Scott Offen

BFA, Massachusetts College of Art and Design

Spring 2020

Grace

For the past four years I have been photographing my wife, Grace. The impetus of this body of work has been the attempt to better understand one person through close observation. What makes this possible is the confidence that comes from long association, in our case thirty nine years. Intimacy and trust are roads we both travel. Each of us is vulnerable behind and in front of the camera. Each portrait reveals not only the sitter’s and the maker’s intent, but also uncontrolled moments of self disclosure. We work together. Sometimes I direct from behind the camera. Sometimes she directs from in front of the camera. We ask questions about emotions, relationships, and their visual depiction. The images explore solitude, the difficulty of knowing another or oneself, love for a partner of many years, aging, and the mystery of these things. We are always focused on making beautiful images.

Grace on the porch

Grace in the middle hallway

Grace seen through a reflection

Grace tired

after a long absence

Silver necklace

Grace awakens

Grace in her chair

Grace looks up

Grace watching the circus

Grace in black

Grace escapes

Grace’s rash

Solar Lentogo

Grace in search of the photographer

How we sit in that chair

Grace in the turret

Grace’s sad eyes

Grace behind a lean-to

Scott Offen was born in Boston, Massachusetts in 1960. He is currently finishing a BFA in Photography at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design where he will be pursuing an MFA beginning in the fall of 2020.

Scott’s Website

Instagram - @Offen1645