ARTO 354 Assignment 1

My previous work is simply titled “LaVaughne”, the name of the mannequin featured in the picture. I was inspired by postmodernism and the idea of the ‘constructed’ image, and also the idea of uncanny or strange images. To construct the image I deconstructed my mannequin, and photographed her in a surreal broken state. It was my intention to reflect the artificiality of aspects of our current society, and how it can result in destruction. I hoped that the image would also highlight the unreasonable expectations in current modern culture, and how it can break individuals’ sense of identity. The last idea I wanted to express was that of the decreasing levels of individuality in personal interaction; there is so much technology in society it is easy to misconstrue statements, and lose oneself in it all. I took the exposure on 400 Kodak TMax in Black and White Photography (taught by Colleen Choquette) in February 2011. It had just snowed, and was mid-afternoon. I developed it in early March, with a #2 filter. I used spot-tone pens to edit some water spots and other imperfections. It was included in my final portfolio for that course. 

I am very inspired by the work of Ryan McGinley, and in particular, his photo (from the Moonmilk collection) of an individual sitting beside a lake. The photo is framed by the cave beautifully, and it creates a very isolated feeling in the image. I love the interaction of nature with humans, both in dynamic and stoic contexts. I would love to start capturing the very dynamic and complex relationship humans have with their environment; the clashes can be very dramatic, and the harmonies are breathtaking. Being a biology major, I am naturally inclined to simply document what I see, but I want to push myself to truly capture emotions in my photos. McGinley’s images of teenage antics set a variety of different moods, and I hope to emulate this, as well as a stylistic approach that can bring together man and nature. Also, in terms of color, I hope to use a wide range of palettes, from muted earth tones, to vibrant color, and (of course) standard black-and-white. In addition, I want to work on my directional skills when working with people and models, and being able to choose the right moment to take spontaneous or documentary shots.  

Photo: Ryan McGinley
Moonmilk Collection