Lizzie: This semester you are working on self-portraiture. What are you trying to get out of the project, and what do you want the viewer to get out of it?
Alexis: I’m trying to get over my insecurities and make more personal work. I need to do some self-exploration before I do anything else because I bring my baggage to my photos.
Lizzie: What are you trying to say about your insecurities with this project?
Alexis: It’s about me internalizing it and trying not to hide. I don’t want to hold myself back and worry what people think. I want to prove to myself that I can do this and not over think it. It’s still somewhat impersonal because of the layers and the silhouettes, though. There’s still a barrier between the viewer and me, but it’s the first step toward being more open.
Lizzie: There don’t seem to be much of a connection between this semester and last semesters work. Do you think there should be connections between projects?
Alexis: Not when I’m in school. It’s about trying new things and seeing what fits. Last semester I wasn’t ready to make a full body of work. It was hard to start a project and think about how it’s going to look in the end. “Animal Collective” didn’t feel like it was “me.” I want to do more work that is more personal that I can relate to. The animals were more about a social commentary that I’m not necessarily concerned about. I found out last semester that taking a subject I’ve already photographed is a better starting place.
Lizzie: After school, do you want to continue with fine art or do more commercial work?
Alexis: In terms of a career, I want to do commercial work. I don’t want to completely give up the fine art side, though. I just don’t see myself just doing fine art.
Lizzie: Would you say that, for you, fine art work is more about the process than having people see it?
Alexis: (nods emphatically)
Lizzie: How do you feel about exhibiting work that isn’t necessarily made for the viewer?
Alexis: I don’t mind showing it. I like showing people my work. I just don’t necessarily make it with them in mind. I like to make aesthetically pleasing images that are somewhat abstract so that the viewer has the opportunity to place themselves in the image.
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