The Cameo Portraits

I am a nostalgist. I collect relics from the past; clandestine objects which refuse to be noticed by the casual observer. I am fascinated by their journey. I feel a rush in the moment the object becomes mine and there seems a duty to keep it safe, to ensure its survival. Through my photography, I am able to honour my collections, preserving them in my photographs. Through the use of self-portraiture I am able to live out the fantasy of stepping into a bygone era, of breathing life back into these garments, taking license to recreate the lives of those who may have worn them in the past. In The Cameo Portraits, I have drawn inspiration from the oval vignette commonly used in portraiture from the late 19th to early 20th century. This style guides the eye to the portrait, captivating the viewer and drawing them into my characters. The bare backdrop serves to accentuate nuances and details and encapsulate the persona of each portrait. The women of The Cameo Portraits are not posed according to their era. The candid nature of these photographs allows the viewer a glimpse into their day to day lives. Sensuality, monotony and a lingering sadness tumble from these portraits and invite the viewer to stay a while and become a part of their story.