My project explores identity and culture through writing, family photos, quotes, and original graphics. Through this work I am trying to capture pieces of my grandmother’s life and relate it to my own. I want to understand myself and how I am influenced by my culture. I am trying to document it in a way that is as honest as possible.
I used family photos of my grandmother as prompts for writing. This collection of short essays is very loosely based on my grandmother’s experiences. I focus on my own story as told through writing and art. I also incorporate quotes from other people that are relevant to the message. I am using a wide variety of media to tell a story.
I want to document some of my Grandmother’s stories while she is still around to tell them. I find the photos themselves beautiful and intriguing. But, there is also a rich story behind each one that would otherwise be forgotten.
As this project has developed I have found that the individual stories behind each photo are linked in some way. I identified and explored themes relating to society and my identity.
I want to understand why I am the way that I am. I am doing this by trying to understand my own family and culture. I am realizing that I am only skimming the surface.
This is a series that I plan to continue as I move through different phases of my life. Right now I am a young adult and this is what is on my mind.
-Haley Nelson
