Jess's Vanitas Self-Portrait

This week in our writing class, we discussed visual organization and photography. Learning to organize information visually can help us when we write as well! We learned about Vanitas portraits, where objects are used instead of people to depict life. We all chose 3 objects to represent our identities and cultures and then photographed them using different visual organization methods.

Things we own or appreciate can show a lot about us. I chose a journal, a spool of thread, and my wedding ring to represent myself for this project.

This journal represents my love of language. Reading and writing are two of my favorite things and very much a part of my identity. My fondest memories are of books that inspired me in childhood and of writing stories.

This spool of vintage thread represents my need to be creative at all times. I learned to sew when I was a very young child, and have continued to sew and create throughout my life. I make many of my own clothes and design Halloween and Mardi Gras costumes for many of my friends. But my desire to create something new every day is not limited to fabric crafts, I also incorporate art and creation into my teaching and activities as much as possible. I firmly believe that language, art, and culture are all just outlets for our amazing, creative minds!

The last object I chose to represent myself is my wedding ring. This ring doesn't just represent my marital status (though my husband is pretty awesome). We chose these rings because they are a traditional Irish ring called a "Claddagh." The elements of the ring represent love, loyalty, and friendship.

These objects are very important to me, and represent important aspects of my life and culture. I look forward to seeing the things that matter most to you!