Sisterhood

When I was a child, I had a fantasy that I had a sister and she understood me in a way my brother never could. Having grown up without sisters of my own, I continue to be curious about the bond between them. Sisters have a unique relationship; they grow up in reference to one another. For a number of years they occupy the same space in terms of dwelling and family order. They are individuals but tied by family and by life experiences, some of which they may not remember the same way. In my series, Sisterhood, each of my portraits represents a moment in the history of a complex and mysterious relationship.

For each photo shoot I designate a limited physical space for my subjects so whatever chemistry exists between the sisters isn’t diluted by distance.

During the photo shoot I may offer prompts such as, “Do you think your parents had a favorite?” “Think of a secret your sister doesn’t know,” or “What does being angry at each other look like?” I wait and watch for a revealing moment into these life-long relationships. I observe their reactions and interactions - laughter, a sober look, a sly glance, a teasing gesture. Sometimes there is an intimate, face to face interaction, sometimes a broadcast of vulnerability or independence and sometimes they drift apart, each sister into her own world.

The connections and struggles between sisters who grow up together age with them into dynamics rich for expression and interpretation. My images invite the viewer to imagine what stories lie there.