On a Wing
On A Wing
I shot On a Wing not as a conclusion to my grief journey but as one of many phases that mourning can travel through. The series documents the spirit in all of us who continue to navigate life despite obstacles in our paths. The contrasting imagery of darkening skies atop a bright horizon demonstrates the tension that comes between past grief and future freedom. And, amidst that struggle, white birds flock to the sky—a community of light that surrounds those in grief, lifting us up until our own wings can bear us forward.
Life is as much about discovery as it is about letting go, but my grief journey inexplicably altered the landscape of my life. Being swept up by grief shaped how I moved through the world, ultimately teaching me how to live better. In creating the series that make up Good Grief, I realized that this journey and healing process have no real end. They are now simply a part of who I am. These images are self-portraits. By capturing them, I have not only reclaimed my voice, but I have also realized that I am capable of feeling far more through the journey of shock, numbness, vulnerability, isolation, reengagement, and renewed living.
In giving myself permission to breathe, to find support and to take time, I have discovered in myself threads of resilience, reflection, and fight that I never knew were there. These discoveries have allowed me to move forward to make a good life, to see the possibilities for a rich life. The process of creating this series led me to the realization that while we may not be in control of what life throws our way, we do choose how we view and engage with strife. I choose to find beauty in the breakdown. I choose to trust the wind, and to go with wings.