Artist Statement
Andrea Blake

There are times when we lose ourselves. Times when we lose who we want to be, not because of uncertainty, but because of distraction. The mind not only has the ability to manipulate itself but also the body. The body is told by the mind how to dress, how to stand, how to move....how to exist. The body is put through every emotion the mind faces including the uncertainty of adulthood as well as the causes and effects of having a significant other. Although, the body is often treated as merely an object for the mind to control and others to view, it does, however, notice and respond to changes and voids. When something is missing or another person no longer embraces the body, it notices and cycles the absence back to the mind. Is it possible for the mind and body to be a cohesive, present, and confident unit while with another individual? This series is photographically dealing with an evolving and somewhat distorted sense of self. We are all different people, however, we share many unspoken emotions. Ultimately, I hope the viewer is able to engage with the images on an aesthetic as well as personal/psychological level.