journey of self
from where i stood | portraits of me
two years ago, when i began my self portraiture journey, i am certain some may have thought it was for reasons of vanity or exhibition. but for me, it has been 100% about growth. it has taught me self acceptance. it has been an outlet for creative expression. it has been a way for me to unravel my womanhood.
“when a woman conceives her true self, a miracle occurs and life around her begins again.”
throughout this journey there have been times when i have felt confident and strong, content with my “self”… and there are those times when i pick myself apart, just like most women do. days when i compare myself to others and shame myself too much. however, from where i stood… in front of the lens; the truth telling mirror - i choose what i hide or reveal. i’m narrating my story — and learning more about who i am along the way.
this year i joined a sub-group of Dear Photographer called P52Radness and I have found the most incredibly supportive network of women there. this group, this challenge, pushed me more than i have ever been pushed. various themes forced me out of my comfort zone both personally and technically. several artists have created a blog circle to connect our journeys. If you want to see more incredible self portraiture, click here [Karissa Eaton: http://elementsandemotions.com/blog/seeking-help/] to visit the next artist and follow along the circle back to me. you won’t be sorry!
as for me, this project has turned into more of a practice. a time and place that is just for me where i can create and be content with myself and have proof that i was here. i would give anything for 52 images of my mother, or my grandmother. i do this for myself yes, but i do this for those who will remain when i am gone… so they may see me and know parts of me that they may see in themselves.
below i’ve included some of my favorites from my year long journey. i’m excited to say one was published in a magazine and another was chosen in a juried exhibit in St. Louis, my hometown.
i intend to continue my self portraiture practice. dive into more conceptual work as well as use it as a method to document my new surroundings in Moscow, Russia.