Artist Statement

The self-portrait is inherently diaristic. In Samantha Lynn Croteau: Self Titled Debut my photographs utilize the diaristic and confessional qualities of the medium to expose the secrets I keep from those closest to me, and confront the personal realities of my life that are hardest to accept.

Multiple characters are personified in the photographs as means of exploring the different fronts I portray. I want to understand the connection between honesty and the self-image. The unguarded nature of the photographs addresses how and why we choose to represent ourselves in the ways that we do and the consequences of doing so.

The imagery is a conceptualization of my personal experiences and references themes of femininity, sense of self, the psychology of transitioning between stages of development, sexuality, family dynamic, interpersonal relationships, and death.

The media, technique, construction, and installation of each photograph were determined by its subject matter. The processes I used to create this work include black and white film, color film, reversal film, infrared film, digital image, and found object. I use a large format 4x5 view camera to shoot all my photographic film.

December 2-17 2011

Opening reception Friday December 2, 2011, 5-8PM