This year, I’ve been given the opportunity to exhibit three of my portraits from my Healing project with Porter Contemporary Gallery in New York. I am honored that I was one of five photographers chosen to be a a part of Optical: Portrait Stories at this New York City Art Gallery. How wonderful it is to be able to share this project yet again in a setting that is completely different than before and to be part of this portrait collection where contemplation is key to understanding and appreciating the visual elements of each piece.
31 Surgeries
The Healing project began in 2009, when my youngest children reached a new stage where they expressed more independence from me. It compelled me to look back and I realized how grateful and, honestly, fortunate I was-—and still am—-to have such healthy children. I wanted to express my gratitude the best way I knew how—through my portrait photography. Not only that, but I wanted to do something in honor of those that didn’t have the comfort of healthy children.
Comfort Me
I partnered up with the Stramski Center, part of the Miller Children’s hospital in Long Beach, California, to create a body of photography work that focused on the families of children with special needs, both mental and physical. The results were compelling portrait narratives of solidarity, perseverance, and hope. I was touched with the amount of loving parents devoted to their disabled children, and with their siblings who showed such unreserved affection.
Love From A Distance
Healing is a portrait project that I hope poignantly presents the nuances and realities of parenthood. It is also my hope that through my participation in the Optical: Portrait Stories exhibition, I bring awareness, again, to the reality and devotion of families with special needs children.
If you are in New York City before August 25th, please go to the Porter Contemporary Art Gallery to see my work and the work of four other photographers.
