Seeing You, Seeing Me

Seeing You, Seeing Me began as a photographic collaboration between my 21-year-old daughter, Leah, and me. She is in front of the camera while I stay behind it. However, in our images we share the roles of observer and participant. In these pictures, I see her becoming an adult, while she sees me in the role of mother and photographer. With Seeing You, Seeing Me, I slow time with intent. I dress Leah in my clothing and pose her with personal artifacts. In doing so, I reflect what gets passed from one generation to the next. I portray the traditions and morals that I hope to leave in her. I include still lifes that also act as portraits in their own way. The fruits and flowers matured, yet they remain vibrant and fragrant. Inspired by Dutch artists, particularly Vermeer, I attempt to create romanticized images that capture a fleeting and pivotal moment in time – the still of life as she stands on the cusp of adulthood and I witness the passing of time