Celeste Nelms

medium: photography

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Trampoline 2008 Photography	Float 2008 Photography	Model Trains 2008 Photography
Binoculars 2007 Photography	Hammer 2007 Photography	Swan Lake 2007 Photography
Globe 2007 Photography	Car 2008 Photography	Skates 2003 Photography
Ship 2007 Photography

Contact information
W3653 2nd Street PO Box 212
Maiden Rock, WI 54750
Phone Number: 715-448-4504
Email Address: celestephoto@yahoo.com
Web site: celestenelms.com

Artist statement
My photographs incorporate found manmade objects into organic settings. I am drawn to people’s discarded possessions. I am interested in the human condition and the transformation of regard to disregard. An individual’s discarded possession becomes an object of desire for my work. Its worn quality reminds me of my own human mortality.

I find discarded objects in free piles, yard sales and thrift stores, and I photograph myself interacting with them. I use the experiences that I have while obtaining the objects to provide direction as to how I photograph with them. I seek out appropriate outdoor settings to photograph myself engaging with these objects. My intent is to record the dynamics of organic nature and human experience. I work intuitively and explore with my senses. I record a response both physically and psychologically. This action links my human presence with the “natural world” and provides an honest sense of place as to how I am connected to it.

Biography
Selected Solo Exhibitions and Projects(partial list 1990-present)
2008 Janet Wallace Gallery, Macalester College, St. Paul, Minn., Recent Work
Swan Song Contemporary Arts, Maiden Rock, Wis., Wonder
2007 ARC Retreat, Stanchfield, Minn., Reflection, outdoor exhibition and installation

Honors
2003-05 Midwest Photographers Project, Chicago Museum of Contemporary Photography, Chicago, Ill.
2003/04 University of Minnesota/McKnight Foundation Photography Fellowship, Minneapolis, Minn.
2001 Minnesota State Arts Board Career Opportunity Grant, St. Paul, Minn.
1999 Minnesota State Arts Board Photography Fellowship, St. Paul, Minn.
1998 Jerome Foundation Travel and Study Grant, St. Paul, Minn.
1996/97 Minneapolis College of Art and Design/Jerome Foundation Fellowship for Emerging Artists, Minneapolis, Minn.

Collections
2008 Minnesota Historical Society, Minnesota History Center, St. Paul, Minn.
University of Minnesota, Boynton Health Service, Minneapolis, Minn.
2004 Family Housing Fund, Home Sweet Home Again, Minneapolis, Minn.