artist statement | water woman

rachel brace-stille

This group of images captures the essence of the women in my family, alludes to their physical form. I am working with the element of water to alter and neutralize the expectation and concept of a portrait. I am using a pinhole camera with Polaroid Type 55 Polaroid film.
I will be exploring and using alternative materials in the final printing process of this project. 

The experience of using the pinhole camera and Type 55 is not a fast or easy process, but one that reveals inner world of the women.
In this process I cultivate a relationship between myself, the person whose portrait is being taken, the play of water and the intangible spirit that forms magically on the negative. It is about being in the moment, connecting with others and capturing something invisible
to the eye.