Secert #5 The story behind the mask

 I thought I would share a few secrets from the story behind my mask and entice a few locals to come hear some of my stories at my Artist Lecture, May 2, 2018, at the Museum of Art Fort Collins.

Any guess on whose face this is? 
Yup— you guessed it - me at 18.

After graduating high school I studied art in Florence, Italy instead of making the big commitment to go a “real college”.

I had the good fortune to make a plaster mask of my face in my sculpture class. Knowing I would be 18 only once I jumped at the chance to be immortal.

Although super scary and claustrophobic I have never regretted this opportunity.

Carrying a mask of yourself around for 40 years across the states and aboard does get a bit tiresome-

In one of my fits of cleaning and organizing it safely landed in my box of porcupine quills instead of Goodwill.

This was my first inspiration for my mask. However, I soon realized I didn’t want to give up my quills.

The porcupine quills are still a strong element in my final piece- I just didn’t use the whole porcupine.

Please join me to hear more stories behind the elements of my mask.

#focomask #masks #jillpmottphotography #porpupine #quills#fortamstudios #artschool #africa #Zimbabwe #italy
@moafortcollins

Register today
May 2, 2018 6pm-7pm
https://moafc.org/events/list/…

The highest compliment

As photographers our work is always on display for people to judge.
I constantly wonder what people think about my work and then of course spend a lot of time judging and being critical of myself. Often those thoughts aren’t too pretty.

Sometimes as photographers if we are lucky, we win awards, become recognized and hear compliments about our work.

The positives are wonderful to receive but often it is hard to hold on to them and the doubts quickly resurface.

Last night I was given the highest compliment I have ever received.

When I walked into the home of the hostess who gathered friends and family together to celebrate the life of Cindy Osburn, I was honored to see a giant photo of my good friend looking back at me. A photo I took of her in Venice, Italy in 1995.

I was so touched that the family had chosen one of my photos to represent Cindy’s amazing character, personality and spirit.

The reactions, emotions and comments the photo received from the guests will always be worth more than any award.

This is one compliment I know I will be able to hold on to for a long time. It helps me honor Cindy and the memories and love she gave to us all.  After more than two decades of being a photographer it is only now that I truly recognize the power of a photo.