MacKenzie Turpin

MacKenzie Turpin

Degree Completed

BFA in Studio Art

Artist Statement

As a photographer, my art is used as a way to recognize my purpose and further form my identity. Rather than put distance between myself and the viewer, I seek closeness. I do this so I may further understand myself, and allow others to see where I come from. My work is personal as it explores the connections made within, and outside of myself. When I find a subject I can connect with, I seek to understand it fully through emersion and attachment. That understanding becomes the inspiration for my art, and my identity.

Family is often my inspiration and often my subject, through this I hope to pay them respect, while also understanding more about the people who lead to me being who I am today. I find it fascinating, how despite family and portraits being captured so many times before, I am still able to create something unique and captivating. Not only that, but when I explore this subject I feel that my purpose is revealed, as if I am where I’m meant to be.

I use alternative photographic processes to further enhance the intimacy between myself, the art, and the viewer. I find the subject and medium to be very impactful and important, because it enables people to view the mundane through a different lens. As a result they are drawn into the scene as more than just a viewer, but as a participant. In this way they are connecting not only to me, but to the history of the person within the frame.

The title ‘To Be Done Sunday’ is very special, as it was the writing found on an envelope written by my great grandmother, in which the photos were contained. This seemingly sublime message resonated with me because Sundays make me feel nostalgic, peaceful, and whole.