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The influences of my most recent project, working title, “Private Places “ are as varied as the women I have been photographing.
A Native New Yorker, I am struck by everything that LA is and is not. It is bright and sunny; people are aware, and often surprisingly unaware, of how the industry of Hollywood plays into all of our lives.
We come here for specific reasons often motivated by our careers. Here, however, it is peppered with the desire to be famous, however that may happen.
Call it flashy, glamorous, showy, or trashy, these women are not afraid to be themselves.
Confidence mixed with naiveté, many of the younger women, ages 19-21, are motivated by the need to make money and gain independence from their families. For them, it simply is what it is and they are along for the ride.
Women approaching 30 have a different vie. They appreciate the flexible work schedule. Work and home are separate as they maintain carefully guarded privacy. Some have lives in other careers: a Pilates instructor, a news journalist, a chef, and a makeup artist. More comfortable with their sexuality, these women, mostly dancers, see this as an extension of their creativity.
I am interested in the distance these women traverse for their jobs, both emotional and physical; why did they choose these professions; how long do they intend to do this line of work; how do their family members react; and how does this play out in their lives and futures. Above all, why should anyone care? How do sexuality and our cultural views affect everyone? It has become evident that the term “sex worker” is in need of redefinition. It is implied that all adult and sexy entertainers are categorized with prostitutes and porn stars.
Given a grant to continue this project, I would be able to shoot video more consistently and afford a video editor to collaborate with. I will be able to invest in the Canon 5D Mark ii. I would like to continue this body of work, have it be seen,and follow these women for at least a year to see how their lives transform.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Alyson Aliano
January, 2010
Los Angeles, California
