In these images, which were taken last week, I am wearing an apron that had belonged to my great-grandmother, Esther. She died in 1972 when I was a small child, and unfortunately, I have no memory of her. My mom has told me over the years that I am similar to her in some key ways. I find it fascinating how some traits that we think are uniquely ours actually are passed down through the genetic code. I look at my grandma, my mom, my daughter, my aunts, my cousins, and I see the physical resemblances. Those are obvious and understandable to me. It is the personality traits that interest me more. Both Grandma Esther and I shared a deep fondness for beauty and have a way bringing that in our homes and our lives. And so, I have always felt this connection with her. These images honor that connection.
These photographs also celebrate morning light, and the rural landscape that surrounds me. Grandma Esther lived in rural areas of both southern Wisconsin and northern Wisconsin, and so we have that in common also. The photos seem to speak of times past, yet I am unable to place them in a specific era.
Until next time...
Anne