Mother
Mother. Archive Image circa 1939
This image is made from a lithograph and then scanned and toned using software. I want to convey innocence yet darkness, like that of a mug shot taken after some terrible crime. It seems a long process for what is a simple image. Making the lithograph concentrated the light and shadow in a subtle way and the marks and scratches of this technique helped with the narrative.
I have been experimenting with the construction of face masks to represent members of my family. My intention is not to accurately depict them, but rather describe how I felt about each individual. I have already documented that my relationship with my siblings is troubled and this gave me the opportunity to express this. My first attempt involved using blank paper masks which I glued ripped photographs to the base. Ripping the photographs provided the opportunity to manipulate the image in a way that I felt better suited my memory. The six masks I produced using this method, included two of my mother, with the intention of symbolising the two sides of her character.
My Mother Mask - Two sides
Despite the simplistic technique, I believe the masks have been successful as a first attempt. They are to be used in conjunction with the letters I am writing to my parents