Welcome to Simple Belongings

What started off as an assignment in a Lighting class I was taking by the talented and knowledgeable Luca Iannuzzi quickly evolved into a beautiful project of self reflection. At a time when I was dealing with breast cancer reconstruction and struggling with my new body, I found this series helped me come to understand that I am so much more than my physical being. The objects that fill my home and the people that share my life are as much an impression as to who I am and the life that I have created, if not more so the body I was struggling to adapt to. 

The lighting techniques that I applied to capture this series are often referred to as Rembrandt lighting and are typically applied when creating portraitures. Although this is a still life body of work, in many ways, they are me. They reflect my interests, my aesthetic and my home; so I figured, why not implement the same style of lighting I would use if these were self portraits?

When I submitted my images to the Academy of Art University's 2022 Spring Show, of course I thought they were competition worthy, but to be judged and granted Best of Show for a series was only a dream. When it became a reality, I was humbled to my core.

It is only now, almost 8 months later, that my body has healed, my headspace is healthy and I am finally satisfied with my printing substrates, which leads me to my announcement that, starting in January 2023, I will release my first body of work, Simple Belongings.  Prints will be offered in 3 sizes for single images, or as a framed collection!

I will be sending out announcements via my social media platforms and through email to all subscribers when the collection is officially released. Make sure you're following me or sign up below to be in the loop! And, thank you all who have supported my artistic journey. I wouldn't be where I am today without all of your support!

-Arika Nicole, with all my love