Through my lens, I aimed to capture the subtle details that go unnoticed to the untrained eye. These details, seemingly mundane, will never go unrecognized by a member of my close-knit family. Within the frame of each shell, these images capture meaningful moments and items, which together create a narrative of home. Whether it is the matching reading glasses worn by my parents, my dog's tail mid-wag, or a doorknob that sees constant use, the nuances of my family’s shared experiences are connected by these delicate details. 

By printing my images inside clam shells, I emphasize the beauty of the ordinary. Each shell becomes a unique window into my family’s personal life and is a tangible representation of the small yet profound moments that shape my experience of home. In each piece, I invite the viewer to share a glimpse into my family & recognize the fragility of fleeting moments through this interplay between nature and human connection.

With repeated trial and error, I created each image using liquid emulsion coated on the inside curve of clam shells. The final pieces you see in front of you are works in progress that, with more trials, will lead me to a successful outcome in this experimental process. After coating each shell and allowing them time to dry, I exposed each image onto the shell for about 1 minute and 30 seconds and then put it through each development step as normal. To ensure every image lasts, the shells sat in the fixer for around 10 minutes before rinsing them in water and allowing them to dry overnight. Through this process, I have expanded my knowledge and artistry, and I plan to continue this method in my future work. 

Growing up on the beach, my sister and I endlessly collected sea shells and stored them in our bathroom until they overflowed. I remember sitting in our backyard painting dozens of these shells, normally as a gift for Mom or Dad. These shells became my first canvas. With that memory in the back of my mind, this project fuels a sense of nostalgia in me as I create art that represents something so personal yet universal. Every family has its own nuances, these are ours.