Mystery, Emotion, Power and Beauty in Portraiture
The experience of creating art to me is one of beautiful mystery. We undertake a journey into the unknown, accessing the unseen within ourselves, delving into a realm of undefined possibility, bringing forth from within to make the unknown known. Reaching to our inner depths of creativity, emotion, and self expression, bringing light and form to the yet unseen, revealing a work new and unique.
In my work, often I find the most artistic and alluring portraits are those in which the face may be hidden, obscured, in movement, or in shadow, or perhaps not present at all. I find these portraits to be evocative, mysterious, and emotive, creating a mood that draws you in to a story, a feeling, more than what you merely see. Movement evokes a sense of memory, of time elapsed, the experience of life we share through history, through thought, feeling, and energy.
This type of portrait becomes art that is enduring and timeless, that can be felt and understood by a viewer regardless of context or identity. It becomes larger than itself, it is more, other, a gem communicating the spirit between us. They hold depth, allowing for the mind to wander and explore layers of meaning, opening a portal to the universal experiences that connect us all.
These non-traditional explorations of portrait are my favorite and I hope to create more of this type of work with the women who entrust me to photograph them and allow me to be their guide on a creative journey of self-discovery through artistic portraiture. All of us are extraordinary in our own ways, I want to help us see this in ourselves as women, honor it, and be reminded of our own unique power and beauty every day through art.
For many years I struggled, I felt that my work wasn’t enough, that it held no real meaning, was shallow, vain, narcissistic, self-indulgent. Through years of deep thought, reflection, inner work, soul searching, and creative exploration, I have come to understand that it is my purpose to bring beauty to the world, to share beauty, and create beauty, in an empowering and transformative way. I have found the meaning I was searching for.
Bringing beauty into the world is a powerful act, in defiance to the overwhelming and persistent destructive side of humanity. It is a way to help remind us of who we are are and what we share together at our most uplifting, positive, and creative. To remind us of our vast and ever present potential for creating beauty, unity, and peace if only we reach out and listen. I have found it to be healing, a way to bring balance to the world.
The experiences I offer are meant to be so much more than making simple portraits. My intention is to create meaningful works of art, to allow space for deeper connection to ourselves, to discover our hidden inner muse, and perhaps most importantly, to be playful, free, spontaneous and expansive. ..Also, there’s nothing wrong with a little self-indulgence occasionally.
Join me, let’s create art.
All content, photography and writing created authentically by Brooke McBride and EraNoire Photography.
No AI used. Real words, Real thoughts, Real art.