In 2022 I was awarded an Art Space is Your Space (ASYS) Artist Residency at Wavepool
Ode to the Crone was created in response to our society’s fear of aging. Woman especially are affected in the way we collectively commodify youth. Once a woman is no longer a child bearing age they become invisible. Through photos I wanted to honor the Crones as Queens. Aging is a gift, and the wisdom we gain as we age is priceless.
Over the course of two months, I met with and photographed 11 women who have far more life experience than I do. The wisdom they shared continues to resonate with me. Each woman had a unique story, but the common theme among them was a sense of ease in the way they live their lives. I am grateful to each woman for sharing their story so candidly with me.
Marilyn Logan, 95
Marilyn, known as “Bep” (short for grandmother in Dutch) to her family, has been a chaplain in a women’s prison, a clown, and a social worker. Bep passed away a few months after the project. I have stayed connected with her granddaughter because of this project. I am grateful for that gift.
Diane Cantor Fishbein, Ageless
Diane is an artist and community builder. A highly-educated ceramicist who intuitively works with unconventional methods, she has established herself as a maverick in both her artistic practice and her life.
Nadia Szestypalow, 86
Born in Poland, Nadia and her family escaped the Nazis not once but twice. Despite that, she walks through the world with an open and loving heart, and is beloved by so many friends and acquaintances as a result.
Joan Hoxsey, 85
Joan is an author whose work explores her familial roots, healing, and the saving power of love. Active in multiple community groups, she is on a never-ending journey to better understand herself and to share that knowledge with others.
Barbara Kreines, 89 & Deborah Birckhead, 66
This mother and daughter pair have traveled extensively abroad, viewing the world through rose-colored glasses. Both see their roles as women to be fortunate and connected to the nurturing work they performed as teachers and mothers.
Barbara Asako Futamachi Neumann, 69
Recently widowed, Barbara has been inspired to research her ancestry and understand more about herself. Though being both a woman and Japanese American inhibited the scope of opportunities for her when she was young, she is enthusiastic about the prospects for future generations.
Amira Fabiola Cendales Cely, 61
“Fabi” is a Colombian 3-D artist whose work is inspired by her indigenous culture and the earth. She is deeply spiritual and approaches her life with the understanding of the symbiotic relationship between humans and the planet.
Eileen Frechette, 79
A mother, lifelong activist for land and agriculture issues, and former teacher, Eileen has spent most of her life caring for the Earth and all of Her inhabitants. As a result of her immense life experience, she has much to share about nurturing humanity and conscious living.
Ruth Soto de Nava, 72
Ruth is a devoted mother and wife who consciously chose to stay home with her family during a time when other women were delving into the workforce. She has no regrets about that decision, which ultimately has brought her immense joy.
Johnnie Mae Gutter, 71
Johnnie has been working with a local faith-based women’s empowerment group for several years now. She is committed to a relationship with God and through her community has found a sense of belonging and inner peace.
I sat down with the women for candid conversations about how they feel about aging, grief, mothering, and life.
