Mending More Than Clothes
by Rory Siegel
Title
Mending More Than Clothes
Artist
Rory Siegel
Medium
Photograph - Photograph
Description
As with everything my "Nonnie" did, there was an abundance of love in every stitch. This amazing woman taught me more about true caring, dignity and grace than anyone I have known since. She was a woman of another era, one who found joy in nurturing her family through all the arts of homemaking. She would not share her recipes with anyone, but allowed me to be in the rarified atmosphere of her kitchen while she created heaven on earth! The kitchen was her artist's canvas, and she was even a quarter finalist in the Pillsbury Bakeoff one year, for her mouthwatering Harvey Wallbanger cake...her own unique creation! Originally from Swansea, Wales, she always wore her gleaming black and silver hair in the chignon you see in this photo, but one of my fondest memories of her was when she would take out the hairpins and brush....hair that fell nearly to her hips. Nonnie and my grandfather were married for 68 years...until the ravages of Alzheimer's finally took it's final toll and stole this cornerstone of our lives away. This photo is part of a black and white series I did to honor my family.
TOP FINISHER in the A Mother's Love Contest, September 2012.
Uploaded
August 27th, 2012
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Comments (26)
Alice Van der Sluis
Hi Rory, you have so much beautiful pictures that touch the heart. So human, so strong and great in simplicity. If you know how to capture this,than you are a genius in photography. Beautiful touching picture... L Fav Pin FB
Rory Siegel replied:
Thank you so much Alice....what a truly lovely comment. Sorry to have missed it, but have not been on FAA much due to family illness.
Rory Sagner
Thank you Laur...it's one of my favorites...for obvious reasons. I enjoyed seeing your work!
Rory Sagner
Thank you again Colleen! This is also a photo very dear to my heart...brings back so many memories that I get teary every time I see it. Several of my images that you commented on (this one included) were shot originally with 35mm film....and are part of my earliest work in photography.
Rory Sagner
Thank you so much Susan for your truly lovely and loving comment. It makes me very happy that you can see and "feel" the essences of these beloveds of mine for that is our art and our hope is it not?....to translate into the world something that although personal, has a universal aspect to it?
Jim Wright
fine photo enhanced by a great title
Rory Siegel replied:
Thank you Jim! I love this photo very much, but then I am biased...guffaw. It's from 35 mm film...the good old days!
Odd Jeppesen
The image itself is wonderful... the words make it truly special.
Rory Siegel replied:
Thank you for the kind words Odd. I was so happy to see that article about you!!! Nice to get some recognition for your outstanding work!!!
Nadine And Bob Johnston
V, F, Tweeted to our 12K + followers
Rory Siegel replied:
Wow....thank you so much! That just makes my heart sing!! Some small measure of notice for my "Nonnie"...a repayment in a sense for all she did for me!
Peri Craig
I looked at your piece "The Great Lie," several days ago, and still haven't decided on it ... but this photograph, with its story combined, stole my heart. The other is still disturbing me! V F R
Rory Siegel replied:
Thank you so much Peri....I am glad you liked this...it makes me cry nearly every time I see it. I miss her very much at times. And really, "disturbing" is quite alright as far as The Great Lie goes. I am content if it merely causes anyone to contemplate at all. Some work is disturbing and shakes us out of our comfort zones. We may not like it at first, but I do think that ultimately it leads to our growth.
Rory Sagner
How lovely and appropriate Jose! Thank you so much for featuring "Mending More Than Clothes" in the Stop Time With Art Group!
Bob Orsillo
This so fine a tribute, so full of love and passion. Your photography and story Rory touch my heart. V/F
Rory Siegel replied:
Thank you for telling me Bob...I was about in tears writing the description and get weepy every time I see this photo. There is so much more I could write, but maybe that will be for a book or another photo. Despite the usual family issues, I feel extraordinarily blessed to have had the family that I did. Not many of them left unfortunately and I try to enjoy whatever time I have left with them. It took many years for me to realize just how special the members of my family were, especially my father and grandfather (Nonnie's husband), who were a dying breed of men...honorable, unselfish, courageous...and infinitely loving. I took it all for granted while growing up, thinking that all men were like that. It was a rude shock when I found out differently. These days, I am very fortunate to have found another man who embodies those same qualities and who I am priveleged to share my life with.
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