Courtney Romann Bayer

“Day 141/365”

ARTIST STATEMENT

Like most people, seeing a picture of myself elicits countless insecurities. Nevertheless, I love the art of the self portrait as demonstrated by some of my favorite photographers: Cindy Sherman, Nan Goldin, Dare Wright and Lee Friedlander. I have tried to conquer my own discomfort by taking on the project from which this photograph was drawn-365 Self Portraits, one taken each day for an entire year. The project has challenged me physically, creatively, and emotionally. This photograph is indicative of the series as it focuses on me as an evolving artist: bashful and bold, a little strange, both seeking approval and demanding attention.

ARTIST BIO

I have spent half my life behind the lens with professional stints as a real estate, wedding, and portrait photographer. Her fine art photography has been exhibited in group shows in Seattle and New Orleans, and her work has been published in Architectural Digest, Austin Monthly, and featured in the Portland Review. I have lived and worked in New Orleans for the better part of 15 years, and consider the city and its inhabitants my greatest inspiration.

Selected by Anne Lyden, International Photography Curator at the National Galleries of Scotland.