Self Portrait

What I Have and What I've Lost



In this project, I decided to do a self-portrait in which I was not in a single image. Instead, the portraits are old family snapshots that have been rephotographed. The still shot images go along with each of the portraits to signify something I have from the people in the images that I have lost. This work is very personal and can only be understood if accompanied by a full artist statement. In the first pair, my parents stand with my extended family, a bunch of cousins from Wisconsin. From them, I toughened a little to be strong and willed. In the second pairing of images, there is a portrait of my maternal grandfather and step-grandmother. These two have been immensely important in my life, and have been the only source of encouragement. My step-grandmother, Kaaren, is the person who encouraged me to pursue photography despite the criticism I received. The third pair is my parents' wedding picture, which soon meant nothing since they divorced shortly after my birth. The dreamcatcher symbolizes my foolish hope that true love exists. The next pair is a portrait of my mother at my age. She used to go out and dance and tear up the town. Now she is disabled and has the mobility of someone twice her age. I paired that with my dance awards to show that I cling to and appreciate my mobility while being aware that I risk inheriting her disease. The next pair is a family portrait and a Christmas tree. Since my family has fallen apart, the holidays are no longer a time for family but are instead a time of being alone. The last pair is my late grandmother Ethel and my sister Tiffany, both of whom passed away and both of whom are the main reason I have any faith.