A Gift for Nan 1-12 is a series of twelve etchings of photographs from my grandmother’s wedding in the 1960s. This artwork serves as both a tribute to her and an exploration of our interwoven lives, examining the parallels and contrasts between her world and mine at the same age.
This work is a gift for my grandmother, who never had these photographs developed and therefore never saw them displayed in her own home. Through the creation process, these photos became a shared experience between us as her influence was imminent in the perspective of each shot. While confronting the passage of time, the images show an unfamiliar side to a joyous occasion, creating an ominous undertone. The act of making became as significant as the finished piece as the labour-intensive process of etching provided time to reflect on the bond between us, as well as opening up questions to memories that have passed through generations.
The series also touches on childhood memories of flipping through images of the past that evoke curiosity and wonder into family history. This work mirrors the dark atmospheric quality to archival photographs, where nostalgia is tinged with tonal changes, leaving a new perspective on memory and traditional themes.
