Elsa Marie Keefe
Human Nature photographer
Elsa Marie Keefe is an artist who explores body positivity through photography, mixed media collage, and book-making. Her complete immersion into the nudist lifestyle has shaped her creative practice. She integrates the figure into nature to comment on significant issues such as sexuality, societal oppression, spirituality, and the sublime. The large-scale pieces are rich in texture and vulnerability. By incorporating natural elements back into the artwork, such as bones, flora, crystals, and dirt, her process emphasizes the cyclical nature of our time here on Earth. Her work has been exhibited nationally and across the boroughs of New York City, including The Blue Gallery, New York; The Invisible Dog Art Center, Brooklyn; Ziome, Miami; and Ophelia’s in Denver, Colorado. She has been featured at Miami Basel, The Other Art Fair, SOHO House, and The Southampton History Museum. Recent interviews with the artist were broadcasted on TNT Radio and available to read on Northshore Magazine, H&E naturist, and Saatchi Art Blog. Three of the books published by Elsa are titled Born Wild, Delirium, and Salvation. Blending her commercial and personal fine art practices, Elsa partners with people and organizations to promote healthy naturist lifestyles. She facilitates women’s healing circles and collaborative photographic experiences alongside her art. Elsa Marie Keefe is based in the Hudson Valley of New York State and is available for conversation, collaboration, and commissions. Please contact the artist at elsamariekeefe@gmail.com
Artist Statement
“The truth is like a lion. You don’t have to defend it. Let it loose; it will defend itself.” - Saint Augustine
We are all born wild. Being naked is our primal truth. My photographic practice is about remembering our sacred nature and celebrating how our bodies mirror and embody the natural world. My imagery explores relationships between the human figure and the elements by integrating the subjects into the landscape through palette, composition, and contour. I aim to capture moments of freedom through the lens and share healing in global collaborations. Within these works, I am questioning the collateral effects of the porn industry and how they reinforce shame and discomfort around the human form. I hope to convey vulnerability and the inherent conflict of innocence versus sexuality. The history of language and art has always referenced shame as part of our existence, and the images are a reaction and an attempt to rewrite a society- imposed narrative. The process aims to liberate collaborators and viewers by finding freedom in expression and safety in oneness.
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