Write a Statement of Intent that clearly contextualise.
What do you want to explore?
I would like to explore the theme of identity and how being on an island can disconnect us from other countries which could affect how connected we are with our families. This has led me to think about how we can make our own ‘Jersey family’ with the people we and our parents and meet along the way. I would also wish to explore the past and use older photos of both sides of my family and slowly merge them into recent photos of my ‘Jersey Family’.
Birthe Piontek 
Birthe Piontek
Why it matters to you?
I have decided on this idea as my project as I feel that showing how these people have gone from my parent’s friends when they first came over to Jersey and turned into people who I consider family as I have grown up around them. I also feel that this is a good way to show how I feel about Jersey and what islandness represents to me.
How do you wish to develop your project?
I would use old family photos which are of my parents when they were younger, something similar to my identity project, these photos will also be of my family from both my mum’s and dad’s sides. This is so that there can be a visual transition between the ‘blood family’ and the family that we made in Jersey. I will then take photos of my ‘Jersey Family’ which will include natural images where they don’t realise that they are being photographed so it shows them in a natural state, there will also be posed images, for example, portraits and group photos. I have chosen to use a few different styles of editing which will be similar to my identity project, but also manipulating pictures I had and rephotographing them. I will also explore collaging new and old photos to create new images that will be able to show many different images layering over one another.
Carolle Benitah 
Joachim Schmid 
Diana Markosian
When and where do you intend to begin your study?
I would start my project by looking into old family photos which include when my parents didn’t live in Jersey and when they did. I will use individual photos of some of my relatives from both sides of the family as well as group photos to show my whole family being together. I enjoyed doing this in my identity project so I thought I would carry the idea over into this project. I would then merge photos together and edit them in a similar way to the photos above and below to make more creative pieces of work that will be eye-catching. I will also experiment in collaging with a combination of old and new photos. For my new photos, I will set up photoshoots with the different models I want to include where I will take portraits of some and include group photos which I might edit together. Furthermore, I will also photograph different family events where I will be able to capture photos of the people in my life who are natural and relaxed. I like this technique as I am able to create images that show a different side of a person which contrasts with the more posed images. I will try and photograph my posed images with a background that relates to my representation of Jersey, such a place which have meaning behind them to me and my ‘Jersey Family’.
Birthe Piontek 
Joachim Schmid
Make sure you describe your how you interpret the theme of ‘islandness’, subject-matter, topic or issue you wish to explore, artists references/ inspirations and final outcome – photobook or film.
You may wish to consider:
What makes Jersey special to you?
Jersey is a special island to me, as it has been my home for my entire life, and I have never known different. Jersey is the place where I grew up and found people who have helped to shape me into the person I am today, it has also given me friends and a family who have always been by my side, even if I move away Jerse will always be the special place I was raised. Jersey is also special due to its unique beaches, beautiful views and the amazing summers that have helped me make memories for life.
What are the distinct qualities of island life?
Living on an island is a very unique experience that not many can say that have done, it has qualities that most people love and that bring people to the island life. Living on a small island allows you to have friends and family close (if they also live on the island) without having to travel far to get to them. Island life is also very safe which is appealing to people wanting g to start families or who have young families as they know there are low crime rates. One of the main qualities that draw people to living on an island is the beautiful scenery, especially the summers, with the amazing beaches and coastal walks. But Island life also has its downfalls where it can be very claustrophobic as there can be limited things to do as well as everyone knowing everyone. Overall, living on an island is a totally unique and surreal experience that not many people get to witness especially having grown up in that special environment.
