Claire Rosen

Tell us about your background as a photographer. 
"I took my first photography class while in college at Bard at Simon's Rock and was immediately hooked while watching that first print develop in the darkroom. I transferred to Savannah College of Art and Design to pursue a major in Photography. Upon graduation in 2006, I moved to Maine to work for renowned photographer Joyce Tenneson and the Maine Media Workshops.. In 2009, I returned to NYC and began showing my fine art work in galleries, press and PR for which led to commercial commissions of my photography and various teaching opportunities. My photographs have been recognized by Communication Arts Photography Annual, The International Photography Awards, Graphis Photo Annual, Prix de la Photographie, The Sony World Awards, Artists Wanted: Exposure, and The Art Project: W Magazine, as well as most recently being included on Forbes list of 30 under 30 in 2012 for Art & Design."

Tell us about your self-portait. 
"'Quest' is from the self-portrait series, Fairy Tales and Other Stories — the image depicts a chance encounter upon a hawk in a fantastical landscape. This represents the idea of an epic quest, which I feel is symbolic of my journey as not only an artist but also as a person trying to navigate and find my place in the world. The surreal dreamlike setting, whimsical styling, and symbolic conversation with nature are all themes prevalent in my work."

Photo: Courtesy of Claire Rosen