February 12, 2013: Pieces of Me

It has been some time since I have taken a self-portrait, since July of last year. I have found that the more distance away from that type of photography, the harder it is to get back to. I started my photography career with self-portraiture. Though it is not as prominent a role in my work as it once was, I feel it is necessary from time to time. Particularly when I want to express certain emotions that I am feeling and don't want to rely on a model to convey that for me.

My latest self-portrait, Pieces of Me, was born out of two ideas. Visually I wanted to play with pieces of a face used to mask my own. The idea of obscuring the face, yet leaving parts visible, creates a trick of the mind. A familiar person becomes a stranger.

The second idea was born out of the idea of personas, particularly online ones.  I am grateful for the internet. I have gotten almost all of my photographic opportunities by having an online presence. But I do realize that what you see isn't always reality. We show our best side, our most successful, confident selves and rarely expose our vulnerabilities, insecurities and disappointments. And who can blame us? We want to exude confidence and success, not drone on about our shortcomings. The old saying "Fake It Until You Make It" does have its rewards. Unfortunately, we don't see through the fake and assume that we are alone in our struggles. That is definitely not true. Though I won't spill every insecurity out to the public, it is there. We all have it and we are not alone.

Pieces Of Me
© 2013 Heather Evans Smith Photography

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October 9, 2012: Id: The Object of Self

 I paint self-portraits because I am so often alone, because I am the person I know best.  -Frida Kahlo

Self-portraits have remained a constant in my photography. It started out as a way to experiment with new ideas. I was essentially the only model available. I joke that I am always around, know exactly what the photographer wants and do not complain (well, I still complain). But it has evolved into much more than that over the years.

Self-portraiture has become a means of therapy, a way to express emotions of myself or others around me. Also, as a way to place myself in a surreal world that doesn't quite exist in our reality. I found out over time that ultimately a picture with me in it becomes more personal than of any one else as the subject.

I am pleased to announce that I have 3 images in the Darkroom Gallery's current exhibition Id: The Object of Self.  My image The Heart and The Heavy was selected as Juror's Choice (by the amazing Cig Harvey). This was the first in a series I have been currently working on with the same name.

© 2012 Heather Evans Smith Photography / The Heart and The Heavy: Juror's Choice for the Id: Object of Self exhibition

The opening reception for the show is October 14 at 1 p.m. at their space in Essex Junction, Vermont. There will be a presentation/discussion led by photographer Polly Raine. If I lived even a fraction closer I would be there.

For more information on the Darkroom Gallery, please go to their website. You can preview and purchase the exhibition book online here.

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