'Inspired' Series - Elinor Carucci

I thought I'd write a little about the photographers and artists who have influenced my work over the years. My 'Inspired' series starts with Elinor Carucci:

Elinor was born in Israel in 1971, but moved to New York after graduating with a degree in photography from Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design in 1995.

I first became aware of her photographic work after I was given her first published book, Closer, as a Christmas gift in 2002. As I pored over the images, I was hooked. That collection of photographs is astoundingly beautiful and really became a key influence on the type of work I wanted to make.

Closer is a collection of the most intimate moments in Elinor's life, from images of scars and stitches through to snapshots of members of her family in the shower. There is a lot of nudity in her images, but in no way is it pornographic or vulgar. Instead, it is a true example of the closeness of a family; a family who are relaxed around each other and share in the natural feeling of being naked.

It is the idea of capturing an intimate moment that no-one else will see or remember that attracted me to that way of making images. I endeavoured to catch what I called 'disposable moments'; moments that may seem insignificant and be forgotten in an instant, but on seeing the photograph are re-lived once more, or trigger a memory of that time.



'Red Curtain' - Elinor Carucci

Elinor's images seem almost dreamy at times; the way she captures the light in the room can create a hazy look which envelopes the image leaving the viewer in a dreamlike mood.

Intimate moments are key to her personal work, and in 2009 she presented a body of work focusing on her children. This caused criticism towards her decision to put her young family at the centre of an exhibition. I think the images are a beautiful document of motherhood, captured through a lens instead of a diary or 'baby's first years' books. To ignore a life-changing event like giving birth to twins would be a travesty to Elinor's personal work. It is her living diary of life through a lens, which would be incomplete if the children were omitted. The timeline just wouldn't make sense.

- Taken from 'My Children' - Elinor Carucci

I continue to make work following the same principles today. Whether it's capturing the mist as it rolls across the park in the morning, or the detail of my cat's paws as he snuggles down on my lap; the ice-cream covered face of my young nephew or a secret glance at my lover as we hurtle along on a train - all these moments are important to me, to keep them alive, to remember them forever.

Forever is the key.

Dear Photograph...

Today, I want to share with you something I discovered which I have big PhotoLove for! I've been following since it started and it is a highlight of my day.

Dear Photograph is a concept created by Taylor Jones. The idea is to 'take a picture of a picture from the past in the present'. Contributors find an old photo and re-photograph it in the place it was taken. The result is something beautiful.

The images are often incredibly poignant; representing families coping with cancer, wedding days, childhood memories etc. I am often left speechless and teary by the stories connected with these images, but there are happy moments too. First steps, family homes, pets, first day of school, and funny moments captured on film, all re-lived through this wonderful concept.

Try it out yourself! Visit the Dear Photograph website: www.dearphotograph.com and 'like' it on Facebook to see the latest updates.

Enjoy x

Fabulous Freaks and Secret Lives

Fabulous Freaks and Secret Lives: An Illustrated Lecture Examining the Work and Personal Lives of Diane Arbus and Nan Goldin.

Diane Arbus

Naomi Candice Lane shares her love and knowledge of two female photographers who have influenced her photographic work, and the work of countless others. Learn about the life and work of Diane Arbus and Nan Goldin; from Arbus’ view of the ‘freakish’ people she encountered on the streets, to Goldin’s newfound family of the trans-gendered and all things underworld. A journey of two very different women with equally turbulent lives, whose work has transcended the bridge of documentary to fine art practice, and back again.

Saturday 22nd October, 10am - 2pm / St David's Hall, Cardiff / £20

 Nan Goldin

This is my new photographic workshop with Celtic Learners Network for our Autumn term. Spread the word!

Big Welcome to PhotoLove!

Hi there!

Naomi Candice Lane (that's me ;) ) is a photographic artist who has a fascination with all things photo. She has particular love for Polaroid, is a collector of vintage cameras and paraphernalia, and voyeurism features in her diaristic work. She has an intense relationship with her camera, whom she loves very much.

My aim for this blog is to update you on my current work, photo tips and finds, discuss my favourite photographers / inspirations, and keep you in the loop for my workshops and lectures with Celtic Learners Network.

Enjoy,

Nay-Nay x