In 1913, Webster’s dictionary defined beauty as “properties pleasing the eye, the ear, the intellect, the aesthetic faculty or the moral sense.” But in recent years, the default definition of beauty has shriveled pitifully. The contributions of the ear, the intellect, the broader aesthetic faculty or the moral sensibilities are gone. The 1913 definition of beauty has been replaced by a narrower definition that is largely limited ideals of physical appearance limited to a physical type of thin and tall – which inevitably excludes millions and millions of women. The portrayals of the relationship women have with beauty is complex: it can be powerful and inspiring, but elusive and frustrating as well. The exploited ideal by pop culture and the media of beauty has caused considerable anguish to women . Female beauty in popular culture is helping to perpetuate an idea of beauty that is neither authentic nor attainable. I am concerned that this limited portrayal of beauty is preventing women from recognizing and enjoying beauty in themselves and others, and also impact a women’s well-being, happiness and self-esteem. It is important to start thinking about the diversity of female beauty in ways that are more authentic, satisfying and empowering.
Darwin wrote, “If all our women were to become as beautiful as the Venus de Medici we should for a time be charmed but we should soon wish for variety and as soon as we had obtained variety we should wish to see certain characteristics in our women a little exaggerated beyond the then existing common standard.” I hope that through my images I am able to instill a sense of inner beauty which radiates to all aspects of a person’s well being. A woman can be beautiful at any age. Every woman has something about her that is beautiful. Beauty can be achieved through attitude, spirit and other attributes that have nothing to do with physical appearance.
As a boudoir photographer I feel a need to present a wider definition of beauty than is currently available to women. Through my photographic images I want to captivate and reflect in their beauty as they really are rather than as portrayed in the current fictions that dominate our visual culture I would like women to feel that beauty is within their reach and help them lead more satisfied lives by expressing the many other desires and ambitions that women hold such as happiness, confidence, dignity, humor, intelligence and wisdom.
For more information contact Maureen at Intimate Portraits the Art of Maureen Benoit www.portraitelegancebymaureen.com or call 661-476-9772 or 818-701-5001