Mother and Daughter

Indigenous Reconnection and Passing On Culture

This work explores through photography and storytelling, the beautiful and interwoven relationship of immigrant mothers and their daughters in America, reconnection with one's indigenous roots back home, and passing on of cultures and traditions from one generation to the next.

This project's first photographic session and event with follow-up discussion forum was on October 12th in Monterey at the House Of Four Winds. Introductions were followed by discussion on the complex relationship between immigrant mothers and their American-born daughters and often the struggle of retaining one's culture and traditions, yet assimilating and embracing the Western culture of which they are a part - finding that balance and earning the respect of both cultures.

The project will be exhibited on January 25th at the Beacon of Light Awards organized by the office of Immigrant Relations, Santa Clara County, at Campbell Community Center, Campbell CA.

The intent is to create the portraits in an organic setting, during a workshop that facilitates discussions and is followed by a photography session that explores this complex subject through experiences and shared stories. The work is naturally created as the project progresses. This will be achieved by hosting these photographic sessions and workshops at different cities around the Bay Area such as San Jose, Santa Rosa and San Francisco.

This project is a personal interest and follows on from my past photographic work which exhibited in England: Voiceless and Brave New World. It follows my own story of my ongoing interest in my culture, tracing back my indigenous roots and exploring female identity in the role of a daugther, then becoming a mother and then passing on my wisdom, experiences, customs and dreams to my own daughter.