Blyertspenna studies the act of building intimacy with my cousin, Kristina, who is nonverbal due to autism. By observing her body language, I attempt to deepen my relationship with her through the use of photography. Although she cannot write, she always holds a pencil in her hand. Focusing on the pencil, now removed from its conventional context, I pay attention to her hand gestures to better understand the importance of this item for her. Combining still life images and momentary fragments of everyday intimacy, I aspire to portray the protected environment that has been built for her; photography becomes a tool for connection where speech is not an option.
