“Drenched in Memory”

My name is Blake Schnell; I am a senior English major and Studio Arts minor at Stony Brook University. I began taking photos in November of 2017, but I have always been a fan of the cinematic and the narrative. As an English major, I think that photography gives me an avenue to tell stories or convey messages in a medium that is better suited for certain stories or messages.

“Drenched in Memory” is a reflection and dedication. To begin, I projected images from my grandpa’s old Handycam that I unearthed during the pandemic; after dousing a chair in orange and neon pink acrylic paint, I arranged symbolic objects in the paint that reflect what I think of the projected family members with the knowledge and hindsight that I have now. Putting together this project has allowed me to grasp the depth and commonality of the strength and kindness that runs throughout my family. My understanding of these family members has certainly evolved since the original video was taken on Mother’s Day 2007, and this project is a dedication to their characters and the power of reflection.

Title: Blake (Self), Date: November 2020, Dimensions: 1920 x 1920 px, Mediums: film photography

Title: Sam (Sister), Date: November 2020, Dimensions: 1920 x 1920 px, Mediums: film photography

Title: Taylor (Brother), Date: November 2020, Dimensions: 1920 x 1920 px, Mediums: film photography

Title: Sandi (Mom), Date: November 2020, Dimensions: 1920 x 1920 px, Mediums: film photography

Title: Michael (Dad), Date: November 2020, Dimensions: 1920 x 1920 px, Mediums: film photography

Title: Lana (Aunt), Date: November 2020, Dimensions: 1920 x 1920 px, Mediums: film photography

Title: Al (Uncle), Date: November 2020, Dimensions: 1920 x 1920 px, Mediums: film photography

Title: Itta (Bubbi), Date: November 2020, Dimensions: 1920 x 1920 px, Mediums: film photography

Title: Artie (Papa), Date: November 2020, Dimensions: 1920 x 1920 px, Mediums: film photography

Title: Drenched in Memory (Family), Date: November 2020, Dimensions: 1920 x 1920 px, Mediums: film photography