There are many ways of honoring the memory of a person. Whether it is lighting a candle on the anniversary of their passing, cooking a special dish they liked to prepare, or simply talking about them - these are all things we partake in to keep the memory of someone we love and miss alive.
The Permanence of Memory is a photo series which explores three traditions of honoring the memory of a loved one. The series begins with a broader cultural tradition in Judaism, continues with the tradition in my family and, finally, shows my way of coping with the loss of a loved one. The photographs from The Permanence of Memory pertain to a very personal and individual part of myself. I hope that the viewer will relate their own feelings and memories of a missed and loved person because loss, memory and reflection are all a part of life.
Stone: I learned from an early age about the Jewish custom of placing a carefully chosen stone atop a grave being visited. This symbolic act indicates that the deceased has not been forgotten about, with the stone representing the memory, love and legacy of the person who has died. Leaving a stone also tells other visitors in the cemetery that this person was loved and is worth being remembered. The tradition and its meaning continue to resonate with me and is a practice I still observe. It resembles other customs like leaving flowers, photos or personal belongings on a grave. The first photograph in the series was taken in Heiliger Sand, Europe’s oldest surviving Jewish cemetery in Worms, Germany. The many stones and handwritten prayers were placed on a prominent Rabbi’s gravesite. During a visit to Heiliger Sand, I was very moved by the recognition given to the Rabbi. After photographing this remarkable site, I was inspired to use this picture as a foundation for a photo series about memory and mourning.
Tree: A tradition my family always took part in was planting a tree to honor a person’s life. Planting a sapling and watching it grow and blossom year after year is a wonderful way to pay tribute. While caring for the tree by cutting its branches in the spring, raking its leaves in the fall and watering its roots in the summer, the tree gives a reminder of the person it was planted for. Its presence transforms into a feeling of the person being present.
Fern: In searching for a way to cope with loss, my approach has developed into recreating the image of the person using a pencil and paper. While drawing a person it is essential to capture their personality and character. In taking the time to reflect and draw, my mind is flooded by memories of that person and keeps those memories alive. Fern was my grandmother and our relationship enriched my life. Remembering her in my own artistic way reminds me of the beautiful time I spent with her and keeps her a part of my life.
