About this project

I began shooting self-portraits in abandoned buildings in 2007, and my chosen form of expression turned into a compulsion. I find genuine beauty in the aesthetics of decay. I am more interested in how I am similar to the environment than how I differ. As a woman entering middle age, I struggle with how my body begins to betray me (infrastructure gives way); I struggle with feeling comfortable in my own skin when society treats women of my age and older like lepers (the old and no longer useful are abandoned or re-purposed); I struggle with the idea that I am running out of time (nature takes its course).

The city of Detroit proved to be my muse and after two trips there I have created a body of work of which I am very proud. A third trip for further inspiration is planned before images would have to be chosen for this show, as well as more trips closer to home. Spending time thinking about my work and where it was going, what I wanted it to be, to communicate, to become; and then thinking about my age in relation to all these things I thought: Don't waste time. Don't sit back while things fall apart. We have the power to manifest our own destiny.

I want to show this work all together in a powerful, provocative way. I'm ready to show this work. But I'm not going to be plucked from obscurity amongst a sea of artists, so I'm going to make it happen--with your help.

Money raised will go towards the gallery rental, printing & mounting or framing 23-25 images of varying sizes (I hope to have three images printed 5 feet at their longest side), promotion, and fulfilling rewards. I already have a sponsor for the food at the reception and will be looking for various ways to procure other types of sponsorship as well. Any money that I make over and above my costs will be used to create art, whether that be another trip to Detroit, jury fees for competitions, or the like.

The above selected photos are the ones that are "safe for work." While my work consists of artistic nudity, there is still nudity, and some of it quite blatant. I feel I should be clear about that up front! :-)

I thank you so very much for helping me put on this exhibit! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me directly through e-mail at sarahxbloom(at)gmail(dot)com.

Sarah R. Bloom February 2011 *Remember: Minimum pledge is only $1.00. You will not be charged any money at all UNLESS the project is fully funded.*