Crystal and silver
Laval, Quebec, December 2006 [Click to enlarge]
If photography is little more than the art and the science of capturing reflected light in two-dimensional media, then it's virtually a given that reflective surfaces can make for some of the most interesting photos.
Or maybe I just wanted to capture a unique view of some of the prettier things that have been in the family for longer than I've been alive. Quickly viewed, they're clearly beautiful in their fragility. But as I look closer at this picture, I notice the imperfections - namely, slight chips across the top, scratches here and there, the inevitable signatures of generations of serving.
I wonder what stories these glasses would tell. The celebrations, the sadnesses, the family members no longer with us. I conclude that the wonderful glow that surrounds this scene comes from the spirit of all that these have gone through. The imperfections do little to take away from their uniqueness: in fact, they tell a rich story of family and time.
I feel small as I trip the shutter. Almost as if I'm not worthy of the history I'm capturing through my lens.
Your turn: Family heirlooms moving through the generations. Please discuss.
One more thing: This is another one of those images that draws the viewer in. Look closely at the silver cup, where the ghost of another family scene is taking shape.
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5 comments:
Is that your tripod Carmi?? :)
I love when items are passed through generations. It gives you real sense of what came before you...not only the people but also a time that is gone. I am happy to embrace what is passed down, whether it is stories or objects so that I might have a better understanding into our family. I always wondered what my grandmothers old dining room table would have said! :)
I like this shot.
I love looking at Family Heirlooms wether they be furniture, china, glassware---whatever....I have a Vase that was my Grandmothers....I don't use it because I am so afraid of breaking it, but it does sit on a shelf where I can see it ALL the time to remind me of my dear Maama...Amd it is near a Large Oval picture of her, taken when she was 16 years old...
I love those glasses Carmi...And the Silver Cup, too....Are these your Friday Night glasses, my dear? Or Passover?
I love my family heirlooms and I relly enjoy seeing others, and hearing stories about them. The chips and small imperfections add to the beauty of them, Carmi, showing a well-used and loved item.
Maybe I should photograph some of my loved family things.
That picture is fabulous! I knew I would love stopping by here again. i have my grandmothers china. Sometimes, when no one is home, I open the hutch doors and pull out a piece or two. I can picture family members passing around the platter, all the laughter and jokes hit me like they did back then. Ghosts of my childhood flood out and I see cousins how they use to look 25 years ago. Nice post!!
I've always wanted to have a mummified monkey hand in my family. You know, just so I can tell people I have it.
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