Testimonials
In their words
One word came back again and again: seen.
- I feel seen and held
- Confident and comfortable
- Seen
- You make us all feel valued and seen
- It’s honestly magic
To be seen and understood like that
All themes“It was truly beautiful, such a thoughtful AR photobook that brings 15 creatives from Hull into one shared space of story, honesty, and process.
It’s honestly magic! To be able to scan the images and they move, hearing each artist speak in their own voice?! Eep!! But beyond how cool it is, this project feels deeply important to be a part of. It holds space for the messy, quiet, in-between parts of being creative, the uncertainty, the persistence, the why behind what we make.
Reading your words about our conversation made me emotional (in the best way) and incredibly proud. To be seen and understood like that, it means everything 🫶”
Jodie, sitter, From Still to Seen “It felt quite surreal, honestly. Seeing myself reflected in that way made me pause and really take it in not just how I look, but how I exist in a space like this.
The wider experience was just as meaningful. It pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way. I had conversations I didn’t expect to have, met people I genuinely connected with, and allowed myself to be seen more openly than I usually would.
It’s something I’m still processing, but I know it’s a moment I’ll carry with me for a long time.”
Clarion, sitter, From Still to Seen “It’s always odd initially to see yourself on screen but to be seen so clearly and understood on such a considered level was beautiful.”
Jack, sitter, From Still to Seen “One of the most powerful moments for me was seeing how each participant’s story was captured with such care and authenticity. Being part of a space where Afro hair was celebrated so proudly made me feel deeply seen and appreciated. The moment I saw the final visuals and how our stories were brought to life it was honestly emotional and empowering.”
Clarion, sitter, HAIR “IRIS’s work has made me feel deeply seen, valued, and celebrated. It gave me a space where my identity, hair, and story were not just acknowledged but honoured. Being part of something so intentional and empowering left me feeling confident, proud, and inspired.”
Clarion, sitter, HAIR “Yes definitely, I felt very seen and my thoughts expertly portrayed through the photos and the AR videos”
Oghomwen, sitter, HAIR “100% through participating, and sharing, my experiences are validated and heard.”
Stella, sitter, The Post-Pandemic Exhibition “Definitely yes. She makes you see yourself in your best state and your endless possibilities.”
Sophia, participant “Has made me feel really seen and beautiful even with my imperfections. Has inspired me to be brave and confident enough to stand out in every way.”
Benyin, visitor, The Post-Pandemic Exhibition “I found it interesting seeing me from the outside”
Sean, sitter, From Still to Seen “Incredibly honoured”
Chris, sitter, From Still to Seen
In a word
All themes“Seen.”
Stella, sitter, The Post-Pandemic Exhibition “Seen and empowered”
Victoria, sitter, The Post-Pandemic Exhibition “Felt seen”
Fisayo, followed HAIR online “I feel seen and held.”
Ruth, sitter, HAIR “Happy, excited but most of all, I felt very seen.”
Oghomwen, sitter, HAIR “Incredibly moved”
Joe, exhibition visitor “Positive, joyful and connected”
Alex, exhibition visitor “Confident and comfortable.”
Rita, client “Comfortable, beautiful, relaxed.”
Sophia, participant “Inspired!”
Angela, exhibition visitor “Curious”
Amanda, admirer of the work
You didn’t have to perform
All themes“What stayed with me most was the quiet sense of connection both with myself and with others. There was something really special about how natural it all felt, like you didn’t have to perform or be anything other than who you are.
I’d describe it as an experience that goes beyond being seen physically. It’s about being felt, being understood, and sharing a moment of honesty in a really beautiful and intentional way.”
Clarion, sitter, From Still to Seen “How Rayh portrayed our conversations as a whole was really inspiring - from the videos, photos, book and launch event, everything was so very thoughtful, tasteful and I’d thoroughly recommend any creative to be involved in Rayh’s future projects! It really felt like a sense of community, mutual understanding and respect to all creatives - and how intertwined we are will stay with me.”
Jodie, sitter, From Still to Seen “I found the process, very sensitive and represented me in a positive manner”
Sean, sitter, From Still to Seen “I’m crying that you make us all feel valued and seen. Love that you respect people’s boundaries only working with what people are happy with. I feel your kindness is a gift, strength and vulnerability tied together in a powerful package ready to deliver such promise and unlock potential”
Teddy Lucine, participant “The way you capture emotion and powerful feelings in a moment in time… not just the skill of photography but the knack of reaching somebody’s heart and making them feel safe enough to reveal their true selves”
Teddy Lucine, participant “Iris’s precision to details.”
Rita, client “The attention to detail”
Amanda, admirer of the work
Portraits first of all
All themes“I love the way that your portraits work as portraits first of all. You’ve captured your sitters in poses that reflect their personalities. Then you can come back to the work and get more depth and background using the app, but you don’t have to rely on this for the portraits to have impact.”
Alex, exhibition visitor “I think a lot of people may see AR as a cold modern technology but I think in this sense it’s created warmth. The way Rayh makes you feel during the interview helps with really opening up and with that From Still to Seen becomes a project about the storytelling of real people, not just the technology.”
Jack, sitter, From Still to Seen “My first thought was ‘This is an incredible use of technology!’ Secondly, the humanness of the project is perhaps my favourite part of it. We’re losing touch with humanity, in my own opinion with AI and the general shitty state of the world. But this project is for humans, the good, the messy, the insanely beautiful. That bit stayed with me and that’s how I’ve talked about it with my friends.”
Olohuntosin, sitter, From Still to Seen “It made me feel seen and really proud to be a part of what feels like a future movement - combining the latest technology with creatives that often work with traditional media makes it feel more accessible and less scary! It gives us more autonomy over it and helpful to see how it could be used going forward.”
Jodie, sitter, From Still to Seen “The part of the IRIS experience that stood out to me was her use of AR. I have never seen that before in any gallery that I have been to and I felt that it made my experience as a consumer of the art elevated. It literally brought the beautiful images and associated captions to life and gave a deeper understanding of the moment the story and images were captured.”
Angela, exhibition visitor “The brilliance of the idea of a book of memories literally. Being able to save moments in real time and tell stories through videos embedded in pictures compiled in one book is one of the most exciting things I’m glad to have experienced in my lifetime. You’re beyond amazing and I am super proud of you.”
Benyin, followed From Still to Seen from afar “It made me reflect on the beauty of technological advancement and how it could exponentially improve our life experience positively.”
Benyin, followed From Still to Seen from afar “That Iris has made it artfully possible to experience the essence of portraits in real time. You no longer need to just wonder when you see a picture. You can now share a moment more intimately when you come across an Iris project”
Kika, guest, From Still to Seen “I’d never seen/ experienced an immersive photobook before, it blew my mind how impressive it was.”
Helen, guest, From Still to Seen “It opened my eyes to what is possible with AR and how it can make ‘hands on’ creative work into a digital experience.”
Helen, guest, From Still to Seen “The storytelling, and seeing beautiful photographs come to life and tell us even more about their own journeys and stories”
Chris, sitter, From Still to Seen “I loved how augmented reality gave a more rounded 360 view of the sitters”
Sean, sitter, From Still to Seen “Being able to hear the stories of people in their own words”
Joe, exhibition visitor “The AR for the post-pandemic exhibition was mind blowing.”
Benyin, visitor, The Post-Pandemic Exhibition “Love how the hair exhibition came through”
Fisayo, followed HAIR online
Even with complete strangers
All themes“It connects you in a deeper way, we all had something to talk about with one another and it made people open up more, even with complete strangers. It was great for a flow of interactions and interesting conversation.”
Jess, guest, From Still to Seen “It was great to see firstly the tech, how the app made the people come to life, and secondly the vulnerability in everyone, it was heartwarming.”
Jess, guest, From Still to Seen “Got me thinking about people coming together and sharing stories. We all lead busy, very individual lives, so it was nice to connect.”
Jess, guest, From Still to Seen “Seeing the joy in the room of the participants excited to meet one and other was a real highlight for me”
Chris, sitter, From Still to Seen “It was captivating, a really beautiful summation of community and creativity. I was very moved.”
Oghomwen, guest, From Still to Seen “This exhibition is integrating the community quietly behind the scenes, and I love this for Hull”
Vikki, guest, From Still to Seen “Community and connectivity”
Stephanie, guest, From Still to Seen “The opening of exhibition was so emotional, I was overwhelmed by the beauty I saw.”
Ruth, sitter, HAIR “Seeing other people’s experiences and stories, and being able to relate with them. It was inspirational.”
Oghomwen, sitter, HAIR “The joy in the room”
Ruth, sitter, From Still to Seen
Ordinary, everyday people
All themes“The beauty of PEOPLE. Ordinary, everyday people, not the ‘celebrity’ that plagues us through our screens all day every day.”
Vikki, guest, From Still to Seen “It made me want to get out my camera again, portraiture is one of the best uses of the art. We need to document everyday people and their lives more, make everyday people our focus. We see each other better when we remember we’re all connected.”
Vikki, guest, From Still to Seen “It was about everyday, ordinary individuals.”
Kay, followed From Still to Seen from afar “That if we were all given the space to speak, be listened to and be seen, there would be a lot less hate out there.”
Joe, exhibition visitor “You said in the Q and A that you want to celebrate rather than educate. I certainly loved the celebration, but just by talking about something outside my own experience, you’re also educating without really trying. Thanks for putting on the exhibition and the talk.”
Alex, exhibition visitor
A mirror to my soul
All themes“It was surreal, really! As someone that has spent a long time hiding and being terrified of being perceived, this was a life changing experience for me. The truth is that we all want to be seen. I think. It’s a part of the human condition- to be seen, to be known, even if by one person. This project placed a mirror to my soul and I kind of like the person on the other side. I hope to get to know her more.”
Olohuntosin, sitter, From Still to Seen “I got a glimpse of my future self.”
Ruth, sitter, HAIR “It made me reflect on how much I sometimes hold back, and how freeing it can be to just be present and open.
It also reminded me how meaningful genuine connections and shared creative spaces can be.”
Clarion, sitter, From Still to Seen “I fear I may have accidentally answered this in the last question lol. It definitely made me think about finding ways of showing my personality and life in my work in a more transparent way.”
Jack, sitter, From Still to Seen “I was amazed by the creativity of it all. The stories were insightful as well as motivational. The work has dared me to reach for bigger goals. To embrace the wholesomeness of my being.”
Kika, guest, From Still to Seen “Anything is possible. As long as you can envision it, it is possible”
Kika, guest, From Still to Seen “The banality of time and our existential need to capture it”
Oghomwen, guest, From Still to Seen “Absolutely. IRIS helped me see the beauty and strength in my own story in a new light. IRIS reminded me that my uniqueness is something to be proud of, and encouraged me to embrace my creativity more boldly and authentically.”
Clarion, sitter, HAIR “I’ve heard people talk about pivoting before. But when you see it happen, with your own two eyes, and see it happen successfully, despite setbacks and fear, you feel like you can really do anything you want to and dream of! This is how IRIS has influenced me. I’m proud of you Rayh!”
Angela, exhibition visitor “IRIS has motivated local creatives, and myself personally to take a deeper look at what can be done, and what can be achieved”
Victoria, sitter, The Post-Pandemic Exhibition “I feel your art is like a gift to people, and I’d like to see mine that way one day.”
Alex, exhibition visitor “Absolutely. This is literally what I believe IRIS is all about; challenging us to dig deeper into ourselves to bring out the inner unicorns!”
Benyin, visitor, The Post-Pandemic Exhibition “All the emotions, the most outstanding being pride in the work, the subjects and ideas that evolve into something so unique, creative and emotional. Draws you in and enters the soul leaving you wiser than when you arrived.”
Teddy Lucine, participant “Yes, in a way. I would say it stimulates a kind of self-audacity and compassion”
Amanda, admirer of the work
In a line
All themes“IRIS is a creative platform that celebrates identity, culture, and personal stories through powerful visual storytelling. IRIS shines a spotlight on underrepresented voices in the most authentic and artistic way, creating work that’s not only beautiful but deeply meaningful.”
Clarion, sitter, HAIR “A unique lens on community portraiture”
Victoria, sitter, The Post-Pandemic Exhibition “A short guided tour into the thoughts and feelings of someone through interactive portraiture”
Joe, exhibition visitor “You have to experience it to fully appreciate the concept. It’s absolutely clever, wielded by an equally brilliant artist”
Oghomwen, guest, From Still to Seen “I wouldn’t, I’d say just go and look for yourself! 😂”
Alex, exhibition visitor “New and refreshing - be prepared for an immersive experience!”
Angela, exhibition visitor “The quality of the work by Rayh was truly outstanding. Top class photography, interviews and hard copy books. Tremendous!”
Helen, guest, From Still to Seen “Pregnant with new ground breaking ideas; unafraid, undeterred, the future of photography and art as a whole!”
Benyin, visitor, The Post-Pandemic Exhibition “An original creative agency, multi faceted. Forward thinking.”
Stella, sitter, The Post-Pandemic Exhibition “The depth of the work. And the original thoughts within the overall creative display of skills”
Stella, sitter, The Post-Pandemic Exhibition “She is a phenomenal photographer who captures the essence of whatever project she is working on.”
Sophia, participant “All of her works are magnificent. They are always sure to stand out ALL THE TIME!”
Sophia, participant “An incredible powerful perfume riddled with talent and blessed with humility, someone who has both academic and emotional intelligence in abundance”
Teddy Lucine, participant “The way different forms of art was merged together. Absolutely inspiring”
Stephanie, guest, From Still to Seen “Originality, something different and talent.”
Kay, followed From Still to Seen from afar “Relevant, crucial, necessity, art!”
Amanda, admirer of the work “Raw and quality work of art”
Fisayo, followed HAIR online “Inspirational, beautiful and very meaningful work.”
Oghomwen, sitter, HAIR “The exquisite imagery”
Victoria, sitter, The Post-Pandemic Exhibition “The only photographer your gallery needs.”
Rita, client “Iris is an artist”
Ruth, sitter, HAIR
Everybody needs to know this work
All themes“Having led on each of the creative growth modules I have been able to observe Rayh’s capabilities at first hand. Her art and its integration into the future of interpretive art is second to none but I have witnessed her ability to absorb each element of creative growth into her plans to create an entirely unique format. She understands that in order to produce such person led art she must understand her subjects entirely and she has never lost sight of the need to take in the viewer’s perspective. The elements learnt on the Creative Growth programmes mean she will be a thought leader, educator and, with the right support financially, be able to grow her brand and accelerate in this space.”
Christina, academic consultant, lecturer and speaker “Everybody needs to know this work, so I hope that more people get the opportunity to experience the work through the course of their everyday lives.”
Oghomwen, guest, From Still to Seen “I would just say that more people need to experience this work. I haven’t really given any thoughts to the channels by which this can be achieved, but I think this project could fix a lot of artists and their relationship with their work.”
Olohuntosin, sitter, From Still to Seen “This needs to go out far and wide. If possible have an exhibition for this work”
Kika, guest, From Still to Seen “It would be great to see it exhibited! And to carry on the sense of community.”
Jodie, sitter, From Still to Seen “I’d love to see IRIS continue to grow its community and create more spaces like this where people can come together, connect, and share openly. The experience itself is so powerful, so expanding that into more regular or accessible events would be amazing.
It would also be beautiful to see even more diverse stories and perspectives included, as that’s what really makes the work feel alive and relatable.”
Clarion, sitter, From Still to Seen “National tour where you get sitters in different towns.”
Vikki, guest, From Still to Seen “It could be great for bringing people together in a working or group environment. It could be fantastic for breaking down cultural barriers and differences too.”
Jess, guest, From Still to Seen “Maybe finding a way of speaking to people of more traditional industries but hearing about what makes them tick, what love means to them, what passions are. The project could also be more casual. I’m not exactly sure how the technology works but could put up small posters of people’s pictures that would show different clips and you would need to follow their full interview by finding the different posters in different areas? Complex but could create an even more interactive piece of art.”
Jack, sitter, From Still to Seen “You can collaborate with individuals or companies to make books like these for personal or commercial use.”
Benyin, followed From Still to Seen from afar “To be able to view AR portraits without having to use the Artivive app. Just having to scan them using our normal cameras”
Stephanie, guest, From Still to Seen “More chances to meet, more events”
Ruth, sitter, From Still to Seen
Keep going
All themes“Keep going girl! Keep inspiring us. Keep being authentic in your creativity! We are privileged to share your art, and to know you. A superstar!
Love, Mona and Ange ❤”
Angela, exhibition visitor “Thank you so much for creating such a powerful and meaningful project. Being part of this experience has been incredibly inspiring and affirming. I truly appreciate the care, intention, and creativity that went into every detail. I’m honoured to have worked with you and excited for what’s to come. Please keep doing what you do, your work matters more than words can express.”
Clarion, sitter, HAIR “Rayh, you’re a born star and you inspire many more people than you can imagine! The sky is only your starting point and I can’t wait to experience all the groundbreaking heights you shall attain. Love you girl!!! ~A mysterious fan😂”
Benyin, visitor, The Post-Pandemic Exhibition “Thank you. Keep breaking barriers. I’m right behind you. S X”
Stella, sitter, The Post-Pandemic Exhibition “Sending all the love and respect, drink water and rest in-between the wonderful madness xxx”
Teddy Lucine, participant “Don’t conform Rayh.”
Amanda, admirer of the work “Very well done on all your work so far, I look forward to seeing more impactful and exciting work from you and your team.”
Oghomwen, sitter, HAIR “Please keep creating, I can’t wait to see your next project”
Victoria, sitter, The Post-Pandemic Exhibition “You’re doing really great! I will always love to see your works so don’t ever stop”
Sophia, participant “The world needs more of your ‘Rayhs’…”
Rita, client “So much love”
Ruth, sitter, HAIR “Keep up the amazing work!”
Joe, exhibition visitor “I honestly think Rayh totally nailed it! Everything about the book and event was faultless.”
Helen, guest, From Still to Seen “I love how Rayh likes to showcase representation so I’ll be looking forward to seeing her do more of that”
Chris, sitter, From Still to Seen “Just keep doing this wonderful work”
Sean, sitter, From Still to Seen “It did. I’m writing an essay about this and I’ll be sure to share!”
Olohuntosin, sitter, From Still to Seen
Nothing here for that project yet.