Portraits of Grief a collaboration with Pathfinders
Portraits of Grief was born through my friendship with Allison Daily and the tremendous love and respect that I hold for her and her work with Pathfinders.
This collaboration will unite her meaningful social work amongst those who are grieving with the artistic exploration of my photography. I have always beenpassionate about portrait photography as it is a visual means of expression, allowing me to capture something that is not always obvious to the subject or to the observer. Our goal with this project is to create a space in which those experiencing loss will feel comfortable opening up and sharing, with the hope that this opportunity will be both helpful and therapeutic to their grief process. One grieving mother has already shared with me that this will be a wonderful “way of giving back after so much time being shut down”.
These portraits truly are a heartfelt tribute to those that are dealing with tragedy and grief as well as a time for healing.
When someone is grieving because of the loss of a loved one, friends and the
community are often concerned and wonder how they are coping. This project will be an opportunity for the community to better understand grief and with the different stages of the healing process. Grief can be very lonely, but by allowing this project to share one’s grief it opens the door to the love and support needed to make the grieving process more bearable.
It is our hope that this project will create an opportunity for deeper understanding, which in turn will foster a strong connection between the subject and the viewer that will be meaningful to both.
“My husband, Art Daily, was the first participant in the Portraits of Grief project. It was one of the most special and memorable experiences of my life. It was an emotional afternoon and I felt deeply vulnerable and yet the experience was beautiful and healing. This project is so raw and meaningful. Michele is masterful in capturing grief and love through the lens. Each participant has felt seen and heard through the project. It has been such a gift to work with Michele and to witness her talents.”
-Allison Daily/Exec. Director of Pathfinders