Subject Space
This series began with the question: How do boundaries limit human beings physically and psychologically? I explored the diversities and similarities of limits by placing human subjects, all women, in each of several pre-determined spaces within my home. Spaces were determined for photographic composition, the subjects’ exposure to various domestic prompts, and ease of camera placement. Each subject was interviewed and photographed on a separate day. My process consisted of six steps.
One – Choosing subjects and spaces. Out of six identified spaces, I chose four for this series: bathroom, living area, dining area, and kitchen. From seven potential subjects, I selected four women: Lois, Bernardette, Rosanne, and Helen.
Two – Setting up the scene. I set up each space by hanging blank trapezoidal sheet of paper within my camera viewfinder. Each paper was trimmed to appear rectangular within the scene.
Three – Subject reactions to the spaces. I placed each subject within each of the spaces and asked her a series of questions concerning the space she was currently in (see questions below). I allowed her to sit where she wanted or otherwise interact with the space as she chose – within my camera frame. I recorded her responses.
Four – Photographing the subjects. I took portraits of each subject physically in each space, before, during, and after the interview. I selected a photograph for each subject / space event that best fit my impression of the event.
Five – My response. On a separate sheet of paper, the same size as each space’s blank trapezoidal sheet, I drew my response to the portrait and interview responses of each subject. I incorporated elements of the actual space in some cases.
Six – Photographing the drawn response. I finally hung the drawn responses where the original blank sheets had been hung and photographed. I photographed the drawings at approximately the same time of day and under similar outside light conditions as for the portraits. The photographs of the drawings were then printed next to the original corresponding portraits of each subject. And are presented on the following pages along with the interview responses.
In addition to vast differences in individual human interiors and perceptions, variations in their response may have also been influenced by time of day, light, weather, and temperature; I did not record these variations.
Interview questions:
1 Does this space feel limiting to you?
2 Why or why not?
3 What aspect(s) is or are most limiting?
4 What other emotions or feelings does this space evoke from you?
