If we go a little way back, some of you may remember Ginger and Pearl: the amazing couple I spent a few days with trying to tell the beautiful story (with my photographs) of a life they had built together. My time with them inspired thoughts for a new project. I am interested in documenting the stories and environments of elderly couples that have been together 60 years or more. This has now become a personal, ongoing project of mine and I will continue to try to tell the stories of couples that have gone the distance through this life together, no matter how turbulent. Their achievement is something that should be celebrated. After my time with these incredible couples, I would like to make a book for the families to adore and pass down to future generations. To me, this is a labour of love, the book is my gift to the families.
Which brings me here today.
This weekend just gone, I was invited to Sydney to the announcement of the winners of the 2013 Head On, Photobook Awards. The book I made for the amazing Ginger and Pearl and their family (showcased below) was the overall WINNER of the national 2013 Head On, Momento Photobook of the year award in the Documentary / Photojournalism category – you can view the other amazing category winners and finalists here (I am still pinching myself). It needs to be known that I could not have made the book without the incredibly talented Todd Gregory (designer) who was responsible for the layout of the book and creation of the wooden box it was encased in. The box, which, was intricately made out of old fence palings that came from Ginger and Pearl’s part of the world. Also, a huge shout out to one of the most beautiful and intelligent human beings in the world, Joanne Ridolfi, who wrote the the forward for the book (also, below). I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the family of Ginger and Pearl for inviting me into their lives and allowing me to tell their story my way. Hopefully this book will serve as a fitting family keepsake.
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*Sadly, the beautiful Pearl left this world only a couple of months ago now. My thoughts and condolences go to Pearls family and of course, Ginger.
GINGER & PEARL {TWO LIVES, ONE LOVE – A RETROSPECTIVE}
forward by Joanne Ridolfi
It is easy to get caught up in the daily grind and spend all our time only worrying about immediate tasks. But when we do this we do not prioritise our own needs and the needs of those closest to us. Respecting our own, as well as our partner’s needs is what makes a relationship work. This book is a reflection of this respect and love and also is a tribute to couples that have had long and rewarding relationships. This particular story is that of Ginger and Pearl. Ginger and Pearl have been married and have lived in the same house in Canberra, Australia for over 65 years. They are a working class couple who share the same morals and values. These shared values that have been the foundation to their relationship. Nowadays, Ginger and Pearl focus on their garden and look after the birds in their aviary. They also have a growing collection of fridge magnets—souvenirs collected over the years or sent from friends and family members. Long retired, Ginger spends most his days still practicing his trade: restoring old wooden furniture. His varnish-stained hands tell stories of many a happy piece of furniture that have left his care. Pearl is nearly blind, but that does not stop her from spending her days working in the garden and feeding the kookaburras and magpies that sing sweet songs to her from the clothes-line. This collection of photographs tells the story of Ginger and Pearl and although their lives have changed over the 65 years, one thing has stayed the same – they have always made it a priority to look after each other and the ones they care about the most.
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