The Exploring Beauty Project is a traveling art exhibit, a book, and a blog. Every week or so, I post a blog entry of a new model with her interview.
So many women do not like the way they look, and feel bad about themselves. Yet such women can be stunningly beautiful in the eyes of other people. The gap in between is fascinating. What is the truth? What is beauty? Why is it important?
I began the project in 2009, armed with passions for the topic and for portraiture. I talked to women friends to discuss beauty and self image. I took pictures. I worked collaboratively with each to decide how to design the photo session. I kept notes. I found that the pairing of the women’s thoughts and images was compelling. The Exploring Beauty project was born.
Here you will see and read about themes of age, sexuality, body image, cultural differences, confidence, growth and, most importantly, character. The photos in this project are not altered or air-brushed to change the appearance of a model’s face or body. What you see is what you get.
The interviews show that beauty can be fundamental to women’s perception of themselves. Coming to terms with self image is a way of gaining control, confidence, and power over one’s place in the world.
I truly believe that, collectively, we play a role in defining how beauty is understood. One of the volunteers told me:
There are women who believe in this project and in bucking society; they don’t agree with traditional beauty ideals. All of the women in this project are beautiful, but many are not traditionally beautiful. They are involved and confident and strong. This project has changed people’s lives. Don’t ever forget that. We have made a difference.
The project is ongoing. You can track the project here on the blog.
