Debi Cornwall
"The generous Leica Women Foto Project Award enabled me to complete my long-term project, Necessary Fictions, which looks at American state-created realities through immersive, realistic military training scenarios. Equally important, as a Leica Women Foto Project awardee, I am part of a growing community with my talented colleagues Eva Wooldridge and Yana Paskova, and Leica-affiliated photographers. I've been delighted to exhibit this new work in a variety of spaces, and to be in conversation with curators and new audiences with Leica's support."
Q. Since the announcement of our 2019 Leica Women Foto Project awardees, how has that impacted your photographic journey so far?
A. The generous Leica Women Foto Project Award enabled me to complete my long-term project, Necessary Fictions, which looks at American state-created realities through immersive, realistic military training scenarios. The project took me to ten sites over the course of three years for my second book with nonprofit fine-art publisher, Radius Books. Equally important, as a Leica Women Foto Project awardee, I am part of a growing community with my talented colleagues Eva Wooldridge and Yana Paskova, and Leica-affiliated photographers. I've been delighted to exhibit this new work in a variety of spaces, and to be in conversation with curators and new audiences with Leica's support.
Q. What advice do you have for photographers who are in the process (or are interested) of developing their own series or personal project?
A. Your lived experience gives you unique expertise; mine it. Don't be afraid to think big. Feel it out, and when you think you're onto something, put yourself in a funder's shoes and ask, "Would I fund me yet?" Being able to show proof of concept -- that you can get access or do whatever is needed to make good on the promise of your project statement -- will make all the difference.
Q. What is your vision for the Leica Women Foto Project?
A. It's thrilling to see the diversity in the work awarded in the inaugural Leica Women Foto Project year. I look forward to seeing that flourish. Funding is a huge hurdle, but there are so many others to overcome. I can't wait to welcome each new class into a growing community of awardees who support each others' work and create opportunities for each other.