Conceptual nominee

This silver gelatin print (edition of 3) was created after putting much thought towards photography's semiotic nature. A photograph is a trace of what once was, in space and time. I wanted to explore this idea of a moment in time that has past. I sought to create a sculpture, rendered for two dimensionality, that would cease to exist after the image was taken. I am fascinated by the idea of death masks also being a direct trace of a person, and chose to incorporate a cast of my face into the image. I push the idea of the photograph's inherent referential nature by also choosing to depict an object that holds the same purpose. This image therefore becomes a trace, of a trace, of someone's existence.

Ranked second in the 2014 VOICE photography competition
Awarded first ever Founder's Choice Award in 2014 by Lisa Hinricksen (Founder of VOICE)
Honored at the 2014 National Scholastics Art & Writing Competition for a Gold Metal, Best in Grade, and American Vision Award.