Distorted Memories

Distorted Memories

My family has many memories captured on film. We keep them in albums, create books from them, and have a multitude of loose photographs. We pass them along to one another to share and enjoy the moments captured on film. Its funny though, because many of us cut up or draw on the fronts and backs of the photographs. It is just something we have always done. We cut up an image to single out an individual or specific moment, and we write upon the images, I believe, for memories sake. Are we afraid we won't remember the moment after we have stopped looking upon the photograph? Many of these images are of myself, but I cannot mentally recall any of these events. But I keep them and share them in hopes to remember a moment in my life, or a moment in the life of my family members that was  special enough to capture on film. These distorted memories are covered with text, textures, and abuse that they were susceptible to throughout the years. They are coveted images that families treat as a prized possession; prized because these moments cannot be re-created physically or mentally. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Holy Doors

My final photography project deals with the perception, and misconceptions of religious sanctuaries and structures. Churches, synagogues, and temples are the common names for religious sites to which people attend. New Mexico is abundant with numerous spiritual dwelling, for anyone to seek out a religion, and become a part of a congregation. Many humans seek to find belonging, hope,  love, relish, and redemption for hopes of salvation, and a beautiful eternal afterlife.

My project focuses on the locations of sanctuaries, but not as a whole building. I want the focus to be the main entrances into these holy structures. Whether I find a single door, double doors, or even gates, these objects consecrate these buildings. Doors are objects that can open, close, block, protect, and hide many other ideas and objects behind them. I believe that the doors to many places of worship are unique to the religion, the secrets, and the sanctity of the sites. Some churches have ornate doors, adorned with details that relay information of the religion, others might just be simple glass doors, and even some religions locations lock/block out visitors that do not belong in the congregation.

My concept is for my viewers to stand before these images of doors, look at what is presented in front of them, and question if they want to see what is behind the doors. The idea and actual structure of a door can play on a psyche. We will question what is behind it, how we can obtain a glimpse of what is hidden, and also make us question if we want to enter into what is behind the doors. There are some religions that refuse to let 'outsiders' partake in their ceremonies, practices, or even step foot into their main areas of prayer. Why so secret? It is that secret, that hidden information we seek to find, and it sits inside a confined space hidden by doors.               This is a personal testimony to seek out the doors of religion and how open they are to being exposed.

A Masters in My Hands

My project was to recreate a master's painting into a photograph. I knew the painter that I wanted to portray, but making the photograph as close to the painting was a bit of a challenge. I was excited to challenge myself in new ways to produce this image. I had to get creative with my lighting, set, and positioning. Usually I do not photograph myself, but to relay the concept I needed to be the model. The original master painter I choose was Johannes Vermeer. He is known as the Painter of Light. He is one of my favorite artists. His painting are of natural settings/landscapes and usually include women. The painting I wanted to replicate is titled, Woman Holding a Balance. The painting has lots of beautiful light, natural light that lays upon a room, with a woman holding a balance. To re create the image I had to get creative with lighting, which I used construction lights outside of my formal dining room. I had to design a set/stage of a scene that depicts myself and the objects in front of me on a table. I did not want to directly replicate Vermeer's painting, but utilize his uses of light and composition.

Woman Holding a Balance, Vermeer



Woman Balancing Her Life, Amy Ritchie





















In Vermeer's masterpiece, he notes a woman holding a balance. Laid out on the table is worldly riches of gold, pearls, and other jewelry pieces. Behind her a painting of The Last Judgement. She is balancing her life and her religion. Treasuring her soul rather than the precious worldly metals. She is delicate and beautiful. The light from the window lays upon her content face looking down upon the balance.
I am very happy with the outcome of my process. I love the light, my composition, and the concept - which is myself balancing my life. In one hand I delicately hold my wedding rings, and in the other hand is my cell phone. On my desk sits a camera, papers, my calender, and some personal belongings. At this moment in my life I am exhausted trying to play a wife, a student, a scholar, and friend. This is how I look at home, in my snuggly pink robe, hair all a mess, and no make-up. This is a raw depiction of me. I am overseeing my life and how to balance it.


The second part of this project was to relay the message from the original painting. I have done my best to depict balancing between life's riches, and the riches of religion, and an afterlife. In one part of the balance lays precious metals, diamonds, and crystals. In the other lays a symbol of Christ in that of a rosary. It is up to each of us to weigh our needs, wants, and keep the balance of a fruitful life - whether it be in material things or our own souls.



Balance the Riches of Life