Light Switch Photograph

My photographic work explores a sense of identity and place in society, with particular reference to our environment. The first project I undertook was documenting the village I grew up in. As well as capturing the quiet and monotony that is present in small communities, I wanted to examine the environment that shaped me. Our surroundings give us a sense of who we are, but it doesn't mean that we feel part of it. A sense of belonging and fitting in is integral to living in a particular community, however it can also highlight feelings of isolation. Often, it is our emotional experiences that actually connect us. We are also defined and represented by cultural symbols and traits with nostalgia playing a part in our notions of identity. Modern society is becoming more homogeneous and we are entering into a transitional period where the boundaries of culture and identity less obvious. My images examine identity, the connection with our environments and our cultural idiosyncrasies within the framework of every day moments.