My Style of Art

We all know art is subjective to the individual who views it. Many times to understand the art, you must understand the artists who created it.

There is always some sort of connection I seem to be able to pull out of my subjects, be it fantasy, strength, seduction or a plethora of other emotions. The model and myself work together to paint a picture, a photograph with feeling. Even photographing newborns, there is an element of my own spin added to the props I use.

(This little darling's middle name is Sparrow)

Clothes and props are conscience decisions made by me, but the other part of my style was made completely unconsciously.

We each have different plateaus and valleys in our lives that leave a mark on, or in us. These are the points in our lives that a unique event happens. This could be becoming a parent, getting or losing that dream job, or the death of a loved one for example. Our individual experiences make us who we are and can change how others view us, but most importantly, how we view ourselves. While we gain wisdom from observing others triumphs and struggles, it doesn't come close to what we feel when changes happen to ourselves.

I didn't notice right away the majority of my photography was dark. Dark in exposure, texture, and later on subject matter. Even with my newborns! One day I was flipping through my photographs to start my first professional portfolio and observed the similarity of feelings possibly transmitted to the viewer; fear, dread and the unknown. It really bothered me at first. My art was not bright and cheery like so many of my friends and colleagues art from photography school.

I did some introspection and realized the feelings I was projecting through my art were my inner feelings. Not the feelings I put out for the general public to see, but my own fear, dread and unknown. The subject matter, darkness, backgrounds and props...all me.

I already had two of my chronic illnesses and the depression that comes along with them. The struggle was real and showing up in my art. I started thinking about other artists and how their inner monologue may have created some memorable expressions of their art, part of what put them on the map. Jagged Little Pill, by Alanis Morrissette, is one of my favorite albums and her most successful compilation. You can feel the angst in her voice. Another example is Taylor Swift. Her personal experiences presented through music is part of the reason a lot of fans are drawn to her. The emotional lyrics are shared in her own personal way. Some of the best country songs are written by people going through a divorce or loss in their lives.

I have learned to embrace my struggles that will most likely never change, and my style probably won't either. I do have moments of light and cheer though! My family is the light of my life and I couldn't imagine life without them.

How does your background and inner monologue affect your art?