My grandmother was taken aback when I asked to photograph her hands.. The previous week I had driven her to an orthopedic doctor.. the attractive man smiled at her bright face and politely explained the deterioration in a language she could not understand.. She smiled back... He... injected a clear liquid to tame the debilitating arthritis beast...
I composed this image as I watched the frail gentle skin, loose on her once strong, consoling hands.. It haunted my dreams. Today.. I finally asked her to let me take the picture..
The hands.. the primary tools of a woman who has lived through trials beyond anything I can possibly conceive.. through war.. through hunger.. through harsh labor..and true love.. through life without electricity refrigeration plumbing cellphones.. Hands that have known the earth.. Brought forth new life.. Molded minds and characters.. Charged energy waters.. Pulled sleds of laughing children through bitter cold Russian winters.. Menders of holes.. Bakers of deliciousness.. soothers of broken hearts.. healers of the sick.. Each breathing living inspiring moment inscribed in the crevices of her skin...
On the right.. a single valuable possession.. a symbol of her orthodox faith bathed in light.. the other hand consumed by shadow with bits of brightness to show the prevalence of light in the face of darkness.. through this small gesture.. her light is shared with those who are not fortunate enough to be a direct part of her world...... Have a beautiful day. Please share light with others..
~Jane
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would have loved to have seen this without the spot of light on the left hand. the right hand is a little out of focus, but the emotion that plays to you with this shot is brilliant 7
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