Wealthy/Penniless [Print & Photo Media]
Description/Abstract/Artist Statement
Artist Statement
I am a storyteller. I am giving a voice to my family -- and others like them -- that live their lives silenced by social oppression. I was raised in a blue-collar household, living off the grid: lower income, no credit, mostly everything second hand, no central air, well water.
I share my story through photography. I am making images of my lifelong home to share with others. Then, with text, I reveal memories from my past, as well as thoughts and impressions of my present. I photographed my family and my home as a method of analyzing who I am as a person today. The intimate images and revealing text scrutinize social class, the human condition, and the meaning of happiness. The text is handwritten, unscripted, internal, and spontaneous—inspired by the images and my memories.
As a family, we did what we had to do to manage financially. Our “house” was filled with love, but for many years I was embarrassed by our small, unfinished, quirky mobile home. I always felt that my trailer, family, and living conditions were somehow not "good enough." Both my parents worked hard every day -- living paycheck to paycheck -- to keep a roof over my head and food on the table.
After years of longing for my house to be somehow different and feeling that it was not good enough, I decided it was time to invite others into this private space. I determined to be empowered by this place where I have lived in my whole life. I have found pride in my home, living conditions, and family, because these molded me into who I am today. Though perhaps I did not grow up in what society would view as the “ideal” house, I was raised in a home that was nurturing and whole. I grew up loved. I no longer wish for something different. I dream not of extravagance, but simple financial stability.
Faculty Advisor/Mentor
Greta Pratt
Presentation Type
Artwork
Disciplines
Photography | Printmaking
Session Title
Art Exhibit
Location
Learning Commons @ Perry Library, Northeast Atrium
Start Date
2-3-2018 8:00 AM
End Date
2-3-2018 12:30 PM
Wealthy/Penniless [Print & Photo Media]
Learning Commons @ Perry Library, Northeast Atrium
Artist Statement
I am a storyteller. I am giving a voice to my family -- and others like them -- that live their lives silenced by social oppression. I was raised in a blue-collar household, living off the grid: lower income, no credit, mostly everything second hand, no central air, well water.
I share my story through photography. I am making images of my lifelong home to share with others. Then, with text, I reveal memories from my past, as well as thoughts and impressions of my present. I photographed my family and my home as a method of analyzing who I am as a person today. The intimate images and revealing text scrutinize social class, the human condition, and the meaning of happiness. The text is handwritten, unscripted, internal, and spontaneous—inspired by the images and my memories.
As a family, we did what we had to do to manage financially. Our “house” was filled with love, but for many years I was embarrassed by our small, unfinished, quirky mobile home. I always felt that my trailer, family, and living conditions were somehow not "good enough." Both my parents worked hard every day -- living paycheck to paycheck -- to keep a roof over my head and food on the table.
After years of longing for my house to be somehow different and feeling that it was not good enough, I decided it was time to invite others into this private space. I determined to be empowered by this place where I have lived in my whole life. I have found pride in my home, living conditions, and family, because these molded me into who I am today. Though perhaps I did not grow up in what society would view as the “ideal” house, I was raised in a home that was nurturing and whole. I grew up loved. I no longer wish for something different. I dream not of extravagance, but simple financial stability.