Three Generations of Women in Gardens

In an era dominated by 12 second Reels saturating our daily media consumption, I felt a deep need to take a pause from that.

I wanted to return back to a feeling of more tangible creativity.

So I turned to one of my most prized family heirlooms. My Dad’s old Kiev 35mm film camera from the 1970s.

When my parents were packing and moving last Fall, they re-discovered this beloved camera.

The one my Dad used to take photographs during his travels. The one they took on their honeymoon in Corfu in 1979.

I used to be so mesmerized by this camera as a kid. It was no longer functional, but the hefty weight of this metal gadget in my hands felt important. It felt like a grown up equipment I was allowed to play with.

Ten-year-old me loved playing with this camera. Pulling the viewfinder close to my eyes, catching that scent of old leather from its case, I would twist the lens with my small fingers, imagining I was a National Geographic explorer capturing adventurous landscapes and mysterious people in faraway lands.

This is where my love for photography came from.

Getting my hands on this camera again sparked a childlike excitement in me. The type of excitement you get when you were gifted with a favourite toy.

So I played.

I dived into my creative flow and let it guide my inspiration. I gathered three of my most poetic family photographs.

Photographs of my young Grandmother doing needlework in a sunny garden, my young Mother on her wedding day surrounded by fresh gardenias, and me on my wedding day in front of a wall of cedar trees, wearing her dress.

This vintage camera inspired me to gather a collage made up of three generations and to create a visual expression of my lineage.

Three generations of women in gardens.

My Grandmother (1949)
My Mother (1979)
Me (2020)

So, dear reader, consider this a reminder to go back into play mode.

Pick up something with your hands, and create a feeling.

Get back in touch with what makes your soul dance with happiness.

xo ✨

6 responses to “Three Generations of Women in Gardens”

  1. I just love walking with you through your words that are so visual and textural at time. Today it’s visual.
    Yes, you’re so right. I find when I use my iPhone camera to “play” I take the most interesting pictures or videos.
    Thank you for taking me with you for a walk in your family garden.

    1. Thank you so much, Devi! I love getting your responses ☺️ Yes, this was 100% visual – my favourite kind of expression. Glad this provided some inspo for next time you use your camera ✨

  2. Loved this piece and your photos are stunning. I know this wasn’t intended, but Kodachrome is now in my head!

    1. Thank you so much, Suzanne! 🙂 Haha, I love that! I think that is a very appropriate soundtrack/tune to follow this post lol 🙂

  3. This is such inspirational writing and the photos are so special…reminding us of what’s really important. I’m so glad I happened upon your post today.

    1. Oh, that makes me so happy to hear that! 🙂 Thank you so much! I’m glad this post resonated with you. Welcome! 🙂

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