Explorer Week#2

Notes to self

I need to start making contacts and getting the word out there about my project.  I was thinking bout having about 10 to 15 people pose as my subjects so it would be wise for me to start gathering people.  I’ve learned that its pretty difficult to get people together and work around their schedules.  It would work best if I set up 3 to 4 shoots to keep myself on schedule.

Often times people are placed inside of boxes, stereotyped.  So I was thinking of making a wooden box to frame each subject as I photograph them.  In the mean time I need to figure out what supplies are needed and how I’m going to get this frame to stay.  Am I going to suspend it or will I mount it on something?  Will I build it or will I buy it?

I also wan to go beyond skin color I would like to touch on different hair types as well.  I was also thinking of photographing my subjects hair at the same time.  Along with that I also need to think about how that will be set up and presented. Charlotte suggested that my project be presented with more content and substance. I’m a curious person by nature and often times wonder how others think and feel and why they feel that way. So it would be great if I could pick my subjects minds and interview them to see what their experiences have been with skin color.  To further along my research I’m going to watch Good Hair is a recent documentary that takes a look at black women and hair care.

I borrowed the following content from the African American Registry

The history of “Black Hair and Beauty Culture” mirrors the intricacy of both African and American cultures. Over the years, African American hair has been associated with the ideology of white visual conception. Some people say that blacks have embraced hairstyles and beauty methods that reflect popular European standards of beauty. However, Blacks have used their West African roots and their own artistry to create styles and standards that reflect a unique black culture.

Around 1441 when African slaves were brought west to the “New World,” they were confronted with their first loss of identity. It was then that the one and only identity they had, was stripped from them. The standards of beauty that they encountered were the privilege of fair skin, straight hair, and thin features, in contrast to “African” dark skin, curly hair, and wider noses and mouths. Some slaves had to get accustomed to the European beauty styles to survive (literally). Often times they would serve as barbers and/or beauticians for their white owners. Other slaves attempted to stay with their traditional African hair customs like braiding hair using African patterns and using natural herbs from trees for their hair and skin care.

More at… http://www.aaregistry.com/detail.php?id=2395

Chris Rock Good Hair

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