Imbedded
It was a circuitous, windy, and emotional path that took my work to this present place. I have always photographed and painted, working on each separately and together with each media informing the other.
After my mother passed away, I had the daunting task of dismantling and sorting her life’s possessions. I did not know where to start, but photographing the objects, jewelry and ephemera helped me deal with and understand this emotional task. I discovered family heirlooms and keepsakes from past generations, however many of the objects were left broken, and in sad shape. There were funny things too, like the I.D. bracelet that my mother had made for my father inscribed "Hands Off This Man Belongs To Ruthie" that were among the detritus of found objects. I discovered the process of mending and photographing the jewelry, healing and creative.
A eureka moment came to me, in the middle of the night months after her passing. I would add her broken jewelry to my new fusion canvases. I used the jewelry and beads to highlight areas and build up a sculptural effect. Seen and unseen, buried and sparkling, the jewels became a metaphor for decay and renewal. The hide and go seek nature of this addition is liberating and healing.
