Angela Jane's New Mourning Photography is celebrating four years of existence! Looking at these glasses that were my mom’s, I see how far I have journeyed over the past four years and I see at least one place I’m headed. After my mom died about five years ago, I started taking photos of her unbroken glasses whenever I was out shooting with my camera.
impermanence
Fragile Frames
Each trip with the camera would always include a few shots of her famous fragile frames. I knew the frames were not going to survive forever because I noticed that they were getting more and more loose every time I took them out of my camera case.
Last fall, they finally broke in two. Apparently, I had learned the “everything is impermanent” lesson pretty well because I was not at all upset by their breaking. The glasses’ breaking allowed me to have a different perspective, and I could now take photos with less pressure; I had already broken them, so I didn’t need to worry any more about when that event was going to occur. I felt a little bit of freedom.
My journey with Mom’s glasses isn’t over; it has just started down a different path. That path has led me to my current project - Life, Love, Loss: 33 True Stories of Grief and Enduring Love. Unconditional, enduring love is about the only thing that is permanent.
help me
Reserve Your Space
I need your help, though, in completing this project. I’m looking for people who are willing to be included in this book, which will celebrate their loved ones. For the project details, keep reading. Please email me at [email protected] if you have any questions about this project or if you are interested in reserving your space in the Life, Love, Loss pages (about half of the spaces are already filled).
In the meantime, enjoy a few Angela Jane’s photos from the previous four years - from one of the first photos I took with my mom’s glasses to one of the most recent photos of the broken frame.
the opportunity and format
The Project
The Project: Life, Love, Loss: 33 True Stories of Grief and Enduring Love (working title)
The Opportunity: to share stories about and celebrate your loved one with others and to receive a free digital image honoring your loved one
The Format: book (both print & digital) with text and photographs created by Angela Jane
the time line
The Process
The Process: 33 volunteer participants are interviewed by Angela Jane at mutually convenient times and locations; the interview includes questions about your loved one(s) and about loss and grief; each participant provides an item that represents their loved one – the item is photographed by Angela Jane and then returned to the participant; each participant receives a free digital image of the photographed item; participants must sign an agreement that indicates Angela Jane has permission to share their story
The Estimated Time Line: Interviews are scheduled from now through March 31, 2027. A completed manuscript is estimated by Sept. 30, 2027, with a publication date to be determined.
How to Participate: Contact Angela Jane at [email protected]
looking ahead
In Gratitude
During the past four years of Angela Jane's, I have tinkered with my craft, bought a new computer and camera, and sat in silence in the woods with some precious items people were brave enough to share with me. I felt sorrow, pain, and grief. I also experienced joy, peace, and love. For all of these experiences, I sit in gratitude every day. Listening to stories of loved ones has helped in my healing. My hope is to help others during their grieving journey by writing Life, Love, Loss. Will you help me?
Yours in life, love, and loss,
Angela Jane
