Creating stories, intensity, characters. I'm just in love.

before-after. model Katherine Stapleton
the original image encapsulated all the emotions I was aiming for. The only thing lacking was the roughness, and texture. I wanted it to seem like she's returned from some sort of battle, still standing. The details in her skin come to surface, and there is a very dark, ethereal quality in her eyes. 

 what lies beneath the surface of a dark art photograph...

I remember sitting in Brooke Shaden's workshop, thinking of an answer to a certain question she asked us, which was "What would you like to be different about your photography?" or something along the lines of that. I couldn't really think of something I wanted to change. Sure, there were loads of things that I wanted to learn, but nothing that I didn't like about what I was creating at present. I answered with "The only thing I want different, is for people to stop perceiving the darkness in my images as negative. Or perceiving my art as negative, because it is dark. "
There's more to darkness than discomfort. Easily every dark artist you come across will tell you that. In fact, if you *really* look into most of my pictures, you won't feel uncomfortable at all. You'll see that there's meaning within my images that aren't particularly negative. Or, instead, you can look at the surface of my images, see something that's not natural, and assume it is negative. That's quite honestly a loss. You don't have to be art lover to think about what is in front of you. If you turn something away because of a stereotype and dare not look back, that's a damaging quality to have. Take this image I created today for example;

 

The tones are dark. Her eyes have an almost ethereal and eerie contrast in them. There are roots protruding through her neck. She seems to be frightened.

As an artist I have chosen a style for myself. I have discovered qualities that I love and portray concepts and stories I have in mind. The story behind this character is very relatable. She's a young girl, becoming a woman. Stories from her past, every influence in her life, has risen to surface. The roots are protruding and finally releasing themselves, and beyond the roots, there is earth. there is growth. This character is in the process of growing. This is not a "sad" concept. It's a deep concept. All the attributes that make life so precious are deep, there is no question about it. My art visits these emotions and brings them to life. There is a huge difference between sad, and deep.  

Right, so everyone knows that me going to Brooke's workshop in Berlin meant so much to me! Firstly, I felt like it was the first time I was able to be around a group of people that were passionate about the same thing. I really felt at home, and the crazy things we all had the models do made me giggle and feel all warm inside at the same time. Secondly, Brooke has been my role model for the past 2 and a half years or so, so it was a reaaaally huge deal.

Anyway, when I got to where the workshop was being held it was pouring rain. Absolutely pouring. I managed to drop my laptop in a puddle of water, fall over on the subway stairs, and not know how to even get into the building before I saw Brooke coming down the stairs. At that point I was like....what. Is this even happening? When she opened the door I stood in the rain staring at her like a complete fool for a pretty damn long time...and then of course killed her with my bear hugs!

The actual workshop was just amazing. Everything was planned out perfectly and it all flowed. The first few hours filled us up with inspiration and got us to really think about why we were attending the workshop, what we think abour our work, what new things we want to try. I thought that was amazing 'cause we were all super hyped about shooting the gorgeous two models we had in the amazing, spacious space we had. If we had gone straight into shooting I think it'd be a mess, haha! We really got comfortable learning about Brooke and other people's work. Atleast I felt that ANY idea we had was fine and do-able. Nothing was wrong, or too much...it was like we were completely free! Amazing feeling, amazing atmosphere. I want to go back soooo much!! :)

My first set-up was hilarious :P I was attempting to tangle model KD in her own hair which utterly failed, then I wanted to turn her hair into a river which also utterly failed..but atleast I have some hilarious BTS pictures to show!

During the shooting experience we learnt so much about each other. From practically making Olivia fly out the window, to dousing KD with water (me, of course..haha), to making KD come out of a wall...we had a lot of laughs, and none of us felt intimidated. I loved it :) I always remember feeling shaky and gross when people watched me shoot pictures. During the workshop I loved it, I was giggling and concentrating at the same time...and the best part was that everyone was so interested in what I was doing! :') I don't get that too much. People either gather around me thinking I'm a complete psycho, or fall asleep. haha! I think one of the main points of the workshop was about learning about ourselves, exploring what we had to offer, and realizing that we could find inspiration in the littlest things..that we could do anything! I met so many amazing people. Definitely an experience I couldn't EVER forget! Thank you Brooke and everyone for making my summer!!! xoxoxo

 Awwww KD! Love you! hahahaha.

BTS of Brookes setup

Our amazing group!

aaaaaand finally... before-after of my 2nd setup! Model- Katherine Stapleton

To me, my art is all about juxtaposition. In that, I like to explore the intensity of some of the darkest emotions. I believe everything on this earth is interrelated, and although I do aim to create new worlds that have the potential to grasp my audience and pull them into places with endless boundaries, I still like to draw back to reality in some aspects of each piece I create. By this I mean connecting emotions with otherwordly or unrealistic creatures, objects, or colours, that only appear in my art. One of my key skills is the layering of images and alterations of contrast in post processing- those tools allow me to fulfill the thorough images in my imagination for the world to see. In my opinion, contrasting and deepening is a very compelling look in any art- it provokes an outburst of detail and a very raw quality, particularly in potraits. I like to embrace this. My greatest passion lies in conceptual art, and although I do have experience in other branches of photography my post processing style typically adds a dark and ethereal feel to any art I create. The thrill of creating conceptual dark art for me, is having the ability to create something that was never seen before, and had not existed outside of my imagination.  -Caroline

My body is a Garden

I've always loved exploring the connection between human and nature. The best part for me is stripping away everything artificial, playing with the natural form, elements of nature, and making all aspects work in unison. We are essentially nature. We grow just like flowers go, our emotions relate to the weather, there's something about a cold, crisp wind running through our hair that lets us feel liberated.

This picture is all about growing with the world. As time passes I think we seperate ourselves from the natural world more and more. This picture brings me, and hopefully my audience to a place where there is nothing else but feelings, and parts of nature making those feelings come to life. The rose growing out of the shoulder represents growth of something that didn't exist before- so not restoration, but simply stepping up a level in life. The flower petals scattering around more and more as they reach the bottom signify the nature of feeling free and limitless as we fall deeper into life. As with most of my work I do like to add elements of darkness, so the tilted head and stiff position suggests fragility, which raises questions as to how part of her seems to be growing but part is left behind.

The Wind

...let it lift me up and let me soar.

the force of the wind upon my skin

 lights illuminating my mind and soul

taking me away

to a serene world.

"I believe in the power of LIVING. I don't mean existing; I mean risk-taking, failure-inducing, dream-achieving LIVING. Believe your life is worth it, because it is." - Brooke Shaden.

Brooke Shaden is full of life. She is very real about it, and shares her passion and vision for life with others. Brooke found a life for herself. One that fulfills her. Her words let others know they can do the same, with determination, passion, and soul.