BFA Thesis Exhibit

Emily Bernier

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Artist Statement

Everyday I am learning to navigate the world through a broken connection. My relationship with my father has changed as I've grown in age and we have become distant. These photographs represent the sentiment that comes with a complicated relationship 
 
Throughout these photographs I am getting to know my dad in a different context and showing my personal experience. A part of my practice includes taking long walks which allows me to tap into my emotions, be in the present moment, and reflect. I try to transcend the subject of my experience through metaphor. Intertwining tree roots become my disordered thoughts and the chaos surrounding our relationship. The metaphors show how worn down and lonely I have felt while dealing with this entanglement. This body of work has become a means of communication, using my camera as a way to bond with my dad. Although things have changed as I've grown into an adult, I am learning to accept my dad for who he is. The process let me find peace in our current relationship and helps me recognize that my dad is a human trying to find his way in this world.
A photographic portrait of a man looking through an icy window. Click to view A photographic portrait of a man looking through an icy window. Full-Screen

Dad // Inkjet print // 16 x 24 inches

A photograph of a person's shadow reaching at the reflection on a window. Click to view A photograph of a person's shadow reaching at the reflection on a window. Full-Screen

Silver lining // Inkjet print // 16 x 24 inches

A photograph of a jam packed workshop filled with tools, a tv, trinkets etc. Click to view A photograph of a jam packed workshop filled with tools, a tv, trinkets etc. Full-Screen

Method to the madness  // Inkjet print // 16 x 24 inches

A photograph of chairs in a waiting room that sit in front of a widow with soft light. Click to view A photograph of chairs in a waiting room that sit in front of a widow with soft light. Full-Screen

Waiting for you // Inkjet print // 16 x 24 inches

A photograph of intertwining tree roots. Click to view A photograph of intertwining tree roots. Full-Screen

entangled roots // Inkjet print // 16 x 24 inches

A photograph of a chickadee taking flight from a person's hand. Click to view A photograph of a chickadee taking flight from a person's hand. Full-Screen

Untitled // Inkjet print // 16 x 24 inches

A self Portrait of a person through a broken mirror. Click to view A self Portrait of a person through a broken mirror. Full-Screen

Self // Inkjet print // 16 x 24 inches

A photograph of a person sanding a block of wood from a side angle Click to view A photograph of a person sanding a block of wood from a side angle Full-Screen

Dad Working // Inkjet print // 8 x 12 inches

A photograph of a jam packed workshop with an empty chair in the center. Click to view A photograph of a jam packed workshop with an empty chair in the center. Full-Screen

Empty // Inkjet print // 8 x 12 inches

A photograph of two trees that frame the edges of the photo with many shadows receding. Click to view A photograph of two trees that frame the edges of the photo with many shadows receding. Full-Screen

Recede // Inkjet print // 12 x 8 inches