When the last of my children left home, I became obsessed with the idea of taking meandering solo road trips with my cameras, sleeping at rest stops in my car, eating at local diners, and photographing whatever happened to be on the road. The intended purpose of the trips was multifold: feelings of guilt and regret are a major, sometimes crippling, facet of my psyche and this time alone could facilitate healing. I also wanted to grandly embrace my entrance into middle age and take time to consider the future. ..... And maybe I also just want to run away from home for a while......
Ultimately, the trips did not go as planned. Instead of directionless driving there is usually a location to go to, a timeline to meet, and I am only occasionally alone. Photographs are taken at stops, from the passenger seat (or sun roof), and at the destination locations. While much of the original concept remains, this altered version of journey has been incorporated into my vision of this project as one of personal reflection, celebration, mending, and finding significance in imperfection.
My practice is analog (film and darkroom-based) and flaws are inherent: scratches, dust, light leaks, stains, Instead of hiding them, the prints are gilded, inspired by the art of kintsugi in which broken ceramics are repaired with gold. Kintsugi philosophy recognizes brokenness as an opportunity for restoration resulting in greater strength and beauty.
