Artist Statement (What I hope to achieve next semester)

In the first semester for my project I started off by focusing most of my time on research. Building up a large amount of knowledge on the subject of my project, allowing me to understand the subject of my project in much greater detail. The title of my project is "You're a product." This is quoted from what fashion photographer Jergen Teller said to Victoria Beckham while shooting her in a large shopping bag for a Marc Jacobs campaign. I want to show that in the industry models are seen as Jergen teller said, as products of the industry who are being exploited as sexual objects from a very young age. This is told in greater detail in an extremely interesting yet very sad and disturbing documentary called "Girl Model." I researched many artists and photographers shown in my research folder. Two of my favorite were Jergen Teller- Fashion photographer, Aime Dicke- Artist. There work is all completely different and unique yet all base around a similar theme. The fashion Industry.

I have a lot of interest in photography and so i decided this semester I would base the first half of my project on photography. I wanted to create a large selection of photographs so I could use them in the next project next semester. I started off with creating a still-life. Using a range of object like fashion bags, t-shirts, and magazines. Through the process of trail and error, the photographs that came out the best were ones of a reflection. The reflection of the magazine reflecting on the surface it was standing on. This made me realize that sometimes it's the most simple photographs that turn out the best.

For my next photoshoot I wanted them to look as professional as possible, re-creating what you would see on set of a fashion magazine shoot. Before getting into the studio, I did alot of research on professional photography, lighting, set design etc. I screen printed words, and logo's onto plain white t-shirts, each discretely having a jab at the industry. My idea was to have my model re-create typical model poses (strong eyes, concave back, pouty lips) I wanted exaggerated poses as I was bringing some humor into the project. In my opinion the exaggerated poses of the model bring across the point of my project much more. My favorite shot is the "be classy" one.

For the next photoshoot I wanted it to be the complete opposite of the previous one. Starting off wearing glamorous clothes, re-creating a high-fashion shoot. I wanted to compare the two, showing a "what not to do" ...once again bring the humor back into it.

Using Photoshop I edited my photographs adding text to some, and turning others into the cover of a magazine. Ultimately, my goal is to create an entire magazine using some of the photographs, and other sources I build up throughout the next few months of second semester having the magazine as the final part of my project. I don't just want it to be a glossy magazine, it has to look like art.

Over the Christmas break I have been spending my time researching film and editing software. I have come up with a short film that I plan on recording within the next few weeks. My idea is to create a mock runway show. Having people dress up as models and create a skit out of it. I want it to be over the top and dramatic. I then want to edit the voice of Tyra Banks (presenter of America's next top model)over the video and make it seem like she is there in the room while the runway show is taking place. I want this video to be full of humor, while we are "making fun" of the industry. Showing that it shouldn't be so serious.

This semester has allowed me to branch out and focus my work on another part of print and that is photography. I feel like I have learned new skills and broadened my knowledge. I have a clear vision on how I want my project to expand and I had set deadlines for the completions of each new task.

The perfect model - (The funny side of the industry)

Here is the industry's perfect model, it girl, girl of the moment. Even she is making fun of herself and her role in the industry. 

Sometimes for a model...it doesn't work out so well

 

Photoshoot

My idea behind this photoshoot (styled and shot by myself using my camera and a tripod) was to create a glamorous photoshoot similar to those in high fashion magazines. I wanted to show the side of the industry that we all know. Glamour, style, elegance. 

...... not for Vogue

My idea behind these photo's which I shot in a photography studio is to mock the industry in a way. To show the non- glamour side of the fashion world. I screen printed the words "be classy" onto a t-shirt. The word "classy" means high class, elegant, stylish. This is what we think of when we think of fashion models. What about the models in the industry that are not in high fashion? The models that would do almost anything just to get there picture taken? This is what I am trying to portray in these shots. 

The not so glamorous

Photoshoot

Magazine Cover's

America's next top model spoof

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQhdKPSdVRE

Sneak preview of a new photoshoot (un-edited)

My aim for this photo shoot was to act out a real fashion shoot using the t-shirts I made. Most of the poses are typical poses models are told to do in real life. Some are serious while others are mocking the industry for example the “be classy” shots. I want to edit these photo’s on Photoshop, making them look like they belong in an advertisement for a high fashion magazine adding text to some. These will feature in my magazine. I want to do more photo shoots next semester with different content. 

Photoshoot using t-shirts I made

 The next few images are mocking the industry. The t-shirt my model is wearing says "be classy." We wanted to mock this by doing very un-classy poses, while still in a professional setting.