Emily Pruitt

Artist Statement

My interest in photography began in middle school when I discovered editing apps. I spent my spare time editing different stock pictures I found online to create new, unique images. However, my satisfaction with this work was only temporary—I felt that it was incomplete and not truly mine. I soon decided to broaden my practice of photo editing by taking up photography. I was quickly captivated by the versatility of taking photos. I fell in love with the ability to capture a moment in life and be able to show others how I see the world. Likewise, being able to combine my experience in editing with my own images allowed me to manipulate and share different stories and perspectives.

An example of this can be seen in my photo titled Anti-Romantic, taken with a disposable camera. I decided to use the camera’s grainy, low-quality photo production to my advantage. I wanted to create a slightly eerie yet alluring scene, thus the use of bold black and red atop the bland brown and gray background. Every detail, from the wilted heart balloon to the shine of the rain hitting the asphalt, played a purposeful part in creating this curious yet captivating image.

—Emily Pruitt, West Haven High School

< Back to exhibition page

Continue to the next artist >