Angie Gregory

Selfie Distancing

My work is driven by my interest in being in relationship with my surroundings. Whether it takes the form of social action or direct interplay with nature, I seek connection to place.  I’m curious about what happens when I disengage from my ordinary day to day life and notice the full context of the physical landscape that I inhabit. A kind of selfie-in-place.  Viewing myself from a kite’s distance makes me wonder if human manipulation creates boundaries between us and the environment? Are we unknowingly separating from something we are interconnected with?

 

The Place Where Art & Science Play

The camera dangles just below the kite, seen here off to the left of the string. The tautness creates a high pitched whistling, breaking the silence of solitude.

People sometimes seek higher ground for gaining a new perspective. A view from above can impart the feeling of being on top of the world. At the same time, comes a recognition of just how small we are in comparison to the entirety of existence.  Flying a kite simulates being in two places at once, both firmly rooted on the earth while feeling an extension of yourself in the sky. There is a playful spirit between myself and the wind. An exchange of tugging and leading as well as stillness and equanimity take place. This, to me, invites a relationship with my surroundings that feels ultimately present. The experience of Kite Aerial Photography offers the duality of control and letting go.

Selfie Distancing [Grounded] Northampton| April 2020

Please visit my portfolio site to view other works.