Women of a certain age

For almost twenty years I have photographed the traces of human occupation in the landscape, history written visibly on the land. In this work I am photographing personal histories, the stories of women's lives, tales written in the folds and wrinkles of their bodies. (Photographs omitted)

Doing this, I have found myself less and less comfortable with the way American culture defines and portrays older women. As a woman approaching fifty, I have rejected these cultural limitations for my own aging. What does aging have to do with being a woman? How does each body delineate the passing of time?

None of my friends would pose for me. "My body is not beautiful," said one. Another delayed a shooting session repeatedly until she "got in shape." If not them, who? Where are the images of older women? Who defines what is beautiful? Is "beautiful" part of the definition of who a woman is?

I explore an intricate and enigmatic map marking the progression of a woman's life. The crossed arms. A fold under the eyes. A birthing scar. A direct and open gaze. Masked gestures link the present with a mythic past; the body depicts a history; the face reflects the soul within.

I use my camera to explore possibilities, the messages and histories expressed in women's bodies. I wish less to define than to reveal. I choose not to limit who a woman can be. I photograph the woman I see.

Copyright Frontiers Publishing, Inc. 1995
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