The Red Dress Project is an exploration of the life experiences of girls as they mature into strong, resourceful, independent, and brave women. The red dress gives a visual thread throughout the body of work, but it is not the subject. The richness of the red, along with the lighting, makes each girl the obvious subject. As I considered the scope of the project it occurred to me that my mother had eight granddaughters, so I began with them. And of course I couldn't leave out her one grandson. The composite was used as the cover of a book for "grandma".
Sand castles are a part of our childhood, of our dreams, of what we might build in the future. What child has not tossed a handful of sand to see what happens?
Super Hero leaping tall buildings and casting magic spells. What girl hasn't needed a cape, a crown and a magic wand in her wardrobe at one time or another?
When do we move from loving pink, and frilly dresses, to horror at just the thought? Until, of course, a new day arrives when a new dress makes us feel on top of the world.
The love of books starts with the night-night story and each new book expands our world. When we read a book just for the joy of learning something we didn't know before, we have arrived somewhere wonderful.
The day we get our driver's license we glory in our freedom and feel like an adult. The real growth comes when we can change a flat tire or figure out what is wrong with an engine and get ourselves back home.
What shapes us? Is it the love and nurturing we receive before we come into the world? Perhaps it is also the depth of love we are astonished exists when we have a new life to nurture.
A girl who has loved a horse has learned to be responsible for another living being even when it isn't convenient; gentle yet firm enough to control a 1500 pound animal; to understand the value of what really matters in life. Who better to pass on the passion to the next generation.
Time for reflection, in good times and bad, helps us find our way in life. A walk on the beach at sunset can bring it all into perspective.
The favorite (and only) grandson expressed his appreciation that Aunt Marilyn didn't make him wear a red dress!
