FEELING MYSELF

THIS STORY WAS ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE BI-ANNUAL PRINT ISSUE OF A BOOK OF (A BOOK OF: NOW, SEPTEMBER 2019)

Photographer and Model: Bryce Anderson @ NEXT Models

Words: Irvin Rivera

Model turned self-portrait photographer Bryce Anderson uses a good amount of creative energy in exploring a plethora of characters through self-portraiture. It’s like an alternative form of “selfie.” It’s a stylized, more artistic way of self-expression that encourages discourse about identity amidst the prevalence of digital cosmetic enhancement facilities in mobile devices.

What are your thoughts on "selfies?"

Selfies are the ultimate self-bonding experience but in some way creates an inner enemy where you feel the need to compensate for your flaws. It got to the point where I stopped taking them and it was such a refreshing feeling; self-portrait exercises enabled me to express myself so much better than a cell phone picture. I started taking self-portraits as a way to learn more about myself. It’s an intimate thing.

Walk us through your process of taking self-portraits. Where do you get your inspirations from?

I started shooting self-portraits about 5 months ago after the desire to create a concept I had in mind and bring it to life. I had so many ideas of photos I wanted to produce and I figured why not do them myself? I never planned to do photography but I slowly fell in a deep love for it. It’s a lot like painting an image you have in your head but being much more resourceful. I get most of my inspiration from 70’s and 90’s fashion photography, as there was this feeling of pure artistry and just real moments captured and I adored that.

Lately, as I have gotten more into self-portraits I have discovered so many self-portraits by artists like me who like to venture down the road of gender expression and how it can evolve and become such a beautiful thing. Artists like Claude Cahun and Cindy Sherman are great examples of humans capturing how they view themselves and the world through an intimate photo session.

“Self-portraits are my art and way of expression. Over time they became my example of how gender is non-linear like time.”

Is it more of an internal or an external thing for you?

I think it’s definitely more internal. As a model I do take photos for a living and it’s amazing. But when you take photos of yourself it becomes much deeper than just a photo. You begin to learn more about yourself and how you see yourself and you get the freedom to become whomever you want.

Self-portraits are my art and my way of self-expression. Over time they became examples of how gender is non-linear like time.