ARTIST STATEMENT

My work is autobiographical, but you don’t need to know my story to understand their meaning.  The images I create are from my sub-conscience, they are a means of expressing my emotions or frustrations. An image will often come into my mind and I feel the need to create it in a photo. It is not until later that I understand why, or whose story the photo relates to.  These images are inspired mostly by events in my life, but also by poetry, lyrics, and the lives of my friends and loved ones. I mainly work with what is around me, but I do not document what is around me. I am not a photographer who shoots from daily life; I create my own world. My work is about the play between what is real, what I create, and how people will perceive it. I believe my job is first to be an observer and to take notice of what is sparking certain emotions in myself and other people. I am aware of light, scents, color and the environment I am in and how it affects my mood and state of mind. I am aware of the effect a persons environment can have on one’s psyche, and use this tool within my photographs to convey my message.

EXHIBITION HISTORY / CV

2007
RareBreed Gallery w/ Kat Moran, Philadelphia, PA, October 18 - November 16
Milkboy Acoustic Café, Bryn Mawr, PA, May 1–31

2006
Last Drop Coffee House, Philadelphia, PA, December 1-31

2005
Poor People’s Economic Human Rights Campaign Auction, Dactyl Foundation, August 3-12

CONTACT

melissa@melissafarley.com
www.melissafarley.com