Beyond a Thousand Words..., Shannon Salter
Juror Statement
My first viewing of Beyond a Thousand Words was so impactful that it brought tears to my eyes. In the midst of the anonymous judging process, with only a title for reference and no artist name or background information for the photo, I was immediately captivated by the artist’s ability to express pure, universal emotion. As the title suggests, this image communicates a narrative that can be understood by people across the world without explanation.
The physical distancing required by the pandemic ushered in a new and unthinkable era in which the acts of hugging or touching loved ones became impossible for an indefinite and extended period of time. This stunning and poignant photograph tells a story of three family generations beautifully adapting and supporting one another. Even before reading the artist statement, the viewer experiences the bond between the photographer and her subjects as an integral part of the narrative. The photograph successfully conveys pain, loss and an indescribable need for human connection…. but also the strength of love, the human spirit and true resilience.
---Laura Cotton, University of Michigan-Dearborn Art Curator and Competition Juror
Artist Statement
Beyond a Thousand Words captures the raw emotion of sadness stemming from separation endured during the Coronavirus Pandemic. Here, my mother and her mother have the glass door between them, serving as a virus barrier, yet a thin veil between each other. As the elderly are the most susceptible to the virus, my grandmother must isolate herself for the protection of her life. My mother cannot physically embrace her own mother, which undeniably is among the most difficult pains the human heart can endure.
My younger sister is on life support. Her life is incredibly beautiful. Due to her illness and for the protection of her life, my family has been quarantined for months, unable to hardly leave my home. Just seeing my grandmother’s face is a gift. If my grandmother was not so vulnerable, the photo would remain the same. My mother would still not be able to embrace her own mother.
Notice how my mother’s face can be perceived as either smiling or crying… the mask hides the face but can never cover human emotion. There is no greater bond than that of a mother with her child. For even when apart, their hearts can never be separated.
---Shannon Salter
Artist Bio
Shannon Salter is a Marketing student at the University of Michigan-Dearborn. Shannon is new to photography but has a strong background in the arts, including instrumental and vocal music, the performing arts, calligraphy, videography, as well as home design. Shannon’s work is inspired by human emotion. Upon graduating in the spring of 2021, Shannon plans to use her artistic skills to lead in creative work for corporations including product photo shoots and marketing displays.