Collection Title
Essence of Introspection
Files
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Academic Level at Time of Creation
Senior
Date of Creation
Spring 4-14-2023
Artist Statement
Olivia Swaidner
This past year of my life, I have seen hardships and sorrow like I never imagined I could. Taking steps forward and continuing to photograph has been an outlet of expression and motivation to help keep me moving forward. With my experience in this medium, I have found that the process itself is where I find freedom. Especially when dealing with analog photography, the process to create a final image is long with many intentional decisions made along the way. My passion for photographing nature comes from being raised in the open fields and dense woods of western Kentucky and spending my childhood immersed within it. My inspiration is also drawn from my belief in natural theology- that nature is a creation and that in itself is proof of a creator which is explained in Romans 1:20- “For since the creation of the world, God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse”.
This series combines digital prints and scanned film negatives on inkjet prints. These images use mostly quiet natural and urban landscapes to express the feeling of emptiness. By shooting into the light, I attempt to create a sense of hope and even grateful celebration in the midst of these barren scenes. The use of perspective allows me to create a bigger space to depict the feeling of loneliness. Todd Hido is one of my main inspirations for this series. Although he works in color film, our work is similar to one another in how we romanticize empty and forgotten places, though I do that through space and low contrast. No matter the grim days we live, it is important to find a balance between desolation and hope. To help find that balance, I plan to continue photographing landscapes that reflect the seasons of life that are then being navigated in ways that capture the light still shining through.
Advisor/Mentor
Cintia Segovia
Description
Veins of Life
Inkjet print
36 x 24
Celebrate ||
Inkjet print
32.7 x 24
Where are you?
Inkjet print
24 x 32.2
Artificial Joy
Inkjet print
16 x 21.4
Lost away
Inkjet print
16 x 22.3
Quiet
Inkjet print
24.3 x 16
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Swaidner, Olivia, "Essence of Introspection" (2023). B.A./B.S. Practicum Group Exhibit (ART 499). 61.
https://digitalcommons.murraystate.edu/art499/61