SHE_SEES

SHE_SEES is a project creatively led by portrait photographer Emilie Sandy, commissioned by Lloyd's Register Foundation. This initiative celebrates women’s contributions to the maritime industry throughout history, while also capturing the stories of contemporary female professionals in the UK. To date, twenty-three women working in diverse maritime roles have been photographed by Emilie. As co-participants, their stories, visions, and collective experiences inform the creative outcome expressed through photographs, textiles, maritime objects, and moving image.

The project employs a collaborative storytelling approach. Each photograph is carefully placed in a location chosen by the women themselves, emphasising their unique connection to the maritime world. The overall style is defined by a distinctive "hyper-real" lighting technique, designed to showcase the women within their environments. This approach seeks to bring attention to and uplift the lives of these individuals, while also emphasising the profound significance of the sea in shaping their cultural identity and historical legacy. It aims to showcase how their connection to the sea has influenced their traditions, beliefs, values, and way of life, making them unique and distinct. The resulting images offer a connected perspective, allowing viewers to gain a deeper understanding of the women's roles and experiences within the maritime industry.

The collaborative approach between the artists and the women in the maritime industry supports the representation of authentic experiences. The photography, combined with the creation and placement of textiles, challenges traditional stereotypes and outdated roles. This project provides an opportunity to expand the conversation, ensuring that the stories and messages of these women are preserved and celebrated.

Textile components have been created to support a creative element within each photograph, with several historical and cultural references forming the basis for the textile work. Textiles have played a vital role in the maritime industry for centuries, from sails to uniforms, and they continue to be powerful tools for storytelling and representation. This project aims to weave a new chapter into this rich history, showcasing the resilience, strength, and innovation of women in the maritime industry.