Chelsy Veras

Age: 17 Opportunity Charter SchoolI used to compare my work to other bodies of work often. I belittled my skills and it made me doubt the worth of my art. I used to ask myself, “What worth do my photos really have?” A couple of months ago, I had an epiphany: Art is supposed to be liberating, it shouldn’t be confined in a box, and it is more than okay if your art looks different or if it’s “weird.” This sudden realization made me change the way I make and approach my art. Instead of letting the fear of producing mediocre work hold me back, I started creating more frequently and intuitively. Learning about new artists further encouraged me. Carrie Mae Weems’s storytelling has influenced the composition of my photos and how I can make a story out of what is right in front of me. Lorna Simpson’s connection to her work has encouraged me to build a connection with the things I create and to let go and create without overthinking. What was once unidentifiable about my work now holds meaning. My work is a reflection of who I am, whether that’s a fond memory, an internal issue, a societal issue, or simply something that I love. Taking photos is what it feels like to let go.
The Bird of Femininity, 2021
How Did We Let It Get Like This, 2021