Heather Millar Photography

When thinking about the witch you cannot disconnect her from nature, they are entangled with each other. With this photograph here, I was depicting the unity between the figure and the landscape and describing the fact that they are as important as each other. The landscape is the setting but not just the backdrop.  

This series is a mixture between story telling, performance art and photography. I carved the landscape to depict a ritualistic scene to give context to the environment. It provides a glimpse at what kind of thing or person inhabits these grounds and what they use it for. With the dark, grittiness of the scene as a whole it is difficult to make out what it is that’s going on, producing mystery and uncertainty.

Digging, burying or hunting?

Titling this image “The Hunt” makes another reference to witch hunting. The imagery of clawing at dirt suggests scavenging, or desperation. Leaving the viewer with more unanswered questions.

When capturing this image I did not notice the human-like figure emerging from the roots of the trees. It was unsettling to only realize what was standing right in front of me afterwards; in the dark room during the developing process. It is a complete serendipity and a perfect example of one of the many reasons as to why I love photography. Relying on luck and happy accidents to help achieve a beautiful shot, is what makes it so exciting, yet frustrating but ultimately so rewarding.

The only image where we plainly meet the womanly figure face-to-face. With scruffy hair she does appear as though she belongs in the woodland landscape. With a gaunt look in her eyes, she doesn't look frightening at all, she presents very human but how can you know for certain?

A protective scene where the foliage is cradling the female figure. She sees you watching her.

Are you infringing on her privacy or does she allow it?, does her gaze towards you make your own stare feel uncomfortable? Does she hold the power or does the viewer?

It is unusual to see tree bark appearing so flexible and cloth like. Has it fallen from the branches above or has it been placed there deliberately? It is disjointing to see something so rigid appear opposite to how it should feel and look nothing like what it is. The hanging bark symbolizes decay as well as describing and mirroring the collapsing environment that surrounds it. The word hanging is tragically associated with Witch Trials and by using it here, it subtly connects the imagery with the suggested narrative.

The landscape in this photograph appears completely unforgiving. A prickly barricade put in place to prevent anyone from traveling further. The branch on the right is pointing and coming out  towards the viewer so they understand that the refusal is directed at them.