Weekend Portfolio: Sydney Gillum

“(Shut the door against the distractions of the world).”

“Hope everything is O.K.”

“Stripped of every disguise - acknowledging what is, and asking God for help strength and renewal.”

Mary Ann was the fifth of seven children. This photo was taken while her older sister, Martha, was battling cancer.  Left to right: Geneva, Jeanette, Jenny, Mary Ann, Nancy, Linda. In front: Martha

"Mistakes or distractions?”

“Not knowing seems impossible like moving a mountain.”

“Love every hour of the day. (So we can grow)”

“I wish you werent so far away.” “Hope so - “

Images and text by Sydney Gillum

"Hope So -" is a body of work made up of found family photos combined with letters, cards, & notes, all from my late great aunt Mary Ann. 

Mary Ann’s favorite things to do were traveling and writing. After her death, I was able to collect old photographs, notebooks, and letters. Mary Ann took on the role of a grandmother in my life. Being able to relive her favorite memories in her own words, and images she took, helped me process the loss of such an important figure in my life.

This is a combination of found imagery & poetry used to remember the life of Mary Ann Prater and what she found most important - family.