I love photography! I have always
been the one person who’s taking photos at all family events and vocations. I
never want a moment to end, capturing it on camera giving them an eternal life.
Just recently, while taking photography classes here at the University of
Waterloo, I became inspired to use it in my practice. I use performance and
film, as part of my main art practice; but photography and research are the
backbone of my work. Those very important influences in photography have helped
me immensely in developing my own art practice as well.
Among those influential forces is
Cindy Sherman. Her work entails all aspects that I hoped to achieve in my own
work. Although her work is simple, there is a breathtaking impact while gazing
into the image. The works encompass depth and content while impacting your
emotions and consciousness. It amazes me how she creates such work. Her work
inspires me to further explore both the social limitations that are placed on
people and the idea of the self; how we are portrayed in all aspects of human
culture.
Untitled #479 by Cindy Sherman 1975
Her first series, The
Untitled Film Stills inspired by B movies from the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s is
my favourite work of hers. Specifically, how the women are portrayed. The
viewer is given a small amount of information within the frame to comprehend
what is going on. That moment speaks volumes towards the way Sherman uses herself
in relation to her area. It speaks to the generation, time, politics, and
people and her critique of those times. These are the elements that I hope to incorporate
into my work.
Untitled Film Still #54
I began performing because I wanted to create that same
connection that Sherman does with her images. I hope to create as much strength
in my work as she does in her single shots. Photography may not be the main way I create my work but it influences the way I think and frame my art.
by Julia Scappatura :D
