honorable mention
Nancy Miiller united states
title
Skin & Bones
Everyday we take in millions of complex impressions with our eyes. Our brain filters, adjusts, judges and eliminates. It is only when we truly look and focus, do we really see.
This process came to the forefront as I photographed the complex sail shades and support structures of Mesa Arts Center, which is the subject matter for the Skin and Bones. It was not until I stepped back and slowed down did I recognize the simplicity of form wrapped and hidden within the chaos of the enormous structure before me.
The images are abstracted forms, which speak to me of composition, balance, mathematical rhythms, and harmony. They took something of enormous weight and complexity and brought it to the forefront of intimacy. I noticed the highlights of the sails (skin), delicately highlighted edges, the translucency of solid material, and the strong metal beams (bones) gracefully holding shapes against the movement around them. The images became a world of its own, a microcosm, serene yet dynamic.
With decades of working in the graphic design industry, from agencies to design studios to corporations, Nancy felt a lack of her own personal creative expression. While photography played a role in travel and family events, her deep desire to be creatively focused and expressive was not coming through. She needed her ‘eye’ back.
With one-on-one mentorships with Photographers Breakthrough and one-on-one mentorships with Elizabeth Stone, not only did her ‘eye’ return, new work was born that expressed Nancy. Her gratitude for these mentorships is immense and the bonds created are cherished.
Her current work has been a couple years in the making, taking deeper dives into her subjects, pushing, exploring and relooking to create anew. Design is also a strong influence in her work as she composes through the lens.
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entry description
Skin & Bones series was shot over an 18 month period in Mesa AZ.Everyday we take in millions of complex impressions with our eyes. Our brain filters, adjusts, judges and eliminates. It is only when we truly look and focus, do we really see.
This process came to the forefront as I photographed the complex sail shades and support structures of Mesa Arts Center, which is the subject matter for the Skin and Bones. It was not until I stepped back and slowed down did I recognize the simplicity of form wrapped and hidden within the chaos of the enormous structure before me.
The images are abstracted forms, which speak to me of composition, balance, mathematical rhythms, and harmony. They took something of enormous weight and complexity and brought it to the forefront of intimacy. I noticed the highlights of the sails (skin), delicately highlighted edges, the translucency of solid material, and the strong metal beams (bones) gracefully holding shapes against the movement around them. The images became a world of its own, a microcosm, serene yet dynamic.
about the photographer
Born in Rhode Island but now considered an Arizona native after 27 years, Nancy has returned to one of her art school loves: photography.With decades of working in the graphic design industry, from agencies to design studios to corporations, Nancy felt a lack of her own personal creative expression. While photography played a role in travel and family events, her deep desire to be creatively focused and expressive was not coming through. She needed her ‘eye’ back.
With one-on-one mentorships with Photographers Breakthrough and one-on-one mentorships with Elizabeth Stone, not only did her ‘eye’ return, new work was born that expressed Nancy. Her gratitude for these mentorships is immense and the bonds created are cherished.
Her current work has been a couple years in the making, taking deeper dives into her subjects, pushing, exploring and relooking to create anew. Design is also a strong influence in her work as she composes through the lens.
back to gallery