artist statement

Renowned physicist David Bohm's assertion that global chaos stems from internal disarray fuels my exploration of creative awakening through photography. The medium unveils subconscious processes, encouraging viewers to confront perceptions, projections, and empathy in a world inundated with images.

Prompting subliminal dialogues, photography crafts inner landscapes crucial for understanding contemporary existence. In the era of image saturation, I question the impact on emotional cognition and empathy. Psychologist Carl Rogers' insights on empathy guide my call for social documentary photographers to wield their cameras with initiative, understanding the complex, demanding nature of empathic engagement.

My work delves into the gestural capacities of contemporary photography as a catalyst for social discourse, meditating on its act and art while examining its inherent abilities to observe perception and cognition. This, I believe, is an exciting epoch for artistic expression and innovative applications of photography in a evolving social landscape.

bio

Tara holds a Master's of Fine Art in Photography with Distinction from the University of Ulster and a Bachelor of Science in Photo-Illustration from Kent State University. Her work intricately explores the social and psychological nuances of the self, utilizing the camera as an instrument of inquiry and reflection.

Tara's commitment to excellence extends to her role as an educator, where she imparts her unique blend of artistic insight and technical expertise. As an instructor at Kent State University and the main educator for the Fuji-sponsored Photography Works program at CEPA Photography Gallery, she fosters a collaborative environment in the evolving realm of photography.

Passionate about the arts, Tara's involvement includes work in mentorship programs and on the board of admissions for Ulster University. Her career trajectory reflects adaptability and a keen eagerness to explore new creative realms.

Balancing roles in academia and entrepreneurship, Tara actively manages an internationally operating portrait photography business. Drawing on her fine art and graphic design background, she seamlessly extends her skills to editorial and commercial photography, skillfully capturing the emotive energy inherent in her subjects.

PROJECTS

initiatives

  • As an educator, I emphasize not only technical skills but also a profound appreciation for the narrative potential in each image. My teaching philosophy extends beyond technicalities, exploring the intersection of art and empathy, urging students to view photography as a tool for fostering understanding in our diverse world. Through dynamic discussions and engaging workshops, I am committed to nurturing a new generation of photographers, instilling both a deep love for the art and an awareness of its transformative potential.

  • Participating in the Think Tank at the Museum of Contemporary Photography in Dublin, I delved into the challenges posed by image saturation, emphasizing the impact on emotional cognition and empathy. This perspective, presented at the "Healing Through Photography" conference hosted by Belfast Exposed, underscores the pivotal role of imagery in mental health and wellbeing, promoting a broader conversation on the intersection of mental health and photography within the community and industry.

  • My photographic journey has been marked by significant exhibitions that showcase the depth and diversity of my artistic expression. Notable among these is the impactful "Mint Condition" at the William Rupnik Gallery in Cleveland, Ohio; the "Storytelling" exhibition at Peninsula Art Academy. Internationally in the "Idiolect" exhibition at Belfast Exposed Gallery and "Synthesis" at Ulster University reflects my commitment to engaging with global artistic conversations. Additionally, my work has been showcased in the "Members Show" at the Center for Exploratory & Perceptual Arts Gallery in New York.

  • Recipient of several accolades, including the Beard Scholar Award and the Peninsula Art Academy Storytelling Award, my work was also featured in Creative Quarterly Journal 43 and I received the distinguished Santander Scholarship. These honors, coupled with my academic merit, as evidenced by the Kent State Trustee Scholarship, showcase my dedication to advancing the art of visual storytelling and my passion for pushing creative boundaries.