Q&A
Rachel's body of work entitled 'Searching for Soul' explores the notion of the existence of the human soul. She examines the concept that unlike the body the soul has no physical boundaries, and questions the possibility of a connection between the mind the body and the soul.
Are these all self-portraits?
Yes apart from the smoke, of course, the smoke was included in this series because part of my concept was the connection between the body and soul and through my research soul in Latin also means breath.
How true would it be to say that this is a therapeutic body of work?
I would say that this is very true but in various ways, my main reason for this project was that I am interested in the idea of the soul, from living in a lot of different countries I was exposed to different cultures and religious beliefs. I’m not religious, but I was attracted in learning more about the idea of the soul. Secondly using myself in these photographs has helped me to overcome my fear/shyness of being in front of the camera. I didn’t start this project with this intention but I was experimenting with lighting and I wanted to be able to experiment as much as I needed to and the only way I could was to use myself.
Did you reach any conclusions after completing your work?
I’m not sure I have any concrete conclusions, probably just a lot more questions.
Do you see this work as the beginning of a larger/ongoing project?
Yes definitely, this project is something I would want to carry on in the future but in different ways. Currently this project is a one off artist book, which I made because I felt it was more intimate and personal also it is something that can’t be reproduced just like the soul. It will always be a bit of an ongoing project for me because I feel I’ve only skimmed the surface so far.
This work addresses a philosophical way of thinking, are there any writers that have influenced you?
I read quite a lot before starting this project, looking into various themes such as dualism, the mind-body dichotomy, the essence of self, and different cultures’ beliefs on the soul.
Which photographers particularly inspire you?
For this project I was particularly obsessed with Francesca Woodman and Duane Michals. Spirit photography and Michal Macku were also fascinating to look into.
Where you like to be in 10 years time with regards to your photography?
Ooh 10 years time! That’s a bit of a scary thought, at the moment I’d love to be a fashion photographer while hopefully having time to carry on my own personal projects on the side, maybe being able to exhibit.
And Finally, Blackberry or iPhone?
Blackberry! ...I don't judge people by their phone choice.