Wellness

SELF BECOMES ART IN THESE BEAUTIFUL NEW PORTRAITS NOW

desert without mirage by Mariell Amélie.

by Mariell Amélie. desert without mirage.

As we continue with our week featuring the Beautiful Self, today, we are sharing two collections of gorgeous self-portraits that are steeped in emotion and mindful self-awareness.

MARIELL AMÉLIE

Growing up as an only child, London-based photographer Mariell Amélie spent lots of time by herself. In her case, spending time with self was further emphasized since her family home was on the remote island of Andøya, above the Arctic Circle in Norway.

Amélie became interested in photography at an early age and taught herself how to really rock a camera. And recently, in the past 8 years, she has focused on creating these captivating self-portraits.

The photos are quite emotional. Some are tender, some haunting. Some are deep, some are flighty. Some are delicate, while others are rather strong. Some are whimsical, some are sad.

Amélie often surrounds herself with vast landscapes or centers herself within close interiors. They underscore a sense of quiet loneliness and echo the isolation of her experience.

The photos are a form of meditation for Amélie --- and they offer a meditative quality to the viewer. As she develops personally, no doubt, Amélie’s self-portraits will only become more fascinating.

SASHA O

Belgian photographer Sasha O created a fabulous self-portrait project, entitled 365, in which she took a different dramatic selfie every day for a year.

There is surprising range in her imagery -- and it is even more mind-blowing when you consider that this represents the range of her self-perceptions.

Sasha O is also self-taught. She bought her first camera (Nikon 40) when she was 19 years old. While she first started photographing everything around her, she then focused on portraits, eventually gravitating to self-portraits.

With herself as her subject, she finds it easier to be more spontaneous and to explore new directions. It also allows her to push more boundaries.

Sasha O’s photos show her emotional range, with each one documenting how she felt or what she was thinking at a particular moment.

Her choice of props is also telling. She prefers natural light.

And she pays close attention to details of color and texture.

Beautifully composed, with a sensitive play of shadow and light, Sasha O’s self-portraits bring us up close and personal with her artist’s soul.

Enter your own images and ideas about Beautiful Self in this week’s creative Photo Competition. Open for entries now until 11:59 p.m. PT on 01.25.2014. If you are reading this after that date, check out the current BN Creative Competition, and enter!