Artist Statement
Expired Eggs
Expired Eggs is an ongoing project that I began in a pursuit to expand my definition of a self portrait. I look for signs of myself in my own belongings, as well as finding familiarity in scenes left for me by others. The work addresses struggles with depression, alcoholism, the sensation of shame, and the ability to adequately care for oneself.
The project began in the height of active addiction and is now being continued as I pursue treatment and recovery. I have recently turned my focus to photographing the people I’ve met in the recovery community as I dive deeper into this journey.
Artist Bio
Josie Rybczyk received her Bachelors of Fine Arts from the Massachusetts College of Design in 2023. She is from East Granby, Connecticut, and frequently returns home to photograph her family. In her work, Rybczyk addresses mental health issues that often go undiscussed, primarily trauma and our relationship with the body. Her most extensive project centers around her youngest brother, and examines the premise of fleeting youth while addressing family dynamics. She continues to explore earlier themes of her own struggles with substance abuse and recovery in her recent photographs. Rybczyk is currently employed by Digital Silver Imaging as the Quality Control & Shipping Manager, and by the Harold Feinstein Photography Archive as the Social Media Marketing Coordinator.