Self-Portrait Inspiration

For my self-portrait assignment I have been drawn to images that have been reconstructed. Photos that are sewn together, woven together, or somehow manipulated so that the original image is obscured and not identifiable. I believe that our experiences are constantly shaping and reshaping our identity and as a result we are constantly redefining and re configuring who we are in relation to the present moment. I think that I will be able to capture this concept by physically constructing images of myself together to create what at this moment I would consider my self portrait.

Although taken at a very young age I think that these images are very representative of who I am. I have always been a unique, strange, funny, lively, and happy person. Although there is no way to tell based off of the image where I am surrounded with candy, I had just recently been in the hospital for about 3 weeks battling with kidney failure which almost ended up with the removal of one of my kidneys. Despite these struggles with my health I hold only positive memories in the hospital of being surrounded by family and friends, a visit from my teacher, cards from friends, and garbage bag filled with candy from trick or treating around the hospital (the contents of the garbage bag pictured here). For me this image is representative of a kid who unknowingly and fearlessly overcame a rather large obstacle, and her resilience is evident through her playful nature. I have continued to face obstacles and struggles in my life, pertaining to familial and mental health difficulties. Through all of these difficult times I have attempted to persevere and stay true to the happy and lively person that I know I am. Similar to this image after my sickness, sometimes I am almost blind to the struggles I face as they become an integral part of my daily life, and it's not until I have overcome and reflected on the experience that I realize the struggles that I have truly overcome. 

This image is also very representative of who I am. Featured in the photo with me are my closest friends from whom I am almost inseparable as a result of our close relationship. Throughout my life I have always surrounded myself with amazing friends who have been supportive through all struggles that I have faced. Without the support from these people I would not be as brave or resilient through the hardships that I have faced. Furthermore, volleyball is a huge part of my life and identity and this is how I am connected to these two individuals. 

Inspiration

Jeremy Tourvieille