TITLE: Z Studio

Silver Gelatin, Selenium Toned Prints

It was the summer of 2007. My friend Joe Zuccarini and I had planned on photographing at his studio. Joe is an amazing Iron Sculptor.
The day before the shoot I receive a call from my sister she is looking into hospice for my Mother. I say to her “should I come home” she says no.
The next day Joe, Alanna and I head to the studio.
We worked for hours moving in and out of time. Joe moving the heavy sculptured pieces he has found at salvage yards and welded together. Cleaning rust off Alanna placing her inside the huge bowls and behind the tall pillars juxtaposition to her soft skin.
I was totally oblivious too how cold the metal must have been on her skin till days later, she is a trooper for sure.
We head home mid afternoon, pick up Alanna’s Mom who is visiting and arrive at my house for afternoon tea.
The phone rings it’s my sister, my Mother has made her transition. It was a sad ending to a beautiful creative day, yet
I believe my Mother was at the studio with me.
I feel her presence when I show the work from that day it fills me with great joy.

AUTHOR: Stephanie Hogen (United States)