Natalie Louise Beesley

luxurious life we live

my favorite place to find graffiti...Asheville, North Carolina

A few portraits from Spring 2014 4x5 coursework

Lara Zankoul http://larazankoul.com/

We’re Moving Out, 2013

Golden Pillow, the night after you, 2013

2013, Nana and Papaw’s House, study 3

2013, Nana and Papaw’s House

2013, Nana and Papaw’s House

http://natalielouisebeesley.tumblr.com/

This is an ongoing series about my brother, Robby, who was diagnosed with Autism at an early age. When I began my photographic explorations, I found a particular interest in using Robby as my model because unlike others, he does not alter his expressions in front of the lens. His organic honesty intrigues me and exposes his being in a way that I have never seen before. I have found a language where we can understand one another, and feel determined to continue to have these conversations with him throughout our lives. It is my hope that in my continuation of this project, both others and myself can come to a greater understanding and acceptance for those who live with a disability.

Consumerism is system of exchange constructed exclusively by humans. There is an ever-present pressure in American culture to participate in the accumulation of products and lust for the newest upgrade. When it comes to the consumption of food, it is important to consider the methods of intoxication utilized by brand name companies. This includes the influx in technology, the omnipresence of advertising in daily life, and the gross exaggerations and false expectations depicted in the media. This combination results in an evolved set of American cultural and family values, which promote convenience and a disregard for being health conscious. Grub-In-The-Tub is an attempt to visually communicate excess; to demonstrate how too much of something can be grotesque. The image also accentuates the waste produced by these manufactured foods as a consequence of this method of consumption. We have become desensitized towards the process by which food is created and distributed. This ultimately numbs our awareness that our capitalist society controls and genetically modifies the foods that we consume. By continuing to swallow, we reinforce this dangerous system.

left: New Mexico, right: Arizona

Pipilotti Rist

Ann Hamilton--the event of a thread