Unicorns for Christmas

"Starry Structures"
Digital photo collage


I've decided to start this blog primarily for self-serving reasons, but also as a way to share the images I spend so much time with my camera creating. In my Contemporary Issues in Photography course, we were asked to define the type of photographs we like to take. I sat there in contemplation, bumbling over an accurate definition of my work. Mainly, because I don't think a good definition is available at this point. However, my intention is to use this blog as a means to find it. By creating a chronology of my work, posting project ideas and noting the artists who inspire me, I hope to lay the framework for such a definition. Although this is not the ideal way to display my photographs and art, I think it allows for explanation and exploration that other avenues do not.

I have been hesitant in the past to post any images or artwork. I feel like it's flaunting it. I don't want to presume authority over something I am still learning. However, I also feel that keeping my art in various folders in my room is almost insulting it's existence. I do consider myself an artist, but this does not mean I see myself as someone who is always creating impressive art. I only request that you as a viewer and critique bear this in mind. I am, however, eager for feedback (even if critical) if you care to share.

The gentle and pensive maiden has the power to tame the unicorn,
Fresco, Palazzo Farnese, Rome
probably by Domrnico Zampieri, ca 1602


On that note, why "Unicorns for Christmas"?

I came to this title after the recent birth of an infatuation with unicorns. Unexpected snowstorms in the Northwest left me housebound and restless, which, logically, only leads to research of this mythical creature. My obsession led to Christmas wishes for a unicorn, which led to nostalgia of my younger days when wishes for magic were within reason. As a child, there were multiple accounts where my requests to the holiday mascots were not only impossible, but imagined. I asked the Tooth fairy for the ability to fly, I asked Santa for a bell from his sleigh, and the Easter bunny for a whistle to talk to animals.

Although I have outgrown the faith in such wishes, I feel that the thought process of this childhood logic has not completely disintegrated. It has transcended into my art. The photo series I make are intended to push the bounds of reasonable thought. I want to challenge the organization of our schema by challenging what we see. As Santa and Tooth fairy know well; seeing is believing, and herein lies the power of photographs. Jumbling our view of time, space, identity, gender and logic can be done with no better medium than a visual one. If I am able to poke through the membranes encasing any of these within our minds, then I believe this is success as an artist.

In my course I wrote down "Challenging conventional ways of thinking" to define my work. This is what I have now, but we shall how this definition morphs.

And so it begins.