Scarlett Hoey

photography

There is a sweet surprise in the magic and science of using an analog film camera. I must load the field camera film in complete darkness, position my 5lb camera for the shoot, expose the film, and then wait. Wait for the film to develop. Wait to find out if my subject moved. Wait to see if the light was captured. My calm observations when taking the photo combined with the patience in the process is all rewarded when I see my photograph for the first time — I am transported. It is a surprise, and relief, to discover the familiar world is frozen in time and recorded for eternity on my film.

This mixture of magic and science fascinates me and spurs me to create art from the world around me. I focus on topics of identity, domesticity, gender, and relationships using a combination of portraiture and still-life subjects.  My work is inspired by many artists, but to name a few: Tracey Moffatt, Lalla Essaydi, Cindy Sherman, Carrie Mae Weems, Julia Margaret Cameron, Ellen Day Hale, Lilly Martin Spencer, Judith Leyster, and Élisabeth Louise Vigée-LeBrun.

My work has been exhibited around Massachusetts, including locally at ArtsWorcester, the Fitchburg Art Museum, and the Sprinkler Factory. In 2012, I received a BFA in Photography and History of Art from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design. When I’m not photographing you can find me wandering halls of galleries, historic homes, and museums.