Inner Space, is an instinctive and visceral response to the effect of landscape on our psychological and emotional well-being. Stemming from the desire to understand myself in relation to the wooded landscape I am inexplicably drawn to, the work traces a meandering path of self-discovery. Using images of myself from past and present combined with close up landscapes of densely wooded areas exaggerated by high contrast monochrome printing, it suggests a metaphor for a divided self. By photographically inserting myself into these places the work hints at a dark undertow while also alluding to the harmony and connection between self and nature. This is a space to meet and commune with nature negotiating and illustrating their differences and similarities using my own body to engage with the landscape. Through an exploration and fascination of place the transition from outer to inner landscape is examined.
The unmanaged, intricate and entangled environment is physically and emotionally absorbing suggesting a depth of meaning which I am keen to impress upon the viewer. In an age of ever increasing screen time we are alienating ourselves from a sense of place, space and time that the rhythm and cycle of nature offers. This work asks us to stop and look again at the detail and complexity of nature allowing a realisation of its impact and importance to our wellbeing.
Inner Space is a narrative exploring what it means to be human in a world of ever enveloping technology. A world where we are losing touch with reality and ourselves as we turn our backs on what is available to us, at any time, and at no cost in preference for a virtual world that can be obtained instantly at our fingertips. This body of work offers an outlet, explanation and means to learn to express and understand ourselves as individuals by becoming absorbed in the natural world that lies on our doorstep and eschewing the virtual and the falseness of what lies beyond. Regarding the dynamic between self and landscape as two interacting spheres of life encourages and enables a deeper understanding of the physical, psychological and biological effect of the natural world upon our lives.
ABOUT RACHEL WALLACE
Rachel is an artist photographer living, working and walking in the Chiltern hills and woods, drawing her inspiration from her environment. She has a Pg. Cert in Photography form Central St. Martins and recently graduated with an M.A from the University of Westminster. Composites, collage and camera-less photography make up much of her work. Her studio is located in the Chiltern Hills between London and Oxford. Last year she was awarded a Silver Medal from the RHS for her photographic portfolio and holds previous awards from 2017 and 2019 for Landscape Photography. She has recently exhibited in London, Amsterdam, Rome and Korea and her work has been shown in numerous publications including Source.
It is in Rachel’s nature to engage with nature and her photographic practice is the way she approaches, explores and expresses this involvement. Working with photography and found objects she focusses on the interconnectedness of our own life cycle with that of the natural world, its rhythms and patterns, death and decay. Rachel works with a variety of cameras and photographic techniques to illustrate and create her response to the environment. With her images she aim to encourage the viewer to stop and look at the details and complexity within the natural world and how it reflects and parallels our own, in order that they can realise the impact of its importance to our wellbeing.
Website: racheljwallace.com
Instagram: @racheljayw
CREDITS
Unless otherwise stated, all words and images in this article are © Rachel Wallace
