Fragile Balance
2015
Cyanotype on cotton, fishing line, eggshells, clay
Humans and our lives resemble eggshells. An eggshell is strong enough to nurture life, accomplishing an incredible feat. However, this strength has its limits; eventually, the shell cracks under pressure. We often hide our struggles and despair behind a facade of pride and strength. But when the outer layer breaks, our true reality is revealed. We fear this reality so much that we spend our lives trying to piece that shell back together, concealing our humanity.
Our strengths coexist with our weaknesses. Fears of failure, of taking risks, of love, and of anything that could expose our vulnerabilities can also inspire our strengths. "Fragile Balance" explores the outcomes of recognizing and embracing both our weaknesses and strengths as one, offering a lighter perspective on topics that can weigh heavily on us all.
In this series, I use natural "shells" to encapsulate the subject and highlight their humanity. I apply these natural materials directly to the subjects and photograph them in both digital format and 4x5 film. The photos are developed using cyanotype techniques and exposed to UV light. The installations create a sense of weightlessness, as they are displayed from the ceiling or off the wall.
