We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Caitlin Sellman. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Caitlin below.

Caitlin, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on was Natural Despite Intrusion. “Natural Despite Intrusion” narrates a story of resilience and newfound strength, weaving together the stark realities of spinal fusion surgery with the grounding elements of nature. The collection features my experiences with scoliosis and the aftermath of spinal realignment. I always knew I would create the project, and so, in a way, I had always been working on it. I would save everything from my experience, from back braces to hospital gowns, from pill bottles to get-well-soon bouquets. While some of the photos portray the vulnerability of healing, others are a powerful and unapologetic tribute to the physical, emotional, and psychological impact of the surgery.

Caitlin, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hello! I’m Caitlin Sellman, a Michigan-based photographer who studied at the Savannah College of Art and Design. I approach photography by allowing the observer to see the world in a reimagined way. Similarly to poetry and fiction, I utilize symbolic meaning in my props and strive to immerse viewers into a world of moody imagery combined with narrative elements. I aim to spark conversations and explore lesser-known stories to influence people who might not have otherwise listened. Unique sets and dramatic lighting are incorporated into all of my pieces. I gain inspiration from various media portrayals of the human experience and I enjoy self-portraiture and strive to connect with people through my work.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Connecting with people. Artists are emotional people, and the combination of vulnerability and bravery can lead to important conversations between the art and the viewer. Sharing my story has led me to hear other people’s experiences. At my show for Natural Despite Intrusion, my story was out in the open for my audience to see, and I was there, prepared to answer questions about my journey. The show was curated so these conversations could be held in a safe space with no judgment, and all connections were rooted in honesty. It was all I could’ve asked for.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My goal in all creative endeavors is to create the art I want to see in the world. I strive to be honest and original in my projects, typically drawing from personal experiences. It has been difficult to find the balance between expressing myself honestly and the fear of being rejected or forgotten because I didn’t share enough of myself or my truth.

How we spend our days is how we spend our lives. If I call myself an Artist but never seem to pick up my camera, what am I creating? It’s easy to do nothing because an idea seems unoriginal, unthoughtful, or too ambitious. But I know I will always learn more from trying than sitting and waiting for inspiration and opportunity to come my way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://caitlinsellman.com
• Instagram: caitlin._.photography

Image Credits

Caitlin Sellman