Scar Portraits and the memories behind them
I first began the scars work in the late 90's as part of a final year degree show which was exhibited at the Alchemy Gallery, Farringdon, London and won some awards with the Association of photographers. I decided to re-visit the idea again in 2015. I felt that I wanted to produce a larger body that I could collate into a book, and to give the subject its full space to 'breathe' which I felt I didn't do first time around.
Firstly I like scars, they show a history and a life lived, much like wrinkles on a face. They are portals to another time rarely forgotten which I love. We all have scars on our bodies (and souls) however small and when we look at them or brush over them with our fingers we are transported to another time, perhaps another us.
I am photographing portraits of people with their scars and asking them to produce a narrative to go along side it; what caused the scars, how they relate to it, and what effect it has had on their lives. Asking them to collaborate in this way gives their portraits a ‘voice’ and it enables an audience to better understand their journeys.
My intention is to create a book of their portraits and narratives.
The project is about scars and their link to memory; it is both aesthetic and psychological. A scar is just the beginning of the healing process, for many this process is ongoing. I’m hoping that being involved in the project the participants will find the experience of showing their scars and reliving their experiences cathartic; as a reader I believe will also encourage and help people in similar situations.
I am extremely grateful to the volunteers for participating in the project, for kindly giving me their time and for bravely coming forward to share their stories which I feel with give inspiration and hope to others.
This project is work in progress, should you be interested in being in involved please do get in touch I would love to hear from you.
