A Conversation with Scott Offen

Grace

BFA, Massachusetts College of Art and Design

Spring 2020

KP: With this series, there is a mix of black and white images with color. Does this have any significance throughout?

SO: I tend to see in black and white more than color, but sometimes color better conveys the emotion of the moment or has superior visual interest

KP: Do you think this will be an ongoing project, or will it have a conclusion?

SO: I hope this will be project of many years. Photographing one's partner and one's self matures over time and constantly reveals nuance that was barely understood before. Is ce this project is about us, perhaps it will continue as long as we do. Family photography takes time.

KP: How do you see this series living? For instance in a book, or blog, or in a museum collection.

SO: I think Grace is an amazing person and amazingly beautiful. I would very much like to see her in a book. As for museums, that is too much to hope for at this stage

KP: Do you feel as if these portraits also serve as self-portraits for you?

SO: Yes I am in the portraits in the sense that Grace and I are intimately engaged while the portrait is being made and also that I am Grace's partner. The portraits reflect both Grace's self presentation, but also my presence in her life. Sometimes, Grace presents herself, while also standing in for me.

KP: Do you toggle between formats such as film, alternative processes, and digital? If so, do these serve a significance?

SO : Most of the images are digital, some are film. It depends on what I'm trying to accomplish. These things are simply tools

KP: Do you feel like you've learned anything about you or grace that may have been a surprise while using your camera as a tool?

SO: I've learned that Grace's is more empowered in our relationship than I realized, and I like that way. Partners are better than subjects. Also Grace can hold still for an amazing amount of time.

KP: What are some influences for this series?

SO: Family photographers in general. My strongest influences are Stieglitz, Callahan, Gowin, Friedlander, Furuya, Judith Black, Judith Joy Ross. I have also been privileged to learn from my teachers Barbara Bosworth, Laura McPhee, and Stephen Tourlentes.

KP: If you were to have an artist talk, what would be one key statement you would want to share with us?

SO: Love criticism

KP: How has this project challenged your perception of time?

SO: This has been a projects of nearly three years. I've been surprised to see how slowly physical appearance changes, but how quickly people can adapt to change in the world around them.