Ensconce by Emilie O’Neill is a photographic thesis collection presented at Kendall College of Art and Design that explores the relationship between humanity and nature, drawing influence from transcendentalist thinkers like Emerson and Thoreau. Created using medium format black and white film, the work intentionally embraces the limitations and tactile quality of analog photography to reflect a slower, more contemplative process. The neutral, often unengaged figures serve as universal stand-ins for humanity, allowing viewers to project themselves into the familiar Midwestern landscapes depicted. Inspired by the Romanticist concept of the Rückenfigur, the images encourage introspection and immersion in the natural world. The inclusion of hands symbolizes creation, connection, and healing, reinforcing the work’s focus on returning to fundamental human experiences through nature and artistic process.
Kendall College of Art and Design, 2022.
Emilie O'Neill 