About

Mariah Nolen is a graduate student at Radford University, studying studio art with a concentration in photography. She has a BFA with a concentration in photography also from Radford University. She has been practicing photography for the last ten years. Her focus is on portraits that communicate deeper meanings revolving around mental health and body image. Mariah has shown her work locally and sold her work to private collections.

Artist Statement

My work has revolved around mental health, life experiences and recently stories from Greek mythology. I use photography to connect with the world around me and connect with those who may also feel as if they are alone in the world. It is a way for me to express the emotions that I don’t know how to put into words.

Using a digital camera and lighting I compose images physically before reviewing and deciding which images fit into the emotions I’m looking to express. After reviewing I put them in photoshop and adjust lighting and then begin manipulating them by layering scans of written words, artwork I’ve created, or other images. Combining my images with photoshop manipulation I get the complete sense of emotion that that image is trying to convey.