Love, hopey


The process of grieving is different for everyone; the sudden loss of a loved one pushes us completely off balance. Even in the moments when we feel ourselves becoming centered again, being unexpectedly confronted by reminders of our loss can reignite the pain. My work Love, Hopey illustrates the places, spaces, objects, and reminders of a man who was so important to me. My father passed away at the beginning of 2022, leaving a massive hole in my young life. The man who had been my rock, my best friend, and by my side through it all now only exists in my memories and in the spaces where we used to spend time together. My photographs show these places that now act as a reminder of him. These photographs are my way of holding tightly to these symbols of our time together, a reminder that while he is no longer with me, I will always be a piece of him.

Scenic mountain landscape view with wooden benches overlooking a forested valley.
Grey sectional sofa in a dimly lit living room with blue ambient lighting.
Driver using a car infotainment system at night with blue ambient lighting in the dashboard.
Illuminated barn-style storage shed at dusk with pine trees in background.
Volleyball on wooden court floor with blue bleachers in background.
Motorcycle helmet and mirror mounted on vintage-style bike.
Hands holding smartphone with coffee cup and book on patterned blanket.
Close-up of shoes walking across illuminated wooden floor near shoe rack.
Bicycle parked near empty swing set in a green park.
Red and orange tools scattered under a vehicle during maintenance.
Neatly folded jeans and colorful socks arranged in a drawer.
Wooden gate entrance to a dock overlooking a serene lake at sunset.
Person reading handwritten notes with photographs and memorabilia displayed on a desk.
Outdoor gathering around a fire pit at night with camping chairs.
Organized garage workshop interior with tools and storage solutions.