the story...
My fascination with storytelling began long before I held a camera. When I was a kid, I would sit and read song lyrics from c.d. jackets while trying to visualize what the songs were about. Once, I questioned my mom on what a "chardonnay" was because I just knew that Alanis was pissed that a black fly had landed on it. Little did I know back then that my unique imagination and ability to read in between the lines was just the beginning of my personal evolution into storytelling.
Like most, I began photography as a hobby. It wasn't until a few failures under my belt that I decided to move back home and major in photography at Delta State University. During my undergraduate career (I say that heavily in meaning because 10 years down the road, and school has literally turned into my career), I was unsure, high on self-doubt, and fearful of everything and everyone. To be honest, I wasn't sure that photography was to be anything more than just a hobby, but I got my degree anyway. Life happened after that and very shortly after having my daughter, I began classes as a graduate student. This time I would major in Secondary Education to teach art and take a few more photography classes as well. In my heart, I knew that I wanted to combine teaching and photography into something much more than just surface instruction and basic "how-to's." I would need to find ways to teach meaning and purpose, but first I would need to find meaning and purpose in myself.
After finishing the most challenging courses, I decided to take studio classes. This was because I knew giving 100% into getting my hands dirty would be the only way I would learn anything. During this time, in between studio classes, I would find myself thinking of ways to challenge myself into believing that I am worthy of my education, my name, my vision, and my voice; my art. I began a self-portrait project that helped me toss my fears and challenged me to find just that; my worth. Now I am certain that the images I create are much more than a traditional photograph, they are a direct reflection of what I see.
Over the years, I have allowed myself to grow, be vulnerable, and to fail. Through those things, I have found meaning and purpose in my craft and in my life. With that, I am grateful.
-Faith Barnett
