On Being an Angel - for Francesca

On Being an Angel – for Francesca / 2010

Traditional Silver Prints – 5 / 14” x 14”

Kim Borst

Since my first exposure to her photographic work I, like many people, have been enamored with the art and myth of Francesca Woodman. I have always felt a kinship with her and her self-portrait approach. She was two years younger than I and as a returning college student I realized my passion for photography began very close to the time of her suicide. This connection with her and specifically a concept in her work titled “On being an angel” have quietly haunted me. I feel her mythical status is now of an angelic nature and I am compelled to speak of this. I cannot yet explain why it is so necessary but this work will be my third homage in recent years to a departed kindred spirit.

The poem included with this work was written by Nathan Melis, an intelligent and perceptive young man with much potential as a visual artist and poet. I became friends with Nathan shortly after he began his studies in literature, writing, and studio art at UW-Superior. He was introduced to the photographs of Francesca Woodman in one of the photography classes I teach. Several months later he surprised me with a poem he had written and slipped under my office door titled “Angel 1” for Francesca Woodman. At the time his words impacted me emotionally but now they command much deeper significance and meaning because like Francesca, Nathan is no longer with us. I miss his friendship, his gifts, and the many stimulating discussions covering a diverse range of topics. By including Nathan’s poem with this photographic work I am also quietly paying homage to him.

Included is a copy of Nathan’s original poem in his handwriting.