A Lighter Shade of Blue

A Lighter Shade of Blue highlights a struggle we all face; the attempt to remember the joyful memories of the past, having to deal with the mournful, sometimes solemn nature of the present, all while grappling with an unknowable future.

The images for this project were taken at my grandmother's house in Bogota, NJ, where she has lived since the 50s. In that time span, five kids have grown up there, three moved out, two stayed, four grandchildren have been born, and two great grandchildren have been born. Although this house has brought so much life, both my grandfather, and my uncle Tom have died. While this is not my house, it is my second home. Many of my happiest memories involve my uncles, grandparents, and this exact space. 

Over the years, I have realized how much I feel this house has changed, even though most of the furniture hasn’t moved in decades. I’ve recognized that those things aren’t what makes this place a home, but rather it is the people we love. With my grandfather and uncle gone, my grandmother and uncle Billy are the sole residents. During the time in which this work was created, I’ve had to bring both of them to the hospital for extended time, leaving the house empty. 

As we continue to face loss of memory and lives of those we love, my family is changing day by day. Life as we know it can change at any moment, and with this work, I aim to preserve the memory and history of this house for years to come. The house is a lighter shade of blue than I remember it being all those years ago, but it is still here.