The following artist statement is from my feature on adolescent.net:
These milk bath female figure studies feature three different women with three different body types. The models range from having a very thin frame to being 8 months into pregnancy. These images serve to empower each of the women in them and showcase their individual beauty in a way that makes them feel comfortable and beautiful. These images were not created for the male gaze, but rather for the women themselves.
By showcasing my models’ partially-unclothed bodies, I am working to de-stigmatize the female nude. To that end, the natural elements in the images (such as fruit, leaves, and flowers) were chosen to complement the natural beauty of the female form. I do not believe that there is anything inherently dirty or wrong about nudity; on the contrary, I believe that it is natural, and that it can be used for empowerment.
With these pictures, and in my work as a whole, I aim to erase the notion that the female form is for the male gaze. I want to take our bodies back and showcase their differences, their beauty, and their normalcy. I want women to understand that there are so many different kinds of bodies out there and that they shouldn’t feel ashamed about what they have. I want women to use this knowledge to better one another, rather than tear each other down.
