NATURAL is a body of work where I explore the process of readjusting to an unforeseen, significantly changed situation. Beginning with uncertainty and denial, this experience evolves to acceptance and the regaining of control. In these self-portrait photographs, I explore the struggle in adjusting to loss and uncertainty as both a factual life experience, and by exaggerating its memory in imaginary actions.
Appearing as an absurdist action, in How Did It Break? It Broke Naturally a figure skips, despite an obviously broken rope. In ignoring the dysfunction of an everyday activity, repeated denial is highlighted. An alternative presentation of this piece is as a large 12 x 5 grid incorporating around 60 images. By showing this piece floor to ceiling, a frenetic feel is given.
The series Acting Myself shows a puzzled figure inspecting a patch of wavy brickwork on an otherwise regular brick wall. In these pieces, I exaggerate the physicality of confusion in imaginary actions. This obvious discomfort could appear to echo the uneasiness of times of unplanned change.
Grasp shows a hand firmly gripping a fragment of strong rope which is coming apart at its ends. The detail of the unravelling rope could act as a potential metaphor for the natural disintegration of a stable structure in daily life.
How Did It Break? It Broke Naturally (2022) sequence of 5: each 28 x 18.5cm
& below, (2023) grid version: 5 x 12 grid of 60 images, each 28 x 18.5cm