The imagery in this series deals directly with the loss of my identical twin sister. Losing her a few days after our birth, I know her solely through dream. This series began by reconstructing personal family photographs. I’ve digitally manipulated the source images to include a double of myself, the only way I can include her presence.
I've chosen to use photographs of myself between the ages of 3 and 6. Children at that age are physically vulnerable, awkwardly growing into their own bodies and developing their personalities. Depicting myself and sister at this age helps me to convey my own vulnerability in sharing this aspect of my personal history. I've chosen to include my younger brother, cousins, and other family members in these images. I feel that by including them I can paint my sister into the family.
By reinterpreting these images through painting, they take on a dreamlike quality. The family photo becomes a different entity. The visible brush strokes, drips and palette give the image that unclear dreamy mood that isn’t easily achieved through traditional photography. I consider these works a reunification process. I’m able to re-imagine my own childhood memories with my other half.
