Nectar in a Sieve: Photography Art Project

I mentioned in my previous post the large-scale photography project I'm working on.  Two days ago I completed another character shoot: Rukmani from the novel Nectar in a Sieve by Kamala Markandaya.

Reasons for choosing Nectar in a Sieve

I was introduced to this novel in a world literature class at Dixie State College.  Knowing nothing before reading it, I didn't have any expectations.  But what I really didn't expect was a broken heart and new love of and appreciation for Indian literature.  It's one of those books that breaks your heart two ways: It shatters it with grief and opens it wide with understanding.  Because of my emotional reaction to this story I wanted to know more about the world situation of the characters and other similar stories.  I ordered more of Markandaya's novels, along with other Indian authors (all of which are unintentionally female) and found a new genre of literature I can't seem to get enough of!  My favorites are Markandaya and Jhumpa Lahiri.

Anyway, I chose this novel because it has wedged its way into the deepest cavities of my heart and is, I think, permanently stuck there.  I wanted to photograph Rukmani because of her undeniably heroic characteristics, their simple qualities making them that much more wonderful.

I also chose this novel because the components were very exciting to me: Indian model, clothing, and accessories (bangles, saris, bindis!), and the outdoor location I had to find that represented visually what the novel related textually.  That meant finding a "green India" juxtaposed with  "Western industry" or something like it.

 Pre Photo Shoot

--Consideration #1: Finding a model.  I had a very hard time, in this land of diversity (sarcasm, hahaha) finding Indian women on my college campus who were available and willing to model.  Basically, I didn't find one.  My model is not Indian, but her skin and hair tones are going to work beautifully.  And I have Photoshop :)

--Consideration #2: The location.  UGGH.  I settled for Staheli Farms in Washington Fields because the remnants of alfalfa are still green in the foreground while we have a bunch of industrial junk in the background.  However, it took me days to receive permission.  Basically, I have a big Photoshop job ahead of me, making the background look like an Indian Village, rather than red-rocky St. George.

--Consideration #3: Props.  Sari, makeup for bindi and vermillion, bangles, sandals, undershirt for sari, and a variety of "growing things."  I found most of these items with help (thanks Myrianne!) but some will have to be manipulated in Photoshop.  For example, I need more vines around my squashes, etc. 

--Problem #1: Lighting equipment not functioning properly during photo shoot.  I had been telling Kevin earlier that day that I have yet to do a photo shoot where the lighting equipment works.  It's so infuriating!!!

Post Photo Shoot

I'm very happy with how everything turned out.  I have one image in particular that is stunning; that I'm over the moon about.  It will be the one I use in the art show and calendar.  The Photoshop work is what will really make these particular images authentic and beautiful, especially additions of more visual symbolism from the novel.  In the meantime, I'm excited to share a few outtakes from the shoot.  Danielle Wolverton came and assisted (thank you!) and the lovely and expressive Falon Victorian was my young Rukmani model.  

Danielle prepping the scene

Trying to get Falon's hair to cooperate

Danielle trying to make the sari and the wind get along

She was seriously a great assistant!

I hoped that the rows of alfalfa would eventually translate to rows of vegetables.

I wanted red chilies but couldn't find any.  I will probably color correct later.

Rice is a major character in the novel and it was important to me to have it in the shot.

Finished!

Thanks to these two wonderful women for their fantastic modeling/assisting!

  I'm SO excited to share the "money shot" with you when everything is said and done.  This project is truly a collaborative effort that has already involved so many wonderful people.  I'm so thankful for what we're creating together!