Inspiration Photo Friday: Envy

11 Friday Oct 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Inspiration Photo Friday

Tags

accomplishment, art, design, education, envy, honest, life, poetry, seven deadly sins, true

I often think about my life and how different I am today, than from who I was before. It’s not like I am a completely different person but I have grown tremendously. My BFA show, back in May of 2006, was an accomplishment I will always be proud of. Not just because I was finally graduating after 7 years of school but it proved that all my hard work truly paid off.

I explored my subject a few years early and really learned a lot about myself as an artist and an individual during the process. I always knew my work would explore my life and experiences but I really needed to feel comfortable with doing that in such a way that was true to who I was. When it came down to it, the show has to be honest and raw or it wasn’t going to make the statement I wanted it to. Opening myself up for the world to see through my love for photography, as well as my skills as a designer, was the most honest I could be.

My show covered life events and thoughts expressed through the seven deadly sins. This was the platform I chose to connect with the viewer, something familiar. Each one included a manipulated photo and some text that described that event/time in my life. As I look at these today, it’s like I am visiting an old friend. This show acted as a closed door and then my future from then on was a new one opening.

One particular piece, Envy, is a special one. It’s expressing my love for the future me because I know in my heart she will be more confident and wiser. In addition, the issues that remained at the time in my life would no longer take hold of her. She was beautiful and strong. Today, I feel I am that woman. It is just so awesome to look back 7 years ago and know that the future me I envied back then, is the woman I have grown to be.

“I look at her, satisfied. Envy undertones. The future me, beautiful.”

I hope this inspires you to peek into your past and see how much you’ve grown as well. We all have moments of awakening and realization. When they come in as clear as they should, it justifies everything you have lived up until now. In another decade I hope to look back and feel the same way I am now. As long as you live your best life and be true to who you are, the future you will always be the person you wish to be now. Why? Because that person lives within you and just needs a little light to come alive.

{For more information on my BFA show, Mind Evolution, click here}

Inspiration Photo Friday: Envy - © Melissa O'Connor-Arena

Inspiration Photo Friday: Mind Evolution

11 Friday Jan 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Uncategorized

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

7 Deadly Sins, envy, evolve, gluttony, greed, honesty, lust, Mind Evolution, pride, sloth, truth, wrath

I was always one to speak my mind, whatever the cost. Throughout my years in art school, I focused on the events and experiences in my life for a lot of my projects. My thesis and first show was called the Mind Evolution, held in April of 2006. It referenced my life in a sequence of digitally enhanced photos I took of myself along with text I wrote. Using the 7 Deadly Sins as my guide, I featured pieces that represented my thoughts and feelings during these times in my life.

The show was very personal, raw and honest and even though I was very excited to unveil my work to the public, I was secretly nervous to let it all go. I was so happy it was a hit and everyone thought it was a success. I had put so much work into finalizing this show, you can’t imagine the process I went through. From researching the mind and evolution to analyzing my life and past experiences. And choosing to open myself up to the world was brave to say the least.

I wanted to share these pieces on Inspiration Photo Friday because I feel they not only inspire people to be strong and truthful, but courageous as well. Sometimes you just have to replenish yourself and rid your soul of the monsters that live inside you. Even though they were negative experiences in your life, they will help someone else overcome a tough spot in theirs or may even help them avoid trauma.

We are all connected in this world so by opening yourself up to other beings, you spread truth and bring honor to the human condition. It is each other whom we learn from and gain knowledge, whether it be something you want to forget or something you are grateful for. Enjoy.

{I have created a book on this particular show that includes special notes on each piece as well as comments that were shared by viewers. If you are interested in purchasing this book, please contact me}

WRATH: Years of solitude inside my head. You never led me towards the light you proclaim to have. Leaving me broken…I leave you behind.

SLOTH: Wasting time. Standing still. Life is passing me by. I will find my self and explore once again.

LUST: I feel their eyes on me. Hands bound to me. My soul…exhausted.

Gluttony: Tasting myself once again. I erase you with every scar. I am this without you. I can never get enough.

GREED: Here in my box of knowledge, I taste the world, touch what I see and make it mine. I take it all in. I grow…I share.

ENVY: I look at her, satisfied. Envy undertones. The future me. Beautiful.

PRIDE: Others start to fade as I gain success. Shadows walk beside me, for I am truth. May my strengths captivate. My talents impress. My pride overcome.