Taylor S

Picturing a New Future

Taylor Saucier

Grade 10

Elizabeth “Tex” Williams is motivated, strong and inspirational for so many young girls. Ms. Williams smashed a standard in the United States for her time. Williams served in World War II as a photographer; she was the first African American female photographer to graduate from photography school and later was the first in the army to be an active member of the “Women's Army Corps”. Her story is so moving and really resonated with me. My Mom’s name is Elizabeth and she was a photographer in the army. She is my biggest inspiration and while she didn't make nearly as big of an impact as Ms Williams, she made an impact on me. Her life opened a gateway for other little girls to follow in her footsteps without running into trouble. and Ms. Williams is one of the reasons my mom had the ability to be a photographer in the army.

Ms Williams was so incredibly motivated. This was by far the biggest thing that's stood out to me. She didn't stop even with society pushing against her. She worked to do what she loves most and worked harder than any little girl will have to today to get to where she wanted because she paved the way. In my piece my main focus was to highlight exactly what she wanted and what she achieved. The painting captures not only her taking a picture but some actual pictures taken by her. The roll of film gives an additional aspect to show just what time period she was working in when film was the main source of photography mediums. Ms Williams is not only a role model for little girls but a role model for everyone to not listen to what society has to say and work to your goals 

What I aimed to capsure in my piece is really just her work. She worked so hard to get to the point where she could take pictures and I wanted to work hard to capsure that. I went with a simple yet meaningful representation of her. I made sure to include the exact model her camera is which is found through the one picture there is online of her. I then added some of her real photographs to add a unique 3d design and to then go with the rolls of film. Below her she stands above a dark room sink to finish the scene. I went with the most simple design to not only show that she didn't have much to work with when moving into the photo world as an african american woman, but, also to really emphasize what she worked for and got that being her photos and a job working with photos.  

Elizabeth Tex Williams taught me and so many other people just how far things have come from her time. Today I hope people see my piece and realize what an honor it is today that females can not only participate in art and photography but also continue it into a career. I realized just how lucky I am to have the opportunities to pursue whatever I really want without having to fight for education and support. This is all because of women like MS Williams. I'm ecstatic to learn that my piece will be hung in the Merrill Memorial Library in Yarmouth Maine because I believe mine and my peers from my class (all who are female) have the ability to inspire young girls as well. I will forever remember Elizabeth Tex Wiliams’s name when I think about my dreams.