
The worries, insecurities and past are always a physical load as it is tied to the body and represses and tires the person.
To further pursue this project, I could photograph people (families, couples, friends, students, athletes, workers) functioning in their normal, daily lives but with balloons tied to them.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Vanity
The main goal of this shoot was to test out my new camera (Nikon D60) so I would gather outfits on a whim and choose random, interesting environments (well, as interesting as my apartment gets) in which to take photographs. As the shoot progressed, I realized that most of the images were purely superficial and there was a clear theme of vanity so I decided to explore the psychological consequences of being superficial in some of the later images.
Location: My bedroom, the study and my bathroom
Playlist:
Pokerface - Lady Gaga
Beautiful Dirty Rich - Lady Gaga
Licky (Work It Out) - Larry Tee and Princess Superstar
Shake It - Rediscover
Friday, January 9, 2009
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