identities

What is the difference between Who I am and What I am? This question, which I have thought about for a long time now, is the basis for much of my identity work. I was fascinated by many other artists when I started studying Identity; wether it was Sophie Calle who’s projects range from arranging for people to sleep in her bed in shifts for 7 days 24 hours a day to hiring a detective to follow her around and record her life; to Tomas Friedman who self portraits represent what he calls the lack of self; or Goya whos continual self portraits, represent a life long study of ones self. I am fascinated by not only my own identity bout others honest perceptions. My works with identity which are self-portraits, include, group photos, lists of everyone I know, diagrams of the self, dressing up in others clothes and having a photo shoot with them; after which they donate some of there wardrobe, which is then woven and sewn into my own clothes. The exchange and creation of bonds is important to me with my self-portraits. The group photos are about the gathering of people and the memory created by that gathering. I find that I exist as a real and limited person in others minds. Inside of myself I am infinite and ever changing. The work I do in my identity gives me a better understanding of those I love and am surrounded by, by including them intimately with my own projects I am sharing my life and creating stronger bonds with them, making me more real. I use others to help find my way, by building trust with those around me I can grow closer and more in tune with my surroundings and with myself.