These series manifested as a result of meditative practices in self awareness, aligning the self with spirit and embracing liberation in skin, identity and sexuality. Bypassing conscious thought, these images were created using photographic automatism.
The beauty of photography is that it is used to capture, document and reveal hidden truths of a singular moment. In my practice I have seen how a single photograph can illicit varied responses from people in different walks of life. The Art Lies in the Ritual: Provisions is a part of an evolving self-portrait series manifested as a result of meditative practices in self-awareness. I have often used photography as a tool to understand the world around me and so my self-portrait series are centered on how I began to navigate the spirit within me. Throughout these sessions, I have gained a deeper understanding of where my beliefs lie and ultimately confronting unresolved matters that held me back sacredly. Provisions set the tone for a lengthy study in connecting the Self with Spirit which initiated my healing process.
StressHiveScars is an examination into the frailty of a black woman’s sensuality. Each pose reveals aspects of being vulnerable, daring and unencumbered in her own sexuality. The scars reflect past emotional trauma as well as future promises to love the skin she’s in. Since being born in this body, I’ve had to reclaim what is rightfully mine, internally and externally. From my father to predators and lovers, my body has always been viewed as property to covet, police, abuse and mistreat.
StressHiveScars is a declaration, communicated through images, of what couldn’t be passed through tightly clasped lips: my body is mine to give and a gift that has been placed onto my Self by the Creator.
StressHiveScars is a declaration, communicated through images, of what couldn’t be passed through tightly clasped lips: my body is mine to give and a gift that has been placed onto my Self by the Creator.
Amaurotic Accord
Let’s start.
First we’re going to literally pick at our insecurities. Through words. Through flesh. Through pain.
This skin is yours. Yours to treat, heal, or devastate after all.
The low hills on your thighs will erupt in lucent peaks with just enough pressure.
Cross both arms and pull away with your nails.
Do you feel that? Can you feel?
You’re still alive. Your body can still heal itself.
After each blow there’s a mark. After each attack, you still expand with air. After each breath, you still bleed.
A sting here, a red blot growing through the shirt there…
There isn’t any other way to this.
You are irrefutably present.
That’s all for now.
Let’s start.
First we’re going to literally pick at our insecurities. Through words. Through flesh. Through pain.
This skin is yours. Yours to treat, heal, or devastate after all.
The low hills on your thighs will erupt in lucent peaks with just enough pressure.
Cross both arms and pull away with your nails.
Do you feel that? Can you feel?
You’re still alive. Your body can still heal itself.
After each blow there’s a mark. After each attack, you still expand with air. After each breath, you still bleed.
A sting here, a red blot growing through the shirt there…
There isn’t any other way to this.
You are irrefutably present.
That’s all for now.
Fractured explores the process of re-sensitizing after numbness, after surviving trauma and heartbreak.