SHE_SEES: MARITIME WOMEN (Phase One)

SHE_SEES is a project creatively led by portrait photographer Emilie Sandy, commissioned by Lloyd's Register Foundation. This initiative celebrates women’s contributions to the maritime industry throughout history, while also capturing the stories of contemporary female professionals in the UK. To date, twenty-three women working in diverse maritime roles have been photographed by Emilie. As co-participants, their stories, visions, and collective experiences inform the creative outcome expressed through photographs, textiles, maritime objects, and moving image.

The project employs a collaborative storytelling approach. Each photograph is carefully placed in a location chosen by the women themselves, emphasising their unique connection to the maritime world. The overall style is defined by a distinctive "hyper-real" lighting technique, designed to showcase the women within their environments. This approach seeks to bring attention to and uplift the lives of these individuals, while also emphasising the profound significance of the sea in shaping their cultural identity and historical legacy. It aims to showcase how their connection to the sea has influenced their traditions, beliefs, values, and way of life, making them unique and distinct. The resulting images offer a connected perspective, allowing viewers to gain a deeper understanding of the women's roles and experiences within the maritime industry.

The collaborative approach between the artists and the women in the maritime industry supports the representation of authentic experiences. The photography, combined with the creation and placement of textiles, challenges traditional stereotypes and outdated roles. This project provides an opportunity to expand the conversation, ensuring that the stories and messages of these women are preserved and celebrated.

Textile components have been created to support a creative element within each photograph, with several historical and cultural references forming the basis for the textile work. Textiles have played a vital role in the maritime industry for centuries, from sails to uniforms, and they continue to be powerful tools for storytelling and representation. This project aims to weave a new chapter into this rich history, showcasing the resilience, strength, and innovation of women in the maritime industry.

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Photography, Filming, and Creative Project Direction of SHE_SEES by Emilie Sandy

Phase One Textiles by Erna Janine of Freeweaver Studio

Shoot Concept (co-created) by Emilie Sandy, Erna Janine, Nikoletta Monyok, Karl Marsden, and the amazing women photographed for the Lloyd’s Register Foundation’s project

Stories by Carly Fields

Exhibition Film Editing by Katherine Glynne-Jones

Exhibition Film Music by Tom Hudson Crawford

Branding, Design, and Exhibition Design by Karl Marsden of SAMA CREATIVES

Red Thread: A Tapestry of Motherhood

Red Thread is a collaborative photography and textile project by photographer Emilie Sandy and weaver Erna Janine. This intimate exploration delves into the diverse experiences of motherhood through portraits of eleven women.

The project is inspired by the Icelandic proverb "Rauður Þráður," which signifies the red thread connecting all things. This metaphor is embodied in the handwoven textiles, created using traditional techniques and natural fibers, that intertwine with the photographic portraits.

Each photograph, a collaborative effort between Emilie and the participants, captures a unique and personal moment. By excluding their faces, the women are encouraged to express their experiences openly and honestly. The textiles, often imbued with symbolic meaning, further enhance the narrative and emotional depth of the images.

Red Thread celebrates the multifaceted nature of motherhood, exploring themes of identity, body image, and the passage of time. It offers a poignant reflection on the universal bond between mothers and children, and the enduring power of creativity and connection.

M is for Mothers: A Visual Exploration of Parenthood

As a parentless parent, I've often navigated the complexities of motherhood without the guidance of my own parents. Seeking connection and understanding, I embarked on a project to explore the diverse experiences of other mothers.

Through a combination of intimate photography and personal journaling, "M is for Mothers" offers a candid look into the lives of eleven women. By capturing both the mundane and the extraordinary moments of motherhood, the project aims to challenge societal expectations and normalize the often-hidden realities of parenting.

Each photograph is a collaborative effort, born from a trusting relationship between the photographer and the subject. By sharing their stories and allowing their homes to be documented, the mothers have created a space for vulnerability and honest self-reflection.

The project highlights the emotional and physical challenges of motherhood, while also celebrating its joys and triumphs. By sharing these intimate moments, "M is for Mothers" offers a sense of solidarity and understanding to parents everywhere.

A Mother's Gaze: A Journey Through Time

"A Mother's Gaze" is a poignant photographic series that follows eleven mothers through their journey from pregnancy to toddlerhood. Captured by Emilie Sandy, the project documents the transformative power of motherhood through a series of triptych portraits.

Each triptych showcases a mother in a specific yoga pose: pregnant, with a newborn, and with a two-year-old. The images offer a glimpse into the physical and emotional changes that accompany motherhood, from the anticipation of pregnancy to the challenges and joys of raising young children.

The project also highlights the importance of community and support for new mothers. By participating in yoga classes, the women were able to connect with one another, share experiences, and find solace in their shared journey.

Through these intimate portraits, "A Mother's Gaze" celebrates the strength, resilience, and love of mothers, while also acknowledging the challenges and complexities of parenthood.

Emilie Sandy's "I Found a Small Lemon Tree" is a poignant exploration of grief and the enduring power of memory. Through a series of photographs and written reflections, Sandy shares her personal journey of loss and healing.

• The Power of Memory: The project highlights the importance of preserving memories, both through physical objects and emotional recollection.

• The Passage of Time: The photographs often juxtapose past and present, underscoring the cyclical nature of life and loss.

• The Symbolism of the Lemon Tree: The lemon tree, a symbol of life, growth, and resilience, represents the enduring nature of love and memory, even in the face of loss.

• The Role of Photography as a Therapeutic Tool: Sandy uses photography as a means of processing her grief and finding solace.

The project's emotional impact stems from its raw honesty and vulnerability. By sharing her personal experiences, Sandy creates a space for empathy and understanding. The photographs, often intimate and introspective, invite viewers to connect with their own emotions and memories.

For more information on projects relating to Grief, visit Picture My Grief