Written by:
Gina DeVries
» Order
this Issue of Curve:
11.6
Rachelle Lee Smith, 20, is a photography student at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. She recently completed a “self-contemplation, self-exploration, and self-discovery” photo project.
How did you become interested in photography?
In middle school I was one of those kids who always had their camera with them. I was urged to take [formal classes] in high school. From the first print, I was mesmerized, fascinated and hooked.
How long have you been taking pictures?
As far back as I can remember, but on a more artistic or technical level, since ninth or 10th grade.
What was it like doing such a personal photo project? How did your sexuality influence the photos you took?
Being in art school, I have observed that a large number of artists do self-portraits, or focus on themselves in their work. I, however, had never done this prior to this piece, and to be quite honest, I did not want to do it. My professor urged me to get through my problems through my art and to focus on myself. Having never done this before, it was quite new and frightening. To put myself out there for anyone and everyone to view, to be at such a vulnerable, naked, personal state, was scary, but by doing so, I have accomplished a lot. My sexuality played quite a large role [in my work]. My sexuality was portrayed in about 50 percent of the photographs. … I am one of the fortunate gays who have not grown up physically or mentally abused because of who I am, with the exception of the occasional [homophobic] comment here or there. However, I do encounter many problems dealing with [sexuality] issues myself. By using the rope, tape, flag [and] handcuffs and playing with lighting and depth of field, I tried to convey what I was feeling without taking the symbols to a cheesy level. To put an issue such as my sexual preference out to an audience and to make myself even more susceptible to criticism was and is hard, but it is one more thing to help me move ahead.
Do you do other kinds of art as well?
To be honest, I am fairly new to studio photography and am still learning the tricks. What I am most familiar and comfortable with is documentary/street photography, which is almost the complete opposite of my recent project. I am most used to conveying the reality of others, not myself.
Who or what influences your work?
The work … in this project has been highly influenced by my personal fears and problems, but strength and hope have helped me get though this. I could not have done this without the help and influence of my friend Jo Ellen Muchorski, and most of all, my professor Barbara Proud, who has always pushed and believed in me.
Do you have any advice for aspiring photographers?
Learn all that you can, and take advantage of every possible aspect of being a student: facilities, teachers, lectures, and discounts. Get involved in everything that you can. It’s all about connections, and of course keeping your creativity and dream alive. Be passionate about everything.
— Gina DeVries
baby dyke-in-residence, age 17
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