Claire Beckett

Artist Statement

I am deeply moved by the notion of these people who face war. The ongoing nature of the conflict in Iraq ensures that each soldier will likely be called for mobilization, some for a second or third time. The people whom I photograph are mostly part-time American Army National Guard or ROTC (Reserve Officers' Training Corps) soldiers in Massachusetts. Since 2004 I have been making photographs during their training exercises, typically spending monthly drill weekends with the soldiers. National Guard soldiers often call themselves M-Day or Mobilization-Day soldiers, referring to the day that one leaves home for military deployment. My photographs deal with this anticipation of war, and with each portrait I ask the viewer to consider the humanity of an individual soldier.

Photography Focus

Fine Art

Contact Information

• personal portfolio site
• info@clairebeckett.com