RST
Elapse
Noah Ouellette
Elapse is a collection of 4 pictures that showcase different objects changing over time. The first picture shows three different methods of listening to the same musical album. One record, one CD, and a phone with headphones. The second picture is of two different skateboards, one old and one new. The next is of three different Lego figures from different time periods. The final shot is of three Coca-Cola bottles showing the progression of their packaging. Each photo has each object fading into its older versions. The older versions become more saturated.
The meaning behind these photos is how objects tell the story of elapsed time. Looking at these photos, you can see how technology changes and becomes more advanced through time. As new versions of objects become more advanced, the old ones can become faded, hence why as the objects get older in these images, they fade and become grey. While these objects have become less prominent in our society, they still tell the story of a different time. For example, the new mini Coca-Cola bottle is in the front of its picture in full colour. In contrast, the original classic glass Coca-Cola bottle is faded and grey, representing how the old glass bottle is not commonly used anymore. Looking at old objects is a window into the past. A way of observing elapsed time before everything was documented as thoroughly as technology allows us to do today. I decided to take photos of these specific objects because they all connect to significant parts of my life. I also find that items related to pop culture often grab many people's attention. People have deep connections with pop culture symbols.
If a picture can say a thousand words, an object can say a million.
These pictures were taken on an iPhone 13 in square mode. Four separate photos were combined for each shot, one blank shot of just the background and then one of each object in the exact same environment. In photoshop, the background layer was added first, followed by the oldest object, then the second oldest object, and then the newest object. I had to remove the background of some of these layers to achieve the specific faded look that I wanted with the images. The older the thing was, the more faded I made it. Also, the oldest objects are in black and white.
I want the viewers to think about the stories these objects tell. I want people to leave with the understanding that objects tell the story of time better than any words can. Maybe they'll think about any objects they possess that tell a fascinating story. You can tell the entire history of a company just by showcasing how its product developed over time.
Kind Comforts:
Comfortable silences and moments of loneliness are ones that we as humans are too afraid to approach. Simplicity is always a preconceived notion that society is too ignorant of, so much so that the beauty within is overlooked.
To me, my art expresses how I find companionship and a sense of self belonging in long silences and moments of isolation. My work separates the loud and caught up world from the one of my own in which I fill it with my objects of desire that help me express and release feelings within photo capturing.
The origins of my theme come from a place of yearning, wanting to be unique in what I could possibly procure in an attempt to be different, only to find that it doesn't take much looking to find something beautiful within the many things that go through one's mind and their physical manifestations within one's home.
“Close friends are truly life’s treasures. Sometimes, they know us better than we know ourselves. With gentle honesty, they are there to guide and support us, to share our laughter and our tears. Their presence reminds us that we are never truly alone.”--- Vincent Van Gogh
My RST theme, titled “Kind Comforts” surrounds what home truly defines itself as to me as an individual. Home is more than a place to live, and instead can be a destination of wide imagination on one day, and a vibrant sound filled space on the next. It is a companion with muted emotions that are expressed in loud volumes nonetheless. I feel as though the foundation of one's behavior and what they come to love in growth is a product of their environment and how they cater to their safe space to be comforted in turn.
The photos I have captured portray simple aspects of my home, featuring a sunset lamp; specifically the colors of yellow and orange to signify the companionship and accommodation I find within the four walls I return to everyday. I chose books because of how one can easily get lost between the pages and how I personally have appreciated that aspect of a book worthy enough to treasure it within my space of resting. Within books are characters that the heart becomes fond of before befriending words on paper and finding companionship within the silence of your home space.
I chose plants because they are also a life; a silent life that asks for no more than mutual care. The docility of plants and their symbiotic relationships with humans seem to be cast aside which is why I specifically included them in my photography. To be, a plant will house you just as you do it, will feed you when you give in water and will give you clean air to breathe just as one would change an outgrown pot. They capture an unviewed aspect of love which I find to be very beautiful.
LAstly, I chose my guitar as a singled out and more upfront element simply because of my fondness for the art form of music. Music is such a delicate and precarious art in which it was one that I was raised on and exposed to in excess starting at a young age, whereas the guitar was an instrument that was played almost everywhere I went. It holds the memory of what my first home used to be and holds still to the state of my current home while bringing me comfort in the form of nostalgia and self expression.
The world can be kind even in the most unexpected places which is why I chose to shed a light on the simple things within my home and how I assume kindness to these objects in turn as they are kind to me.
Coexistence
My work explores the symbolism of an indigenous exhibit across from Parliament Hill.
As a student of Immaculata high school, I respectfully acknowledge that I work, play, learn and study on unseeded Algonquin territory. As a Canadian, I recognize the importance of our indigenous cultures. As a photography student, I search out the color, texture, emotion and symbolism of every image. These pictures allow me to combine everything I am passionate about.
When making art about strong political subjects, it is important to remain unbiased and capture strong moments that are rich within the frame. When taking pictures, I want my pictures to evoke a deeper meaning than the obvious visual.
The first picture is of 3 teepees. The building in the background is the Canadian Museum of History, located in Gatineau, Quebec. The flowing design of this building was created by Douglas Cardinal, a man influenced by his aboriginal heritage. The building, as well as the background of the picture, contains the flags of every Canadian province. This picture symbolizes unity and openness.
The second picture is of a teepee with Parliament Hill in the background. Separating the two is a river. To me, the river represents each cultures opinions and ideas; separating them from truly being as one.
The third picture is of the tipi smoke flaps. The smoke flaps is what distinguishes a tipi from other conical tents. Symbolically, smoke can mean ascension towards the sky; towards the gods and the universe. I connect the smoke as a product of the ever burning flame in the heart of indigenous people fighting for their rights, culture and ideas.
The fourth and final picture summarizes my work. From inside the tipi, I took a framing shot of Parliament Hill. This picture represents coexistence. After everything that has happened, and what is still happening, as the next generation of Canadians, it is our purpose to respect everyone, set aside our differences and coexist peacefully.
These pictures were taken with the Canon rebel xs. I used photoshop to enhance image. I used the rules of compositions learned in class to take the pictures. I am fairly satisfied with my work.
