Artist research- Christy Lee Rogers

Christy Lee Rogers (2017) Wings to the Mind, Flight to the Imagination.

Christy Lee Rogers is a contemporary photographer whose work I first researched whilst studying on my Access to Art and Design course. Even now, several years later, I still find myself returning to her images. Her underwater photographs have always fascinated me because they resemble Renaissance paintings. Through the use of dramatic lighting, rich colours and flowing fabrics, Rogers creates scenes that feel timeless and painterly, despite being contemporary photographs.

What draws me to her work most is the way she transforms fabric into flowing sculptural forms. The folds, twists and movement of the material create a sense of drama and emotion, while also guiding the viewer's eye around the composition. The garments appear weightless underwater, creating beautiful shapes that remind me of the drapery often seen in Renaissance paintings.

Christy Lee Rogers, Rhapsody, 2018. 

Although my own work is very different, I found myself thinking about Rogers' photographs whilst creating my Face to Face piece. As I arranged and attached the baby clothes, I became increasingly aware of the folds, creases and shapes formed by the fabric. Rather than simply seeing clothing, I began to notice how the garments created movement across the surface of the work. The overlapping layers produced areas of light and shadow that added depth and texture, much like the flowing fabrics within Rogers' photographs.

Christy Lee Rogers, The Moment of Truth, 2018.

What I admire most about Rogers' work is her ability to make fabric appear alive. The material seems to move freely through the water, creating organic forms that feel both delicate and powerful. Looking back at her work has encouraged me to pay closer attention to the formal qualities of fabric within my own practice. Beyond their emotional significance, the garments also contribute shape, movement and structure to the final piece.

Revisiting Rogers' work reminded me why I was drawn to it during my Access course. Her photographs continue to influence the way I look at fabric, not only as a material with personal meaning, but as a visual element capable of creating rhythm, movement and sculptural form.