The Primal He{Art} series was inspired from a photo project I was invited to participate in based out of Toronto called the 10x10 Photography Project. The ten year Project is in its third year and each year invites ten photographers to create ten portraits of individuals who have contributed to the LGBTQIA2S+ arts in Canada. Those 100 portraits were showcased at a Gallery in Toronto in June and also published in a commemorative photo book. I was also fortunate to have the Project accepted into Vancouver's Queer Arts Festival Curated Show in August.
My series honoured ten Vancouver artists and the primal heart connection they feel to their artistic expression. I invited my ten subjects to choose words that described what their artistic expression evoked for them. Those deeply intimate words were then spray painted onto their bodies by artist Carole Lagimodiere, and they were then photographed semi nude. I have experienced firsthand the vulnerability of sharing one’s art with the world and I felt that having them pose in the nude would help to illustrate that vulnerability. I also love how light and shadow can create texture, form and beauty when photographing the human body.
I endeavoured to create an atmosphere of collaboration with my artists with poses and lighting that would suit their personalities and to some extent their gender expression. I took the duty that the 10x10 Project bestowed upon me very seriously as I wanted to honour these individuals by creating compelling and beautiful images for them. A lot of folks helped with this Project and I’m extremely proud of what we have all created together.
Set your life on fire. Seek those who fan your flames. ~Rumi
I LOVE WEDNESDAYS!!
My 2nd cover for Xtra! and I am so proud and honoured that it is the cast of Canada's 1st Lesbian Opera. Opening on August 5th at the Queer Arts Festival in Vancouver.
I've been spending time with some amazing young folks lately, shooting unique GRAD portraits for their memory books.
Cassie's graduation outfit is bound with love and tradition. Her red button blanket was made by teenager Takeri Charlie of Chehalis, BC, who makes one blanket for each grad every year as her mother did before her.
Cassie's black gown is 65 years old and belonged to her grandmother who danced in it at the Commodore Ballroom. We had fun getting Cassie to twirl in that gown!!!
The exquisite white swan feather was beaded by Cassie, as well, she wore a cedar head piece she wove herself for her graduation ceremony.
I never thought I would utter these words. I loved this Opera. I saw the workshop last summer at the Queer Arts Festival in Vancouver. Well, I had to see it. I was photographing it for them. Seriously, it was not what I expected. First of all, I developed an instant crush on the lead soprano. Secondly, the male role broke my heart. Like tears in my eyes and heart crushing compassion for his story, that kind of broke my heart.
This was the largest, longest and most elaborate photo shoot I've ever done and involved the collaborative efforts of 12 people to pull it off. It was so worth it. We created some awesome images for the Opera. The Georgia Straight, Xtra and the Courier all featured the images which had enormous impact in its promotion.
The Opera is so poignant today in a 2013 world where we can still be tortured and murdered for simply being who we are.
From the Queer Arts Festival website - "When the Sun Comes Out is the world premiere of Canada’s first lesbian opera, commissioned by QAF. This ground-breaking new work is written by composer Leslie Uyeda and poet Rachel Rose, and directed by James Fagan Tait.
A story of forbidden love, divided loyalties and culture clash, the opera explores the oppression that queers face, and the risks they take, in nations where homosexuality is illegal."
From left to right: Aaron Durand, Teiya Kasahara, Julia Morgan, and Leslie Uyeda (with baton).
Check out more of my LGBT portraiture at belleancell.com
I might be just a wee bit proud standing in my room at the 10x10 Photography Project Opening in Toronto, Ontario.
Photo by Teiya Kasahara, Opera Singer Extraordinnaire
I recently got to play with the big lights during a portraiture course taught by one of my favorite Bodhissatva Photographer's Adam Blasberg.
This is Lindsey. Isn't he the most Dapper ever?!!
This is Lindsey. Isn't he the most Dapper ever?!!
Angela helped me with this Game of Thrones recreation. I'm happy with the result especially since we only had about 45 minutes to get the lights and coloured gels right.
The ever so lovely Ava Vanderstarren.
Vancouver portrait photographer Belle Ancell specializes in creating heirloom fine art for families.
CONTACT
778-888-0313
belle@belleancellphotography.com
