Photography Statement - In Their Own Words

What am I trying to say in these images of people with words taped to their face?

For one thing, the direct gaze of another person is unexplainably magnetic, and therefore beautiful. This series also investigates our human compulsion to label and prejudge based on physical appearance. I have not decided for myself if it is true that we can look someone right in the eye and somehow gain insight about who they are. In my heart this compulsion feels true, but intellectually it seems false.This confliction provides intriguing space to visually explore as an artist and perhaps enough room to say something meaningful to my viewers.

By allowing my subjects to choose their own labels I am giving the viewer an extra hint as to what kind of person this might be. Does the chosen word really fit the person? What was he or she thinking when the shutter clicked? How far apart are self perceptions and first impressions? Can any of us actually choose our own labels for ourselves?