Descendants in Blue
Starting from a collection of photos ranging from studio shots more than 100 years old to recent digital images, my intent was to create a gallery of family photographs rendered as contemporary abstract images. I disassociated these images from an historical context and placed them in an abstract environment.
This series includes three of my great-grandfathers, three of my great-grandmothers, both of my grandfathers and grandmothers, my daughter, my sons, my grandsons and me.
I used close crops to reinforce genetic specific traits including chins and lips and to mitigate generational clues such as hair styles.
The color palette was chosen because blue signifies peace, calm and most importantly, sadness. The image of my son, Chris was the first image I processed. The shot was taken after completion of radiation and chemo and just before the first of three surgeries for colon cancer. When I saw that image emerge, it was clear that blue was correct.
In addition to my son, many of my ancestors had difficult lives. Three of my great grandfathers and one of my grandfathers were miners and died from mine accidents, black lung or silicosis leaving their wives and many children in poverty. Suffice it to say, blue conveys the emotion that best represents my family.
Archie
Mark
Carl
Bill
Will
Don
Jeff
Chris
Ben
Conner
Tyler
Mary Jane
Jane
Anna
Janey
Grace
Jerry
Bentley