Legacy Photography

Legacy photography is about life and death. It is recognizing endings and beginnings are synonymous. When one reviews their life, they view it in relation to their death. This perspective reevaluates their goals and values, while taking inventory on their relative meaning. In these moments, one reminisces on the paths chosen, whether filled with joy, sadness or regret. Whatever the choice, an opportunity to persevere and gain insight is always represented.

Legacy photography validates the experiences, attachments and connections which were created throughout the life cycle. It embodies the love, hope, connections, and wisdom during these points in time. The art of evoking emotions is birthed through our relationships to others. One’s legacy is worth preserving, from culture and traditions, creating keepsakes for future generations or holding your lover during their last breaths on earth. These moments evoke human emotions while reminding us we are all connected.

Vietnam

As an Associate with Photographers Without Borders, I had the opportunity to travel to Vietnam to photograph individuals affected by the Vietnam War. I worked with an organization, AEPD, who assisted people with disabilities, many who were victims of landmines and Agent Orange. Due to the chemical component in Agent Orange, the effects initiated during the Vietnam War has continued into today’s society. I met with numerous families, all who were struggling to meet basic human needs. They resided in communities which were neither accessible or inclusive. Their disabilities impacted all opportunities to gain employment, attend school, and communicate with others. Yet their struggles never inhibited their sense of resilience, which was the common thread between the individuals and families. Many heartbreaking stories were often followed by examples of love and connection by their caregivers and family members.

Joanne

Joanne was diagnosed with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis in November, 1998. Within five years of her diagnosis, she lost all control of movement and bodily functions. She was no longer the woman I had known, as my mother. It seemed we had switched roles from mother to child and child to mother. Joanne had been residing in a long term care facility, to ensure her basic needs were met. I noticed she became invisible, as though she ceased to exist. People ignored Joanne, as she was unable to participate as an able-bodied individual. MS stripped her ability to communicate with others, this in turn affected ways for her to connect outwardly and express her needs. Joanne’s story is an opportunity for her to have a voice. As a result, maybe people will see her again.

Chad

Chad was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma in October, 2020. On February 25, 2021, Susan and her boys, Cowen and Harlen brought Chad home from the last 24 hours of this life to be surrounded by those he loved and loved him. I was invited to enter this sacred space and photograph their last moments together. The unconditional love within that room is difficult to explain. The way they gently held him in their arms, massaged his feet or took his pulse, was completed with the utmost care. The words they whispered while laying next to him, the stories they told of past experiences and the excitement when he woke for brief moments. Every second within every minute, Chad’s family shared the heartbreak of their anticipated goodbyes. Yet at the same time, there was such beauty in the love and surrendered they expressed for him and each other.

Dan

Dan was diagnosed with bipolar disorder as a teenager. His moods would fluctuate from mania to depression. Dan had been struggling with mental health for the majority of his life. The project documented Dan to promote understanding within the mental health realm. When I first began photographing Dan, he was working part time at Canadian Mental Health Association. He also facilitated groups at the General Hospital. I followed Dan throughout his daily life, while he shared the insight he gained as a person who has Bipolar Disorder.

Rosie

Jenny met Rosie in 2012. Rosie had been a breeding dog who was sold to someone. She ran away from that person and was found wandering and scared in rural Saskatchewan. When she was found, she was very skinny, tangled fur, saggy boobs from a recent litter. Rosie ended up in New Hope Dog Rescue in Saskatoon. When Jenny met Rosie, Rosie pressed her head into her chest. Jenny immediately fell in love with Rosie and her sweet demeanour. They were inseparable since that day. Jenny is a veterinarian who found a lump on Rosie. A surgery was performed to remove the lump. The pathology reports the lump was a subcutaneous mast cell tumour. Rosie was treated with chemotherapy, however, another tumour quickly grew. Another surgery was completed to remove this tumour, where the prognosis was unfavourable. The tumour was aggressive with extensive local tissue and lymphatic vessel invasion. The prognosis was 4-6 months. This project documented Rosie’s journey with cancer, but also the overwhelming connection experienced between Rosie and Jenny.

Adam

I began photographing Adam’s story in 2018. Adam was 14 years old and transitioning into a male. He was injecting testosterone for 10 months prior to the beginning of this project. Adam’s parents and family supported his decision to transition. They gave me permission to follow Adam as he grew and evolved throughout his transformation. This project is a long term project which I plan to follow into adulthood.

Yinly

Carla was halfway through her pregnancy when an ultrasound discovered the baby’s kidneys were undeveloped which meant her baby would not survive. The chances of this occurring were described as being struck by lightning. Carla and her partner, Andrew were absolutely devastated. Carla was induced into labour. Their daughter, Yinly Brennan was silently born into this world on April 26, 2019. Despite the pain of loss and grief, Yinly was surrounded with an indescribable amount of love from her parents, grandma, nurse, and physician. Carla felt compelled to share her story with others, in hopes other women (who have experienced this situation or may experience this in the future) know they are not alone. Carla’s courage, strength, and resilience throughout such a horrific situation takes my breathe away.

Bonnie

Bonnie was originally diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS. However, her diagnosis changed to secondary progressive MS. When I first met Bonnie, she had lost her ability to move her legs and left arm, along with a list of other symptoms common to MS. I was introduced to Bonnie through BuildLove, as they gifted Bonnie with a complete home renovation. The goal was to create a more functional and accessible home, which would provide Bonnie with more independence and freedom. Prior to the massive renovation, one could find Bonnie sitting in a chair at the edge of her kitchen. She would use her right arm for stability. She would wait all morning for her husband to return home for lunch to relieve herself, then he would gather her body in his arms and carry her to the bathroom. Afterwards she would return to that spot for the rest of the day. I photographed Bonnie through the transition between her old and new home. Since moving into her new home, Bonnie’s disease has progressed. However, the home has created more freedom allowing her to remain there. Home care attends the home numerous times throughout the day to assist with basic needs, meals, and bathing. Not only has Bonnie’s story been about the physical changes, there has been changes within her relationships. She has now found herself navigating a progressive disease possibly alone.

Justice For Our Stolen Children

On February 28, 2018, in response to the deaths of Colten Boushie and Tina Fontaine, and the acquittals in both cases, a tipi was erected in Wascana Park, Regina, SK and a sacred fire was lit. 111 days later it was dismantled and protestors were erected. I spent some time with the protesters who ensured the fire kept burning, while urging the government to work with them to find solutions for a number of issues facing the Indigenous population in Canada.

Beth

Beth was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Her granddaughter, Christy wanted to preserve memories of Beth before the disease progressed further. I photographed Beth and her husband, inside their small home where they sat in their favourite chairs, ate lunch and shared stories. She passed away approximately one and a half years later.

Lincoln

Lincoln was diagnosed with severe aplastic anemia which required a bone marrow transplant. This transplant was desperately needed for his survival. He found his only match in the entire world through One Match Bone Marrow Registry. And it was Anne. From Anne’s selfless act, Lincoln is now a healthy boy. Anne traveled to regina to meet and spend time with Lincoln and his family. I photographed Lincoln and his family waiting at the airport for Anne’s arrival and they the first time meeting the woman who selflessly saved Lincoln’s life.

Kivuli and Emmanuel

I photographed the arrival of Kivuli and Emmanuel to Regina. Their uncle, Ponziano had been waiting for 6 years to bring them to Canada. Ponziano’s sister, Domina was residing in Uganda and experienced some mental health issues. She had disappeared from her community and when she returned, she was pregnant. No one claimed to be the baby’s father, so it was assumed Domina was raped. She had also contracted HIV. Domino gave birth to Kivuli. Ponziano raised money to provide milk (so Kivuli would not contract HIV) and a hut for Domina and Kivuli. Domina’s mental health issues became worse and she disappeared again. She returned pregnant once again and gave birth to Emmanuel. Domino’s mental health concerns increased so the children had to be removed from her care. Dina was placed in a mental hospital but eventually she left and never returned. She is presumed to be dead. Ponziano and his wife, Lydia decided to adopt the boys and bring them to Canada. This process took 6 years with the children residing in an orphanage and later a foster home.

Kim

Extreme pain brought Kim into the ER. After numerous investigations, she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. The first step was surgery which removed a 20 cm tumour. Once she recovered from surgery, Kim began a series of chemotherapy treatments followed by radiation. Kim adjusted to the physical changes from treatment as she lost her hair and experiences nausea and other side effects. Kim’s courage and determination are the undercurrent of her ability to navigate these challenges. She would recite a mantra daily to remind her of this inherit strength.