Red Warning
Photographer: Jessica Harriman
1. What significant life experiences or events have influenced and shaped your artistic vision?
Being surrounded by a sea of visual media and external influence has frequently led me to question my sense of self and how I choose to express this. Much of my artistic vision stems from this ongoing tension, which has shaped a deep belief in the importance of individuality and in allowing for growth in ever-changing environments. My lived experience provides a foundation for the visual narratives I create; whether that be something as simple as my favourite song of the moment or as complex as emotion- driven periods of my life.
2. Collaboration often sparks fresh creativity. Can you share an example of a collaboration that led to an unexpected and exciting artistic outcome?
I recently worked on a personal project consisting of multiple editorial shoots, giving me the opportunity to collaborate with many talented individuals. While every shoot exceeded my expectations, the first one stands out the most. It was my shoot after a period of burnout, and the energy the team brought was incredibly uplifting. Their enthusiasm made the process really fun, helping me reconnect with why I love working on creative projects in the first place.
3. Walk us through a specific project that challenged your creative boundaries. How did you approach it, and what did you learn from the experience?
This particular project, Red Warning, was a turning point for my creative process, as it was my first project learning to push myself with the technical aspects of using a camera in both studio and location settings. Thematically, it was also a challenging project to approach as I aimed to capture two co-existing and opposing storylines of danger and protection. This experience was a learning curve, proving that projects may not always go to plan but it’s still possible for the outcome to be something you are proud of.
4. In the ever-evolving art world, what do you believe sets your work apart and makes it unique or groundbreaking?
I think what sets my work apart is my emotional honesty and intention to connect with my viewer through self-expression. All of my projects are reflective of my lived experience and influences integral to the development of my self-understanding. Of course, visual stories are open to interpretation, but I enjoy presenting narratives truly personal to myself onto which the viewer can project aspects of themselves.
5. As you reflect on your journey, are there any specific goals or milestones you've set for your artistic career in the coming years?
Looking forward, I hope to continue developing a recognisable visual identity reflective of my intentions of self-expression. I love having a presence within fashion and beauty imagery, as it's a space where visual identities can truly be expressed. I am always determined to push myself further and am really enjoying allowing my artistic journey to evolve organically while staying aligned with my core values.
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Strength is not just found in the absence of vulnerability but also in the courage to embrace it.
Exploring the concept of danger and warning through fashion and the dominant colour red, this editorial story consists of two shoots: One in which the subject is emersed in danger and the other in which the subject is the danger, visualising opposing scenarios in which we choose to ‘put on a brave face’ or welcome our honest internal feelings.
As the world becomes more threatening to our mental and physical safety, I chose to present a narrative in which it can be brave to protect ourselves - no matter how each individual interprets this.
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Model: Jessica Layton
Wardrobe Stylist/Model: Misty Wild
Creative Director/Photographer/Wardrobe Stylist: Jessica Harriman
Assistant/Hair Stylist: Lola Williams
Makeup Artist: Maisie Jones
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Accessories and shoes: Stylist's Archive
Bag: Maggie Mays (@maggiemaysbuxton)
Boots: FAD Archive (@fad.mfi)
Boots: Stylist's Archive
Coat: FAD Archive (@fad.mfi)
Dress: Stylist's Archive
Jacket: TCHOTCHKE BOX (@tchotchkebox_)
Jewellery: Really Nice Shiny Things (@reallyniceshinythings)
Purse: Maggie Mays (@maggiemaysbuxton)
Shawl: Maggie Mays (@maggiemaysbuxton)
Shoes and Accessories: Stylist's Archive
Skirt: Maggie Mays (@maggiemaysbuxton)
Top and Shorts: TCHOTCHKE BOX (@tchotchkebox_)
Top: Karen Millen
Trousers: Mango