BFA Thesis Exhibit
Emily Bernier
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Artist Statement
Everyday I am learning to navigate the world through a broken connection. My relationship with my father has changed as I've grown in age and we have become distant. These photographs represent the sentiment that comes with a complicated relationship
Throughout these photographs I am getting to know my dad in a different context and showing my personal experience. A part of my practice includes taking long walks which allows me to tap into my emotions, be in the present moment, and reflect. I try to transcend the subject of my experience through metaphor. Intertwining tree roots become my disordered thoughts and the chaos surrounding our relationship. The metaphors show how worn down and lonely I have felt while dealing with this entanglement. This body of work has become a means of communication, using my camera as a way to bond with my dad. Although things have changed as I've grown into an adult, I am learning to accept my dad for who he is. The process let me find peace in our current relationship and helps me recognize that my dad is a human trying to find his way in this world.
Throughout these photographs I am getting to know my dad in a different context and showing my personal experience. A part of my practice includes taking long walks which allows me to tap into my emotions, be in the present moment, and reflect. I try to transcend the subject of my experience through metaphor. Intertwining tree roots become my disordered thoughts and the chaos surrounding our relationship. The metaphors show how worn down and lonely I have felt while dealing with this entanglement. This body of work has become a means of communication, using my camera as a way to bond with my dad. Although things have changed as I've grown into an adult, I am learning to accept my dad for who he is. The process let me find peace in our current relationship and helps me recognize that my dad is a human trying to find his way in this world.
![A photographic portrait of a man looking through an icy window.](_images/01_emilybernier-660x440.jpg)
Dad // Inkjet print // 16 x 24 inches
![A photograph of a person's shadow reaching at the reflection on a window.](_images/02_emilybernier-660x439.jpg)
Silver lining // Inkjet print // 16 x 24 inches
![A photograph of a jam packed workshop filled with tools, a tv, trinkets etc.](_images/03_emilybernier-660x440.jpg)
Method to the madness // Inkjet print // 16 x 24 inches
![A photograph of chairs in a waiting room that sit in front of a widow with soft light.](_images/04_emilybernier-660x440.jpg)
Waiting for you // Inkjet print // 16 x 24 inches
![A photograph of intertwining tree roots.](_images/05_emilybernier-660x440.jpg)
entangled roots // Inkjet print // 16 x 24 inches
![A photograph of a chickadee taking flight from a person's hand.](_images/06_emilybernier-660x949.jpg)
Untitled // Inkjet print // 16 x 24 inches
![A self Portrait of a person through a broken mirror.](_images/07_emilybernier-660x989.jpg)
Self // Inkjet print // 16 x 24 inches
![A photograph of a person sanding a block of wood from a side angle](_images/08_emilybernier-660x989.jpg)
Dad Working // Inkjet print // 8 x 12 inches
![A photograph of a jam packed workshop with an empty chair in the center.](_images/09_emilybernier-660x989.jpg)
Empty // Inkjet print // 8 x 12 inches
![A photograph of two trees that frame the edges of the photo with many shadows receding.](_images/10_emilybernier-660x440.jpg)
Recede // Inkjet print // 12 x 8 inches