In a fast-paced world where moments of true observation are rare, Pia Paulina Guilmoth’s work offers a unique opportunity to pause and truly see. Her project, “Flowers Drink the River,” which documents the early years of her gender transition, is a profound exploration of beauty, resilience, and vulnerability. Through her ethereal images that blend natural elements with personal experiences, Pia invites us to reflect on self-discovery, identity, and the power of finding joy amidst adversity. Her artistic process, deeply connected to nature and filled with patience, speaks to the universal themes of creation and resistance.

This trailer is a glimpse into the world of Pia Paulina Guilmoth, a photographer whose work transcends mere visual artistry to become a reflection of personal growth and transformation. Through her lens, we witness the delicate balance between beauty and struggle, as well as the resilience of the human spirit. Join us on a journey through Pia’s captivating imagery, where every photograph tells a story of courage, authenticity, and the pursuit of beauty as a form of resistance. Discover the magic and meaning waiting to be found in the everyday through the eyes of this talented artist.In this interview, the photographer discusses their inspirations, creative process, and the challenges of living as a trans woman in a conservative town. They draw inspiration from artists who capture their own communities and express trust and love. Their work involves staging sculptures with natural materials, allowing nature to interact with them, and celebrating the beauty of the natural world. Despite the challenges they face in their environment, they seek safety and acceptance through their art, finding peace in the nighttime and natural landscapes. Their photographs often feature symbolic elements like nocturnal animals and ritualistic scenes, creating a meditative and transcendent experience for the viewer.

Trailer: Explore the enchanting world of a photographer who seeks solace and beauty in the midst of adversity. Witness the magic of nature intertwined with art, as nocturnal animals and ethereal landscapes come to life in ritualistic scenes. Join the journey of self-discovery and acceptance through the lens of an artist who finds peace in the darkness and celebrates the hidden wonders of the natural world.”Flowers Drink the River” is a photographic project by PPG that delves into the themes of slowness, connection, and resistance. Through the use of large format photography, PPG captures intricate details and moments of beauty in the world around them. The process involves building trust with animals, setting up delicate sculptures, and forming deep connections with the subjects, allowing for a more profound relationship with the surroundings. PPG’s work is not just about taking photographs but about communicating and interacting with the subjects before capturing them on film.

The precision of large format photography is balanced with emotional and mystical qualities in PPG’s images, achieved through years of practice and self-teaching. The aesthetic choices in the photography serve as acts of defiance and empowerment, resisting the terrors of the world by seeking and showcasing beauty. The inclusion of portraits of trans and queer friends, lovers, and chosen family members in “Flowers Drink the River” highlights the importance of these relationships and conveys a message of resilience and visibility for queer communities in rural settings. Through their art, PPG aims to fill the void with wonder, awe, and excitement, celebrating the beauty and joy in life despite the challenges faced by marginalized communities.The text discusses the challenges and triumphs of transitioning and the importance of having a supportive community during this process. The author reflects on the fear of not being accepted by those close to them, but also the joy of reconnecting with people who have embraced their true identity. Through forming new bonds and relationships, the author finds inspiration to create art that challenges traditional narratives and represents their perspective as a working-class individual from rural Maine.

Trailer: In a journey of self-discovery and acceptance, one individual navigates the complexities of transitioning while seeking understanding and support from their loved ones. As they redefine traditional narratives through their art, they reflect on the importance of real relationships and connections in capturing the essence of their community. Join this artist as they share their story of resilience, creativity, and the power of embracing one’s true identity.The artist expresses a struggle with the distractions of screens and technology, finding solace and fulfillment in manual labor and analog photography. Through working with film and chemicals, the artist creates photographs from start to finish, embracing the imperfections and tactile nature of the process. The artist’s evolution in photography reflects personal growth and experiences, with a focus on capturing immediate surroundings and moments of waiting and chance. The release of “Flowers Drink the River” marks a celebration of life and self-care, with future projects including exploring bioluminescent powder in expired polaroids and creating a book from collected archival materials. Join the artist on a journey of self-discovery and artistic exploration, where each photograph tells a story of connection and transformation.