Going On A Journey With My Former Self

Edge of Humanity Magazine

Sep 2

Fine Art Photographer Chrissy Lush is the Edge of Humanity Magazine contributor of this photo essay. From the series 'HOLD ME TIGHT'. To see Chrissy 's body of work, click on any image.

Hold Me Tight is my reconciliation with aging. I recently turned 40, and this project has been my version of a midlife crisis. It exists in a state of nostalgic reverie, idealizing my younger days. Those days have slipped away, but I'm not ready to let them go. Through this project, I'm coping with the loss of my youth by reliving it through staged images.

I began this project when I turned thirty-eight; it was the first time I started feeling dread about my birthdays. I was approaching forty quickly, which meant crossing the threshold into middle age. Reaching this milestone continues to stir complex feelings. My perception of myself as a young woman no longer matches the person I see in the mirror. I'm proud of the woman I've become, but I can't shake the uneasy feeling of knowing that half of my life is behind me.

These performative self-portraits are my way of articulating my experience with growing older. Both females in the images are me. I photograph myself multiple times and then stitch the images together to create an exchange between past and present. By duplicating myself within the image, I imagine going on a journey with my former self. Embracing her, I tried to hold onto the feeling of her.

The scenes I create through this process conjure memories of my younger days. I'm giving myself a space to play and re-experience that ephemeral spirit of youth while I mourn its loss. I portray both versions of myself the same to express the idea that it is my present self revisiting a memory. I sought the subtle moments that hint to an inner dialogue. I want to be able to look at the images and get lost in all the possibilities of them. By sharing this personal journey, I hope the viewer will find something that resonates with them.

All images and text © Chrissy Lush

See also:

HOW THINGS ARE

By Chrissy Lush

Edge of Humanity Magazine's

FREE Projects & Other Services

To Promote Works From Artists,

Photographers, Poets & Writers

COMMISSION FREE
CONTRACT FREE
online platform for artists to sell their creations

Joelcy Kay
Photo Curator

PHOTOGRAPHY BOOK, SHORT STORIES & MUSIC Recommendations    FREE Platform For Artists NO MIDDLEMAN ART GALLERY    In The Mind Of An Artist    Open Submissions for Writers & Poets    Photo Curator    PRESS RELEASE On Edge of Humanity Magazine    Photography Articles