Avery Steel

Avery Steel is a Toronto-based photographer whose evocative imagery intricately weaves themes of longing, shame, and sexuality into staged vignettes. Through self-portraits and intimate portraits of loved ones, Avery invites viewers into a dreamlike yet dark realm that reflects the complexities of womanhood. A graduate with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography Studies and a Master of Arts in Photography Preservation and Collection Management from Toronto Metropolitan University, Avery employs the tactile nature of film and 19th-century photographic processes in her work. Avery crafts each scene with both playfulness and meticulous care, infusing her work with a sense of nostalgia. Often stepping outside of herself to play a character, whether imagined or historical, she adopts a birds-eye view approach to her creations, allowing for a unique exploration of her subjects and the narratives they embody. This perspective enhances the emotional resonance of her photographs, transforming personal experiences into universal reflections of folklore, vulnerability and desire. Avery's distinctive approach not only captures the essence of her subjects but also serves as a profound commentary on the art of photography itself. By making photographs about photography, she invites viewers to engage with layers of meaning and emotion woven throughout the medium itself. Each image acts as a portal, challenging viewers to examine their own perceptions of identity, intimacy, and womanhood. Through her haunting compositions, Avery Steel crafts a visual poetry that transcends mere representations, evoking a response that encourages inner dialogue and introspection. In doing so, she not only pushes the boundaries of her medium but also fosters a deeper understanding of the intricate narratives that shape the surreal experience of being human.